Everyone gangsta 'til Last Train Home starts playing.

I hope the title scared you. ;)

Enjoy the last chapter.

- • -

Not every story has a happy ending.

The statement was true, at least, in this case.

They would ask this same question again:

Why was the world ending?

An illogical reason was all the people of Earth would receive. Yes, the weather started to act up, thus causing billions of deaths worldwide. But why, though? There had been very little signs of the monstrosity ever ending up to be true. Even more suspicion aroused when a hole had been poked into the atmosphere. Why, all at the same exact time, was the threat of extreme weather and the drainage of oxygen coming into reality? Why was Earth being cursed with such a horrific ending for every organsim on the planet? Was it a religion related matter, or simply the harshness of bad luck?

The answer for the latter of questions was neither.

The answer:

The player of the game decided it was time for Earth to be drained of all life.

They never did like happy endings.

But their favorite characters getting together because of the end of the world? That was a happy ending.

The player now watched as the remaining people of Earth witnessed their final moments.

Jotaro and Kakyoin, especially, the player payed close attention to.

- • -

[JANUARY 16TH, 1990]

[EVENING - 9:00 P.M.]

[END OF THE WORLD]

- • -

Today . . .

Today was the day . . .

That the world would end.

Were Jotaro and Kakyoin scared?

100% yes. They were scared shitless. There was so much to think about, but at the same time, there was also so little. They felt every emotion imaginable, but also felt like nothing had changed when, in reality, everything had changed. There was so many words that needed to be spoken, yet it felt as though no more than zero words were necessary. It felt as if nothing had ever been accomplished, yet felt as if there was nothing else to succeed effortlessly in.

The world already felt empty and shallow before, but now there was a gigantic imaginary black hole that had just sucked everything out of existence. There was a constant sensation of every little thing that every living organsim had done was a complete waste of time. At the same time, nothing else needed to be done, because everything everyone had ever done led up to be something unique and important; whether they had shaped the Earth into something better or worse, everyone had their part in some activity. There wasn't anything that had been a useless cause, because everything was meant to build up to something.

Jotaro and Kakyoin knew what they and their friends accomplished: earning exactly another year for everyone on Earth by defeating DIO.

Those two same men were now watching the twinkling stars of the sky above them, their final hour just beginning. They had just arrived at the beach once more, deciding that this would be their final resting place.

The last six days, they had done the same thing: go to the mall, play games, make delicious meals, visit other abandoned places, and talk about everything, either as friends or lovers. Now, their physical activities would forever be limited in this world, as they only had an hour left until death, and may not ever be reborn into something different.

Unless there was such thing as an afterlife.

They had always suspected there was something, something that happened after death. Whatever heaven lay before them was where they would reside forever, unless reincarnation existed in a different reality. They hoped with all their hearts that that was also a real thing.

They sat close to the shore, sitting up with their legs streched out in front of them. They were not the only ones at the beach--‐they also recognized some strangers that joined them in their dance party from yesterday. They, too, were sitting near the shore, surrounded by friends and family, awaiting the moment the tsunami would come to claim their lives.

"It's weird, isn't it?"

"Hm? What's weird?"

"Just . . . Uh, I dunno, this---this situation we're in. Um . . . I don't really know what I'm trying to say . . . It's like nothing ever changed, right?" Kakyoin stuttered, glancing at Jotaro then back to the scenery before them.

"Well, I know you're talking about the end of the world thing, but . . . What about it?

"Just think about it: everyone on Earth is dead, or about to die, right? This may sound stupid, but . . . Since we're all about to go wherever the next phase of our lives are, we're all just moving to a different world or reality with all the same people. Er, that probably sounded really stupid . . ."

"N-No, I understand exactly what you're trying to say. I can't really explain it myself, but I know what you're getting at."

"Yeah . . ."

They lapsed into a short silence, until Jotaro started to chuckle.

Kakyoin smiled at him. "What's putting you in a good mood, JoJo?"

"Pffft . . . Nothing much . . . Just some memories that I like to look back on sometimes."

"Hm. Now that you mention it, I suppose now would be a good time to reminisce about good memories. What exactly are you thinking about?"

"Mostly things that happened in New York, as well as some hospital moments."

"You always managed to suprise me. You know that, right?"

". . . Suprise you? About what?"

". . . I always wondered why you came to visit me in the hospital so often. I would always think why does Jotaro waste his time on me, or what are his reasons for constantly worrying about my condition and health? I assumed it was only because I accompanied you and the other crusaders to Egypt. I didn't know what our relationship was. I obviously though you were my friend, but . . . What for? I was never able to make friends in school when I was younger, mostly because nobody else saw Heirophant Green but me. Then you suddenly came into my life after my encounter with DIO. Was our relationship friends, or allies? I didn't know the difference between the two; I've never had either one of those before in my life, so I didn't know what we were. And then everything that happened after DIO, with the hospital and New York, and my view of you had already changed completely. I found myself constantly thinking about how good of friends we were, or if there was something different between us. That . . . That was when I discovered I felt a certain way towards you, Jotaro. I felt protected and cared about, like someone loved me completely for who I was. It was an odd feeling, too, that I couldn't decipher much in the beginning. It took me so long to figure out and admit to myself that I had fallen for you. From the day I first laid eyes upon you, I felt this odd sensation when I was around you everytime; you were my very first friend.

