Something tapped against his window. [Star Platinum] leaped out as their User's tranquility was broken so suddenly, startling him out of his gentle doze. Jotaro felt his heartbeat pounding in his chest, his entire fight or flight reaction having been set off. He spun around on his futon and stared out the window - as his Stand drew the curtain back. His eyes widened.

"Noriaki...?" he breathed out, and the redhead who stood bathed in the moonlight - the sun had set a few hours ago - nodded his head and gave his friend a 'duh' look. A voice flickered through Jotaro's head making him blink, he had completely forgotten they could communicate this way.

'Open the window. Let me stay here for the night.'

Jotaro swallowed. He should say, yes. He shouldn't even have to think about it- but, it was clear Noriaki had runoff. He didn't even have a bag to stay over. Also, why else would he have come to the teenager's window and not the front door? Jotaro didn't need any more grief with his parents. If anything he wanted to try and make amends with them. [Star] drifted off into the corner, where an emergency phone hung - they were all over the house installed by Joseph. Kakyoin's purple gaze followed the Stand and his face twisted up.

'What are you doing...!'

The taller hung his head, and he stared at the wall furthest from him, knowing he couldn't face the shorter man. He swallowed. His heart and logic were tearing into each other viciously. He wasn't sure which one would win.

'Nori...you need to go home.'

He closed his eyes. For a moment, he could feel the anger rising within his friend due to their connection. It pierced through Jotaro like a blade.

'Kujo. Don't you dare type a number into that phone. KUJO!'

Jotaro ducked just in time as a green tendril busted through the window, it stuck itself into the wall before tearing itself out, ripping away a chunk of it with them. He sucked in a breath, wondering what the hell Kakyoin had planned to do to him with such aggression. He sighed, and he could hear the phone ringing- a woman picked up.

Chiyoko's voice was panicked, "Have you found my baby-?"

"Kakyoin is here-"
BOOM!

Another tendril shot through the window and Jotaro dodged this one as well. He shook his head, what was the redhead even thinking? The canyon between them grew wider - splitting through the floor and falling into the depths of the earth. He tried to read his friend's face, but he seemed to be staring at a stranger, Kakyoin's features were morphed with rage. The Joestar swallowed and he felt tears rise. What happened? What had happened to the man he was in love with? Was it - his fault?

Should have let him stay...I should have let him stay.

"Mrs. Kakyoin this is Jotaro Kujo, he's at my home-," his words were cut off. His breathing seemed to be cut off suddenly. Jotaro coughed, and he foudn that - there was no tendril wrapped around his throat. It was a hand. Warm and soft again his skin, yet, the long fingers were pressing down with an iron grip.

"Shut up. Just, shut the fuck up!"Noriaki spat out at him, lost in some kind of haze. Jotaro tried to use [Star Platinum] to pry his hand off with ease, but his Stand's strength was fading rapidly. He struggled a bit, and then, he stopped. A small smile formed upon his lips. He didn't want to harm Noriaki. Dying by the ginger's hands wouldn't be such a cruel fate. He sputtered out, a loopy grin forming upon his face.

"There-re you go." his entire body began to relax, as black spots began to spin across his vision blurring the man before him. Noriaki was all he could really see, and he looked gorgeous as moonlight bounced off the shattered glass that littered the floor. "Let it all out-ut."

The redhead's features shifted. His eyes widened the haze clearing. The purple shifted from a dark, almost black color to light lavender shining with tears. He stumbled backward trembling all over as [Hierophant] manifested wrapping themselves around the User, protectively. Jotaro slumped down to the floor, heaving for breath trying to clear his vision enough to process what was happening. He touched his throat and winced. There would definitely be bruising. The line on the phone had been hung up, one could tell from the long-drawn-out flatline it was making that pierced the silence between them.

'Kakyoin. Don't you dare run away from me. It's alright. Really... I've had worse.'