"I perpetually thought about you and this relationship that had formed between us. I wanted for it to continue and grow into something special, and not just something related to an "ally" sort of situation. In what seemed like my final moments, when I was laying with my body broken and bleeding in that water tower, one of the last things I thought about is what would've continued to be of our relationship. I was satisfied at the time, glad to know such brave and selfless human beings like you. But, at the same time, I wasn't ready to leave you three, especially you, Jotaro.

"And so, I must ask . . ."

"Why do you love me?"

". . . I . . . I don't think . . . I can explain it."

". . . Is that a bad thing?"

"N-No, not at all. When I say I can't explain it, I mean it in a good way. It . . . It may be similar to what you just described, this odd feeling and what this relationship that had been created between us was. I felt this weird sensation towards you, when we first met. When I had just taken the flesh bud out from your forehead, and you asked me why I did that. I still don't know what my intentions were then, but . . . It just felt right to free you from DIO's control. It's as if I knew you would be different from anyone I've ever known, and that did turn out to be true. And then we got to know eachother so well and grew so close during the trip and our hospital visits. It was weird, how much I had grown to be so fond of and caring for you. I don't really know where I am going with this . . .

"but I do know that the sensation I discovered more than a year ago was love."

"Hmph . . . For a guy that's known to not ever have much to say, you spoke more than I thought you'd be comfortable with."

"What're you talking about? As long as I'm with you, Noriaki, I'll always be willing to do anything, especially for you."

"That's cute. For such a seemingly tough guy, you really can be a big sap."

"Me, cute . . ? I believe it goes the other way around; you're the one that's super fucking adorable."

"Oh, stop . . . Flattery from the one and only Jotaro Kujo is too much of an unlikely scenario for me, Noriaki Kakyoin."

"I'm your boyfriend, aren't I? It's basically my job to compliment you 24/7. Plus, I know how you are, Noriaki: you love flattery and compliments."

"Of course you're my boyfriend, dummy. I believe the past few days have spoken volumes of what our relationship status has turned out to be. And yes, I do love receiving compliments, but only mostly from you; you're my little cherry muffin maker."

"Hah . . . And you're my little cherry muffin that loves eating cherry muffins."

"You're making me sound like I'm a cannibal."

"Where is this conversation going?"

"I dunno. I like this, though. I wish we could've done this more often . . . Or at least have more time before . . . Y'know . . ."

"It . . . It is nice, just having a conversation and not worrying about anything. We really don't have anything to worry about, now that we know where we'll be going soon enough. We'll see everyone again, I'm sure of it. I rest my complete faith in that hope."

Jotaro sighed, and he felt a light pressure on his right shoulder; Star Platinum had materialized behind him. He had one gloved hand on Jotaro's shoulder. His yellow eyes stared into his user's oceanic ones, his usually stoic expression faltering completely. He floated down closer to his user, and Jotaro flinched as the bright purple figure hugged him from behind.

The faint, ghostly touch of Star Platinum was still a bit unsettling to Jotaro. Even after discovering his Stand more than a year ago, the chillness and faintness of Star Platinum's aura and physical contact made Jotaro's spine shiver. He was, in fact, sharing physical contact with the manifestation of his own soul.

Star Platinum's dark purple, almost midnight black hair waved wildly in Jotaro's peripheral vision. The shining sparkles on each strand of hair, along with the dark hue of his hair, made it melt into the navy sky.

"Ora," he hummed warmly into Jotaro's ear, attempting to comfort his user. Heirophant Green had brought himself out as well, and had gently wrapped a few tentacles around Kakyoin. Although he couldn't speak, Kakyoin appeared to be at a much higher sense of ease than before.

"Ora . . . Ora ora ora?" Star Platinum asked with hopeful eyes directed at his user. Jotaro pat his Stand's head, swishing around multiple strands of shiny hair in the process. "Go ahead, Star."

"Ora ora ora?"

"You're fine."

Star Platinum shot himself into the air, dove next to Kakyoin, and hugged both him and Heirophant Green.

"He needs your permission to hug me?"

"Of course not . . . He just wanted to make sure you were okay with it."

"Aw, thanks Star." Kakyoin said, reaching a hand up to playfully scratch Star Platinum's chin. He rubbed his cheek into Kakyoin's palm, eyes closed, and Jotaro blushed darkly in embarrassment, covering his face with his hand.

"Hey, what time is it?"

Jotaro pulled back the sleeve on his left arm, glancing at his watch. "Almost 9:07. So, we still have a little more than 50 minutes left."

Star Platinum released his grip on Kakyoin, floating up and gesturing for Heirophant Green to come with him. The smaller Stand unwrapped himself from Kakyoin, and now the two Stands were facing eachother. Star Platinum snaked one arm around Heirophant Green's waist, using his free hand to grip the other's hand. His golden eyes were alight with passion, and with sudden force, he shoved his lips onto Heirophant Green's---only to realize that the melon-like Stand didn't actually have lips. So, the muscular and glittery purple Stand was left kissing nothing but the smooth surface of Heirophant Green's silver snout-like mouthpiece.

Jotaro was even more flustered than before, cringing in humiliation. Kakyoin shot Star Platinum a reassuring smile. "I appreciate your attempt at romantic affection, Star Platinum."

"Ora," Star Platinum muttered in embarrassment, continuing to dance with the emerald colored Stand before him. Neither Stand showed much emotion while dancing, but it was more than obvious that they cared deeply for eachother. It was wired into them that they love eachother, simply because of their user's emotions. But they had also formed their own relationship, the two Stands. Whilst Jotaro and Kakyoin became intimate with one another, doing whatever they desired, the Stands had automatically drawn themselves out and had their own form of fun, even if they couldn't understand eachother.

"Ah . . . Where were we going with our previous conversation?"

"I think we were talking about memories and our dumb feelings."

"Yeah, let's get back to that."

". . . I just realized how often we've been talking about our feelings ever since we knew the world would end."

"Doesn't it feel great to get all of your painfully built-up emotions off your chest, JoJo?"

"I does. I don't ever talk about my emotions in front of anyone, nor do I ever discuss them much, but . . . It's nice to receive that emotional relief when it's needed."

"Indeed."

They stared off into the distance, at the rippling waves that had a majestic reflection cast upon them, creating a clear body of water with millions of silver sparkles that represented the stars. A cool breeze had began to form, blowing softly in their faces and causing their hair to flow gently within the invisible currents. Jotaro linked his arm around Kakyoin's back, pulling him closer to his own chest and, lifting him up just a bit, Jotaro set the smaller boy on his lap comfortably. He rested his head on the curve of Kakyoin's neck, wrapping his muscular arms around the redhead's chest. Next to them, Star Platinum and Heirophant Green continued their own dancing maneuver.

The two Stand users began their conversation once more, discussing and describing various different memories.

— • —

From this point on until it goes back to the present is just a bunch of flashbacks. I recommend stopping at the end of each one if you're busy, but do what you'd like!!

— • —

[JANUARY 17TH, 1989]

[ALMOST NOON]

- • -

Jotaro, unlike the previous time he had woken up, slowly regained consciousness without screaming as blinding pain exploded in his ribcage area. Nonetheless, he had already forgotten where he was, and Star Platinum appeared in a shimmer of purple beside him, ready to strike.

"Hey, Jotaro! I'm glad to see you awake, but there's no need to be alarmed."

Jotaro sat up in his bed, glancing at the source of the voice. It was Joseph, sitting next to his bed. A skinny pair of headphones sat on his neck, connected to the Walkman he had strapped on his waist. Jotaro sighed deeply, withdrawaling Star Platinum.

"Ugh . . . How long have I been asleep?"

"Another good seven and a half hours, and just before that adds eight hours, so almost sixteen hours straight."

". . . Where's Polnareff?"

"Polnareff is in a separate room currently having his wounds cleaned. He's been sleeping about as long as you have. I've mostly been in this room, contacting your mother and grandmother and keeping them updated on everything."

"And Kakyoin?"

"Ah . . . I'm afraid we have both good news and bad news. Good news: Kakyoin has received treatment and is not in a very critical state like he was before. The surgeons were absolutely astonished he even survived---and did their best during surgery. They repaired and replaced whatever organs and bones had been damaged, such as making Kakyoin a prosthetic spine for whatever bones he lost. Bad news: He's in a coma, and we don't know when he will wake up. It may very well take years, or so little as a month. We don't know for sure."

That's just what I need right now . . . More bad new regarding Kakyoin's critical state.

"I'd like to see him."

"Really? But you just woke up, and the doctors need to ask you a few questions, and they need to get a quick check-up, and‐--"

"I said I'd like to see him." Once again, Jotaro needed to force more aggression than he needed to. All he wanted was to see Kakyoin for just a moment, even if the heavily injured boy was unconscious.

". . . Alright, whatever you want. Let's just hurry before the doctors try forcing you back in here."

Jotaro noticed his hat had been removed from his head (without permission!). He swerved his head around, finally laying eyes on his hat that was sitting on Joseph's lap. When he walked over to his grandson, he neatly fixed the hat on Jotaro's head, it's shredded back fusing instantly with it's owner's familiar spiky black hair. This both eased and comforted Jotaro greatly at the sensation of this simple little hat sliding in perfectly next to his scalp.

It wasn't as difficult to walk like it was last time. Maybe because Jotaro had gotten a considerably good amount of sleep, or his wounds and fractures weren't as terribly painful like they were hours ago. Still, he did need the extra support from his grandfather, as he did end up getting a few small cracks in his lower body. He definitely couldn't feel any pain from those lower body fractures, but simply knowing that they were there made Jotaro a bit more cautious with his movements.

When they did arrive at the door, Jotaro lightly elbowed Joseph's side, a more wise choice than moving his not yet fully functional arms.

"Hey, do me a favor and stay out here. I need some privacy."

". . . Privacy? What do you plan on doing in there?"

"Old man, please . . . Just let me have this moment with Kakyoin."