The redhead was clearly not listening as he retreated towards the corner of the room, shaking from head to toe. He buried his face into his hands, he was mumbling. "I tried to kill you... I tried to kill you."

Jotaro reached out his hand, but, before his went [Star] 's who touched the other's spirit creature- who jolted and shivered all over. The green-creature slicked away hissing or making a noise that sound like it as the Stand simply forced itself closer to their User. The Joestar's voice was soft, and he allowed himself to cry - he smiled, it was a ghostly smile. "Please, don't shift away from me...it's alright..."

A siren wailed in the distance, and Kakyoin only moved further from the dark-haired male, before vanishing through the broken window. Running back into the night. Leaving Jotaro sitting there on his floor, tears falling down his face.  He pressed his forehead to the floor, watching his tears drop to it and pool, before letting out a scream. He slammed his fists against the wood, his spirit following suit cracking it beneath the blows.

He just wished: gods, he wished everything would go back to the way it was.

[••••]

Three weeks.
That's how long Noriaki spent in therapy.
That's how long he didn't go to school.
That's how long Jotaro had to spend without him.

He wasn't allowed to call. Kakyoin's parents had forbidden it. He wasn't allowed to visit for the same reason. However - he had gotten a few well-paid Speedwagon workers to keep an eye on him and pass letters between them. Those sheets of paper couldn't fill the hole he never knew Kakyoin filled inside of him. Every day had felt like it lasted a lifetime. His leg bounced up and down, as he waited. Sitting at his homeroom desk early for once - waiting for the redhead to arrive.

He would be driven to school by his parents every day now, to help get him off his feet so much. And of course, keep him away from Jotaro. He saw him through the window - and instantly, he noticed the difference.

Noriaki was smiling. He had his old skip in his step again - and he walked with purpose not seeming so afraid of his prosthetics making noise and drawing eyes. The Joestar was taken aback - sucking in a breath, at the sight of his smile. It was radiant and glowing, he knew he wasn't the only one in the classroom looking. The redhead had cut his hair. Which shook Jotaro a little - but he appreciated the shorter-looking cut. It made Noriaki look - rugged.

After the fight, Noriaki had become the talk of the school - and then, the announcement of the festival hit. Classes would host games and booths, but in the evening there would be a formal dance. Every girl was particularly ripping each other apart trying to find the hottest date - Jotaro had been bombarded more than usual. The guys weren't any better, trying to snatch up dates as quickly as they could - before they were left alone. The dark-haired male wanted to ask Kakyoin.

As a friend, but depending on his reaction to the question - may be as more than friends. Jotaro- however, could already feel his heart beginning to flutter. He could hear himself stammering like an idiot. He could face down death itself, but couldn't ask his crush out to a dance. How ironic. Yet, how could one face the ethereal man that was the redhaired man - and not stumble over their own two feet. He was already starting to flush in the face. Feel all lightheaded and dizzy as Kakyoin approached.

Jotaro paused.
He was wearing something other than his uniform. The man blinked wondering how he missed that. Noriaki was sporting a different style coat- yet, it was still green. His slacks clearly came from the uniform, but the jacket was left open, showing off his tight button-down. The dark-haired male whistled, and he could hear people whispering.

"Looks like you really cleaned up in the last three weeks." He hummed, teasing. His friend looked at him bright eyes looking, soft despite the scars that ran through them.

"I have! And look, even cut my hair - I'm deciding to start, fresh." he chuckled. "But don't think for a moment I'm keeping it short."

Jotaro huffed, "Of course not. C'mere! "he surprised the redhead by suddenly grabbing him, and locking him into a hug - right there in front of everyone. Kakyoin squirmed a little a soft flush forming on his face, as he heard people whispers. Not only that, but they definitely stared as Jotaro buried his face into his chest.

"I missed you so much..." the Joestar breathed out, his voice barely even carried itself to Noriaki. The shorter teen balked, shook running through his spine. It was rare Jotaro ever showed anything in public except for his facade. The redhead paused and he smiled softly and he relaxed into the death grip of his companion. He placed his chin on top of Jotaro's head chuckling at the strong berry-vanilla scent from his shampoo.