Jotaro nearly fucked up---he barely managed not to say Kakyoin's first name. If something were to give away this tingly feeling Jotaro got from the redhead, it most likely would've been that or the falter of his normal monotone voice.

Joseph opened the door to Kakyoin's room, gesturing for Jotaro to go inside. He sported that stupid, caring smile of his.

"Yare yare . . ."

Sure enough, there he was. Kakyoin, deep in the realm of darkness, scarred eyes snapped shut, front teeth barely visible through his slighty agape lips. Skinny IV tubes connected to what seemed like every part of his body. His skin pale, muscle already starting to slowly deteriorate from lack of activity. The eternally irritating, buzzing heartbeat monitor, different colored zig-zags rabidly waving across the black screen.

Jotaro knit his eyebrows, the image of the unconscious Kakyoin before him frightening him more than what he was comfortable with. He felt safer in the redhead's presence, but at the same time so disgusted at himself for letting him end up in that very condition. As long as Kakyoin was unconscious, Jotaro didn't want to be in the same room as him.

Jotaro wanted to punch himself; he had just a moment ago wanted to so badly see Kakyoin, and now he felt overly queasy. He decided to leave the room, and go back to his bed and lay awake because he was incapable of sleeping any linger than he already has.

But before he left, he crouched down next to Kakyoin's bed, multiple bones popping as he did so. Trying his best to not move his shoulder, Jotaro used his right arm to snatch his hat quickly off his head. Instead of himself sporting the tough, black, velvet-like headpiece, Kakyoin would have the honor of wearing the hat instead. Slipping the hat's back gently on Kakyoin's scalp and hair, the hat fused instantly with the red locks. Satisfied, Jotaro walked back to the doorway, glancing back once more at Kakyoin's unmoving figure.

"Hmph . . . He look's a hell of a lot more handsome with it than me."

- • -

[EARLY MARCH, 1989]

[EVENING]

- • -

Their journey was a once in a lifetime experience. Ending in a mere fifty days, their mission had been completed. Every day after was painful---both physically and mentally, especially for Kakyoin.

Some of those same crusaders that had played a major role in that journey were about to depart from Japan to New York. Joseph, Polnareff amd Suzie were the ones that were leaving, while Jotaro, Kakyoin and Holly stayed in their own home country. All it took was a month and a half, and Kakyoin was ready to start using crutches rather than a wheelchair. The hole in his stomach left a gnarly scar that would take years to form into something not as horrific. Besides that and the two thin lines of reddish pink running down his eyelids, he was working his way back up to his normal healthy self. As for Polnareff, he laid off the crutches and now appeared impressively healthy---besides the fact he was missing two fingers, five toes, and sporting a few visible scars here and there.

The four of them, along with Holly and Suzie, stood near the gate the two Joestars and the Frenchman were scheduled to leave from. They only had a few minutes until the first-class passengers were called aboard.

"This isn't the end of our journey, is it?"

Everyone swiveled their heads towards Polnareff.

"I-I mean, um . . . Will we ever see eachother, or even speak again after this?"

"Did you think we wouldn't?" Kakyoin questioned.

"I don't know! It's just that . . . Everyone I've ever cared about either leaves me or dies, like Sherry, Iggy, Avdol . . . I just don't want that to happen to us."

"Polnareff, you're literally coming back to live with me in New York. Plus, not just everybody leaves you because of your bad luck. We haven't died yet, and we sure as hell won't stop talking to you. I know I wouldn't suddenly stop talking to you, and I'm sure Jotaro and Kakyoin feel the same way. Right?"

Jotaro hummed in agreement. Kakyoin, on the other hand, spoke up once more. "Pol, just because our journey to Egypt is over doesn't mean we'll suddenly not want to contact you again. Sure, we only met because of our situation with our Stands and DIO, but you chose to stay and help us fight, even after saying you only joined us for your own personal matters. Any other person would've been too scared or selfish and left, but you stayed with us anyway. You're a brave, honorable man, Polnareff, and that's way more than I can say about a lot of people I've met. There's no way in hell any of us would forget about you. We all love you, Pol."

"You . . ." Polnareff grit his teeth, blinking hard. "You bastard . . . How do you make me cry so damn easily with your words?" He smiled, pulling Kakyoin in a gentle hug, making sure not to squeeze him too tightly.

Joseph gestured for Jotaro to join the hug as well. Rolling his eyes, Jotaro did so, Joseph right behind him. "Kakyoin spoke for all of us. We truly do care about you, Polnareff." Joseph reassured him with a wide grin. Polnareff returned the facial expression right back.

Everyone exchanged conversations with one another until the flight attendant started calling out passengers. Kakyoin wrapped up his conversation with Joseph, Holly with Polnareff, and Jotaro with Suzie. Maybe Jotaro would get lucked out from his grandmother's kiss this time. That would prevent him from becoming more embarrassed than he wanted to be, plus the extra teasing he would most likely get from Kakyoin.

Nope---Wrong. Better luck next time.

After finishing his conversation with Holly, Polnareff approached Kakyoin, a dark shadow suddenly cast over his eyes. The same happened with Kakyoin, and they performed their exclusive submarine handshake for everyone to see.

As Polnareff walked away and waved everyone off with a hearty "Au revoir, everyone!", Joseph held his hand out to Jotaro. He took it gratefully, gripping his grandfather's hand tightly in his own.

"One last thing: thanks again for kicking DIO's ass."

Jotaro grinned miniaturely. "Anytime, jiji."

— • —

[LATE MARCH, 1989]

[MORNING - AROUND 10:00 A.M.]

— • —

"Go fish."

"Um, JoJo . . . I don't think that's what your supposed to say."

"Then what the hell am I supposed to say?"

Kakyoin fumbled the paper instructions around in his hands, once again reading how you played the game of "Uno."

"Uno."

"Uno?"

"Yeah, I think it means "one" in Spanish."

"Ah. Uno, then."

"Nope, too late."

"What? But I just said it."

"Yeah, but I said it first, so now you have to draw two cards."

Jotaro arched his brows, muttering a grumpy "sneaky bastard" under his breath, but he took the first two cards off the top of the main deck of cards.

"Now it's my turn."

"But I didn't even go---"

"No complaining! This is how you're supposed to play the game. If you have to draw cards, you're not allowed to have a turn."

". . . This game is bullshit."

"It wasn't bullshit a moment ago when you were winning though, was it?"

"Just take your damn turn."

"Gladly." Kakyoin flipped through his deck, selecting a skip card and laying it down on the table before them. It was the weekend, and Jotaro had came by early in the morning to spend time with Kakyoin. Jotaro had pulled aside a coffee table for them to lay their cards on.

He layed down another skip, earning a grunt from Jotaro. Then another one, this time yelling "uno" so he wouldn't have to draw more cards. He realized he didn't have another card that matched the bright green of the previous skip card. He immediately picked a green 6 from the top of the deck, and said "uno" once more. Now it was completely up to Jotaro to pick a card that would prevent Kakyoin from laying down his own.

"Now it's impossible to know what kind of card you have left. But you don't have green, so this should do it." Jotaro layed down a blue 7, glaring as Kakyoin suddenly grinned. Kakyoin set down a yellow 7.

"Shit."

"Don't feel so bad for your first time playing, Jotaro; your grandpa played a few rounds with me while you were at school and gave me a few pointers."

"Whatever; it's just a game anyways."

Somewhere far, far away, the player said to themself: "it is just a game."

"Oh, really? I've seen you get less nervous in much more serious situations. Mr. Joestar and Polnareff told me plenty about the games you had to play with the D'Arby brothers. Yet you get more worked up over a simple little game of Uno with one of your friends?"

"That's different. It was more complicated at first with those two, but in the end it was easy to trick them. One beaten by cheating, the other beaten by a bluff. This is, like you said, a simple game of Uno. Maybe I was a bit nervous then, but I never directly admitted defeat to my sole."

"I guess that make sense. Plus, you were probably more worried about losing to me because you know how much that would hurt your reputation, right? The ever-so-charming, invincible Jotaro Kujo beaten by the inferior, weak Noriaki Kakyoin. That doesn't look to good on your record, does it?"

"Hey, don't say that about yourself. Physically, you may be weaker than me, but . . . I'm sure your heart means more good than mine ever has."

The room fell silent for a minute.

"Jeez, I was . . . I was only joking, JoJo."

"I'm sure you were, but just in case you thought somewhere in your right mind that you really meant that about yourself . . . I wanted to prove that information is false."

"O-Oh, well, u-um . . . Thanks."

"Yeah . . ."

"Anyway, uh . . . Do you wanna play another round of Uno?" Kakyoin grinned at Jotaro, both of their stomachs suddenly fluttering wildly with butterflies.

"Bring it on, cherry boy."

— • —

[DECEMBER 16TH, 1989]

[EARLY AFTERNOON]

— • —

Today . . .

Today was the day . . .

That Kakyoin would be released from the hospital.

Was Jotaro excited?

Fuck yeah he was!

He didn't show it, but he was absolutely thrilled that his best friend was, after eleven painful long months of their friendship being built up more and more in one little place, finally getting released from the sickening place. Not only that, but Kakyoin was also coming to the Kujo residence for a few days. He insisted that he stay with Holly and Jotaro, and wanted to spend more time with them as well. Holly instantly agreed, as well as Jotaro. Plus, it made sense to stay with them because they would be leaving all together just a few says after. They would meet up with Joseph, Polnareff and Suzie in New York after a lengthy flight. They would stay for a few weeks, then leave the day after New Year's.

Jotaro carefully placed each one of Kakyoin's trinkets and belongings in a cardboard box. After nearly a year in the hospital, the redhead had requested to be brought many things to cease his boredom. There were coloring books, sketch books, art supplies, and different gaming devices. Sitting at the very top of the pile of various items was a single brownish red candle, made by Holly and given to Kakyoin by Jotaro. It gave off a strong aroma, smelling of a delicate combination of sweet cherries and ancient books.

Kakyoin sat on his bed, watching as Jotaro packed his things away. Jotaro was eternally thankful to not see a wheelchair or a set of crutches by his side for extra aid for once. Kakyoin had recently regained his ability to walk without the help of anyone or anything to help him. He was overly excited about not needing anymore physical therapy, and was ecstatic just to be leaving the damn hospital.