"I missed you too..."

The canyon - closed itself.

[••••]

He couldn't believe his own fear. What did he really have to lose? He was simply, going to ask his best friend if he wanted to go to the dance with him. Jotaro didn't even need to suggest that it would be romantic. Guys went with their friends all the time.

They went 'stag' together. The Joestar bumped his head up against the wall again, this was ridiculous. This was less dangerous and terrifying than anything he faced on the trip - yet, his only instinct was to run and hide. The man had already tried to give himself a pep talk in the bathroom - but, that had been too pathetic for him to go through with it.

He tapped his foot on the ground, and Noriaki looked over from his book for the first time that entire lunch hour. He rose an eyebrow.

"Are you alright? You seem like you're freaking out over there." The redhead asked and he tilted his head, smirking. "What - are you going to ask someone out on a date? Or maybe to the dance?"

"How, are you so observant?"Jotaro groaned and he buried his face into his hands, he could do this. He swallowed and he pushed away his fears - and he even managed to look up. Why was this so awkward? He stopped and shut his mouth as he saw one of his classmates approaching. She was one of the less annoying ones, her name was - Fiona he believed, she talked about how her name was so unique all the time. Jotaro recognized her same nervous energy that was currently residing in himself. He growled a bit, as she got within earshot.

"If you're going to ask me to the dance, it's a no." He spat out, not caring to be polite. He had already rejected enough girls to last him a lifetime. Noriaki rolled his eyes, he always found his friend's harsh behavior towards women a bit amusing. Personally, the ginger found women cute and odd.

Fiona glared at him, and she flipped her dyed-pink hair. "Good thing I'm not asking you then." She shoots back, and Jotaro huffed.

His face morphed into a look of horror, as the girl turned her attention upon Kakyoin. The redhead was just as surprised as his companion- as he took the light-colored envelope from Fiona's hands. He opened it, and he smiled his purple gaze flickering over the words written inside of the card that had been stuffed in. He carefully folded it back up.

Fiona was rocking back and forth on her heels. "So...?" she smiled wide. "What do you say, Kakyoin-kun?"

"I'd be honored to go to the dance with you."

The world tunneled. Jotaro felt as if the walls came crashing down around them. He was barely aware of what was happening anymore as his entire field of vision blurred. He was too late again. Too slow. Another chance had slipped right through his fingers as if it was made of water. What kind of sick joke was this? He felt like an idiot. He should have expected girls to ask out Noriaki. Those annoying, pesky girls.

He clenched his fists, wondering  - hoping he could draw blood as he dug his nails into his flesh. He needed a bit of pain to ground him because it felt like he was falling.

Lin. Fiona. Who do they think they are...?

Something, vile came crawling up around his heart. Long claws went digging into his ribs leaving scratch marks along the way, as it threatened to fill his chest with its flame. He felt himself begin to shake.

Destroy.

A voice called to him, encouraging him. A glow flickered about his body, and he hung his head shadowing over one half of his face as the sunlight hit his hat. He could feel the beast crawling up his throat now, ready to reach out and grasp it. Choke all thought out of him. Until all, he was consumed by it. Rage was its name. He hadn't felt it this strongly - since, well, since Dio. Hatred began to bubble up with it until the image of Fiona was burned into his head. He wanted to throw darts at it.

Or tear it to shreds.

Unaware of reality, he spoke - an entire mask coming up to hide the fact that he was a ticking time bomb.

"Look at you! Already got yourself a date, quote the ladies man aren't you?" Jotaro wasn't sure his voice even came out cheery, or if it was a slick growl. It was enough to fool Kakyoin, who seemed ecstatic at what had just transpired.

"I can hardly believe a girl as hot as she is would ask me out." He nudged Jotaro, unaware that - his friend had long been replaced. "Guess being delinquent sure pays off."