"Everything alright, JoJo?"

Jotaro had been staring at the weather-themed calender, the only thing that had been hung up on the wall. The page was flipped to December, a large red circle drawn around the date Kakyoin would leave the hospital: December 16th. He had been abruptly thrown off his train of thought and catapulted back into a compilation of memories. He couldn't think too hard about any of the items in the box, because each and every one of them reminded him of some little memory of Kakyoin. It was sometimes frightening how often he thought about his cherry-scented crush.

"Yeah, I just spaced out for a moment. Um . . . How the hell did you do this?"

"Do what?"

"Stay in this wretched place without losing your mind?"

"Uh, I guess I didn't mind it too much. I mean, sometimes I really wanted to leave and go out into the world and do stuff. Sometimes I got really bored by myself because all I have to take my mind off things are my art supplies and video games. But, I always had you and Mr. Joestar and miss Holly around to keep me company when I needed you the most. You guys were probably the only reason why I didn't go insane during my stay here."

Jotaro hummed in response, removing the tac that held up the calender and sliding the calender neatly into the box. The was the last of Kakyoin's belongings, and they were now ready to leave to the Kakyoins' house. Of course, they still planned on staying at the Kujo residence until their plane was due to take off. Their only reason for going to the Kakyoins' house was to drop off Noriaki's belongings and pack a suitcase for clothes. Kakyoin's parents came in a day earlier to sign their son out for good. They now awaited their arrival at their own house.

Jotaro set the car in park in front of the Kakyoins' house. The last time he came by was a few months back, the last time Kakyoin requested something from his house. He never did like Kakyoin's parents---ever since he overheard their first discussion about Kakyoin doing something, or being someone "unacceptable", he was completely disgusted with his parents. There wasn't a thing wrong with Kakyoin, and if his own parents couldn't see that, then they either weren't right in the head, or just very judgemental. Either or, Jotaro heavily disliked the redhead's mentally blind parents.

Their opinion on Kakyoin going to America with strangers his parents didn't even know was suspiciously loose. Jotaro didn't know the details of it all, but Kakyoin said his parents were completely fine with it. Jotaro even offered for his parents to join them, but they, for some reason, declined the generous offer; it wasn't often that your child's best friend asked you if you wanted to go to New York for free. Jotaro didn't want them to come, just because he personally disliked them, but it was Holly and Joesph that requested for him to ask.

Kakyoin told Jotaro to stay inside the car and wait until he was done. Jotaro listened and did what he was asked, but couldn't help but think about what was going on in that house. For a little more than thirty minutes, Jotaro stayed in the car, selecting different CD's to listen to. There was one he especially favored, Walk Like An Egyptian by The Bangles, that he replayed a few times. Joseph had bought him this car, as well as gave him many different albums of music that were popular in America. This song in particular was an easy favorite for Jotaro. No matter how many times Polnareff had replayed it when he was up front in the driver's seat, the song never got old.

Finally, Kakyoin came walking out of his house, dragging a suitcase with him. It was white and green with a checkered pattern; easy to spot in a bag pickup. It was loaded quickly into the trunk, and Kakyoin jumped into the passenger's seat.

"Sorry for the wait, my parents kept distracting me from getting my things together. Oh---I love this song!" Kakyoin turned the music up louder, speakers blasting inside the car, and replayed the song from the beginning. He even began singing along:

"All the old paintings on the tombs
They do the sand dance don't you know
If they move too quick (oh whey oh)
They're falling down like a domino"

Jotaro found himself singing along as well to the contagiously joyful song.

"All the bazaar men by the Nile
They got the money on a bet
Gold crocodiles (oh whey oh)
They snap their teeth on your cigarette"

"Foreign types with the hookah pipes say
(Whey oh whey oh, ay oh whey oh)
Walk like an Egyptian"

Jotaro wasn't the kind of guy to be so energized by something as simple as music---but this truly was a rare, magical feeling for him. Not only that, but the man he grew to love so much was sitting next to him, witnessing this phenomenon.

They replayed Walk Like An Egyptian until they arrived at Jotaro's house, singing in sync with a certain hidden emtion that lingered in the air. Something connected between the two, a sensation they both felt but would never confess about it. It felt like love, but not the kind you'd feel around a family member. It was . . . Romantic.

The red string if fate, some would call it.

— • —

[EARLY-LATE DECEMBER, 1989]

[EARLY AFTERNOON]

— • —

What would you do if you went to New York for Christmas?

Some would see a Broadway show. Some would go shopping and spend multiple figures worth of money. Some would stuff their faces full of high-quality, full on delicious food. Some would go to the Statue of Liberty, the Empire Sate Building, or Central Park for a sightseeing occasion. Some would do all of the above, as New York was a special place to have fun doing all of these different things.

But what does Jotaro Kujo do want to do when he goes to New York?

Go to an aquarium, of course!

Kakyoin shouldn't have been so suprised; when Jotaro wanted to do something, he did it. Whether that was wanting to kick someone's ass or go to an aquarium, it didn't matter. Nothing would stand in the way of him getting what he wanted.

So, for their first time in New York for Christmas, just after eating, the second thing they did besides drop off their luggage at the Joestar's house was go to an aquarium. Admission costs were rather expensive, but that didn't make a scratch in Joseph's money supply.

Jotaro, on the outside, was his normal self around anything related to marine life. His expression never changed, nor did his tone of voice. But, in his mind, he was always happy to do anything related to his passion for the sea.

They had split up into groups, Jotaro with Kakyoin, Joseph with Polnareff, and Holly with Suzie. There were many, many different sections for viewing aquariums. Jotaro was mesmerized by each and every fish he saw, from rare to exotic to colorful to common, every species containing their own unique traits and characteristics. Kakyoin imagined that everyone else skimmed right through the signs regarding information about a species, but not Jotaro; he stopped whenever a new sign came into view, sometimes muttering quietly to himself as he read. Kakyoin never minded this passion of Jotaro's; he actually found it quite adorable, considering Jotaro was usually seen as some handsome, stubborn 195 cm. tall hunk of muscle. Don't get Kakyoin wrong, though; Jotaro being as attractive as he was was clear enough for everyone to see. But, Jotaro did have more than one personality and trait, and some people just couldn't see that.

Now the two were observing a tiny octopus in a small tank in a wall. Jotaro occasionally glanced back at the marine animal as he read the basic description on a sign next to the small glass surface.

"Blue ringed octopus, is what it's called. Recognized commonly as one of the world's most venomous marine animals. Usually 12 to 20 centimeters in size. If provoked, they turn bright yellow, while their rings change to an iridescent blue, their own version of a warning signal." Jotaro continued to read on about things Kakyoin didn't understand; something about "class" and "order" and other stuff like that. He simply nodded along to whatever Jotaro had to say about the species.

After reading, Star Platinum's arm emerged from Jotaro's shoulder. Curiously, the shimmering purple hand tapped a knuckle gently against the tank.

"JoJo, what are you doing?"

"I want to see what the octopus looks like while provoked."

"But you're not supposed to touch the glass! There's literally a sign right above us that says "please do not touch the glass, thank you!""

"I'm not touching the glass, Star Platinum is."

"But that's still you doing it in some way!"

"Relax, Noriaki. I'm just curious, and I'm sure you are, too. Plus, I do what I want."

After a few knocks, the miniature octopus changed it's original color from light tan to bright yellow, rings suddenly flashing blue. The once unmoving, calm octopus was now moving dangerously around in the tank. Star Platinum poked his head out from Jotaro's chest, now inquisitively poking the tank, expression stone solid but eyes shining with fascination. Jotaro didn't bother to tell his Stand off, either; he was equally entranced by the octopus's beauty, and so was Kakyoin.

They stared at the octopus until it lost it's aggressive colors, and continued on wondrously in the aquarium.

— • —

[LATE DECEMBER, 1989]

[LATE EVENING]

— • —

It was an unnaturally cold night in New York. The six of them had just gotten done seeing the famous Broadway musical Phantom of The Opera, and were now walking along the streets looking for somewhere to eat. They haven't eaten since lunchtime, and of course it was now way late in the day. They were really up for anything at this point, as long as it wasn't fast food (or "fat food", as Jotaro called it).

Day or night, New York City did live up to it's name, "The City That Never Sleeps." Hundreds of people walked these very streets with them, cars honking their horns impatiently at other people going too slow for their liking. Even though it was damn near 12 o'clock in the morning, pedestrians scurried across the streets as if their lives depended on it.

After a few minutes of walking, they stopped just outside a Japanese restaurant. Joseph immediately turned his nose up at it, but Suzie restricted him from walking away. They agreed to eat at the average-looking restaurant.

They requested to sit a grill instead of a booth or table. Their waitress left with their drink orders, leaving them to look at the menu.

Whilst Polnareff and Suzie happily flipped through the menu, the other four hesitantly looked at the meal choices. Joseph disliked Japanese food, as well as anything else Japanese, but Jotaro, Kakyoin and Holly didn't know what their homeland food tasted like when made in a completely different country. Everything was already different about the restaurant---in Japan, you were given hot towels to clean your hands with before eating. You gained your waiter's attention by saying "excuse me" in Japanese. You were given chopsticks from the start and had to ask politely for a fork. You were given free water or tea, and it was frowned down upon to leave any food left on your plate.

This wasn't anything like a Japanese restaurant in Japan.

This was nothing like that.

Kakyoin and Jotaro exchanged glances, shrugging their shoulders as they searched for something to eat. Their chef came to the grill, expecting a huge round of applause, to which only Suzie, Holly and Polnareff granted for him. At the same time, their waitress dropped of a plate of sushi and dumplings they ordered as an appetizer.

The six of them passed around the two plates, picking one of each off of each plate and tasting it, besides Jotaro, Kakyoin and Holly. Suzie and Polnareff ate without complaint, Joseph made an over exaggerated face but bit down anyway, and the other three made suprised, almosy visibly disgusted faces as they inspected their food. There was such a large gap between the difference of how bad this Japanese food was compared to Japanese food made in Japan.