Jotaro smiles, it feels unnatural upon his features. He can feel the demons slip away again, hiding itself away once more.
It can't help but shy away from the glow of Noriaki's smile. 

[••••]

The dark-haired male stared at the pink, glittery letter he held in his hands. He shouldn't be here, meeting some girl he didn't even know - in the empty locker rooms. He was just going to reject her in the end. Why, was he here? He guesses he needed a distraction. Anything to get his mind off of Kakyoin. And if that was breaking some girl's heart - then so be it. He heard heels click.

Jotaro spun around, and he balked. The girl was a third-year - he could tell by her uniform. Though, one could hardly still call it a uniform with the way it was modified. Cut in a v-neck, showing off her rather endowed chest. As well as, her skirt was tight, and leggings - seemed to be optional. That's not all that got his attention though - her hair, dyed or not it didn't matter, was the same shade of red as Noriaki. He knew they couldn't be related because Kakyoin - had no siblings or family besides his parents in Japan. The man sucked in a breath.

She paused and stopped, smirking - seeming to notice how much her appearance flustered the younger teen. Flipping her long, curly locks she leaned against the lockers.

"So, JoJo - what do you think of my offer?" She asked, her voice was silky. Jotaro stared at her hair the entire time, not really paying attention to her face. He wished she was Kakyoin. Asking him out in the locker rooms after school, cliche for sure - but he would have melted all the same. He began to zone out a little - caught up in his fantasy.

"I'm not exactly sure if I should say yes... "he smiled teasingly, "You have a reputation."

He could hear his voice, but the little day-dream only made his heartache. So, he decided to focus on the girl, whose name he didn't even know. He hadn't bothered to read the entire letter. The woman grinned.

"Does that, bother you...?" she pushed up, her bra - though, there was no need to. Jotaro realized what this was. She wanted a hook-up. Damnit. He should have read that letter. He stared down at the floor for a moment - it, couldn't hurt, could it? This was all for the sake of distracting himself, right? Jotaro marched over to her and he pinned her a bit to the lockers - the girl flushed in the face, but she seemed into the sudden change of demeanor.

The Joestar didn't like it at all. He wanted to be pinned, and see strong-toned arms clad in green around his head, baring him in. The man huffed and he shook his head trying to clear his thoughts. He could have a fling. He could forget Noriaki for a few hours. Bending his head down a bit, he softly kissed her neck hearing her giggle.

The sound seemed to grind against his eardrums. "That doesn't bother me at all, sweetheart..." he felt nauseated at the sound of his own voice. What was he saying? Jotaro shoved everything down - falling into a role. Into a facade. "So, how about you let me kiss you?"

"Of course, you're quite the eager boy aren't you?" The female purred, and she wrapped her delicate arms around his neck. The teenager leaned down and locked his lips with hers. Every second of it, he loathed. Her lipstick taste patsy and gross against his and she had no real rhythm or skill with her tongue. He tried to tell her, without words, that she should be trying to take the reins - but the hints seemed to not sink in.

He closed his eyes, trying his best to immerse himself. To lose himself in the kiss like everyone in those erotic films did. Kakyoin, formed in his mind. Jotaro, melted into the kiss now - an illusion fueling his movements. He felt a knee press against his crotch, rubbing him through his clothing gently.

"Noriaki...~" he moaned softly, and the entire dream split in two - as he was pushed away. The tall male had to readjust for a moment. He caught sight of the girl he was actually making out with, her entire face was morphed with horror.

"Did you just groan out, Noriaki? Isn't that, that reached guy? His name is Noriaki isn't it?" There was a deadly, judgmental edge to her voice. Jotaro swallowed and he bit into the inside his cheek - wondering how he could escape this. The idea struck him.

"Star Platinum, the World!"

Everything froze.
Jotaro wiped salvia from the corners of his mouth with disgust. When time began to move again, it looked to that third-year that her Wednesday hookup had simply, vanished.