The four of the latters set their food down, black shadows cast over their eyes. They crossed their arms, faces expressionless, with Joseph as an exception because his face obviously had "disgusted" written all over it.

"You call yourself Japanese?"

The chef made a questionable "hm" noise, staring curiously at Kakyoin.

"Seriously, you call this "Japanese" food? What a disgrace to our culture. We're very passionate and delicate about our work. You . . . You just shit all over that pride of ours."

"Sir, if you have nothing nice to say, then you can just lea---"

"I'm not done. We'd like to compare this . . . This food to actual food. Jotaro, if you could?"

"Gladly," Jotaro growled as he stood up, along with Kakyoin. Suzie stared wide-eyed, probably wondering what the hell was going on. Holly looked excited, maybe even proud that her son was about to teach their chef a lesson on what good food actually tasted like. Joseph smiled evily with a dark expression. Polnareff clapped his hands cheerfully, leaning forward eagerly in his seat.

"We ordered nigiri, the most basic form of suhi there is. Usually, it's only ingredients are a piece of raw fish placed on top of a ball of rice. It's an easy dish to put together, and is among one of the most popular and favorited types of sushi there is. However, this nigiri in nothing but a bad source of stomach problems. Most, if not, all types of sushi include rice as an ingredient. Prepared with a little bit of vinegar, it helps the short-grain rice stick together to prevent it from falling apart. This---" Jotaro picked up his plate with the untouched nigiri roll and dumpling. Star Platinum appeared beside him, searching closely at the rice of the roll. "This rice is high-grain rice, which explains why it is falling apart. Plus, there is either too little, or no vinegar at all, which explains why the damn rice tastes like shit and isn't sticking like it should. But that's not all; there's plenty wrong with the fish, too. For starters, this sushi is completely raw. Sure, some sushi types uses "raw" fish or meat, but even then it may be cooked a tiny bit to kill bacteria and whatever else may be in it. The fish on these rolls appeared to have simply been chopped and thrown on top, all the while still uncooked and raw to the core. Many diseases are associated with sushi that contains raw fish and meats that should really be avoided. I can tell that this piece of fish right here is infected with a disease, one that will directly cause food poisoning, and I'm sure that the other nigiri rolls are infected with it, too. Also, these dumplings are undercooked because the inside is still runny rather than dry like they should be."

"I'm sure the reward for eating all of this is a long trip to the bathroom that will garuntee to numb your ass." Kakyoin added with a mischievous grin.

The three that had already eaten the food they were given started to furiously gag, either on their napkin or plate. Polnareff was crying out desperately in French, Joseph was straight up cursing in English, but all three of them were attempting to make themselves throw up.

When everyone had gotten everything out of their system, they proceeded to leave out the entrance. "Wait, you didn't pay!" The chef yelled, trying to catch up to them. Joseph turned around, glaring an orchestra of daggers at the so called "Japanese" chef.

"Sorry, we don't pay for dog shit."

They continued to walk the streets as if nothing had happened. Jotaro and Kakyoin took the lead, the other four talking loudly of the event that had just occurred.

"Wow . . . I didn't know you knew so much about Japanese food, Jotaro."

"I don't; I just happened to pick up a few things from Mom and they seemed to stick with me."

"Ha ha, stick! Get it? Y'know, because you were just talking about how rice stuck together, and, uh . . . That sounded a lot funnier in my head."

"You almost made me smile." Jotaro looked away quickly before Kakyoin could get a clear look at his face, but he saw the lips of Jotaro's lips curved up just a bit.

"Anyways, where should we eat at now? There's a McDona---nope, nevermind, that's confit food. Um . . . Maybe that Indian place? Oh, wait, there's a French place right there! Polnareff would like that a lot."

"The French place it is."

Everyone behind them sighed in relief, Polnareff and Joseph especially.

Quietly, Suzi asked Holly where Jotaro got all of the information about nigiri rolls from.

"He got it from me whenever I taught him to cook!"

"You really taught Jotaro to cook?"

"Yep, and he's just as talented as his mother!"

In front of them, Kakyoin grinned cheekily at Jotaro.

"Yare yare daze . . . What a pain in the ass."

— • —

[DECEMBER 24TH, 1989]

[LATE EVENING]

— • —

In the Joestar house, Jotaro, Holly, Kakyoin and Suzi sat on the white and red RAF couch, while Joseph and Polnareff sat on the two green chairs. Outside, glittering snow showered down from above, a whirling storm of white sparkles littering from the foggy clouds. The walls were basically windows, rewarding a breath-taking all-around view of the winter scenery surrounding them. Roses gave each of them a mug of hot chocolate, everyone thanking him gratefully just after. With enough prodding, Suzi convinced him to sit down with the rest of them. Next to them, a flocked twenty-foot Christmas tree stood tall, colorful lights, ornaments and ribbon decorating the entire outside of it. Dozens of presents sat underneath the tree, all of them wrapped in fancy metallic gift wrap.

They talked about everything that had happened so far during the month of December. They filled eachother in on things some of them might not have known yet. Polnareff and Joseph told everyone about funny and heartwarming moments that happened while nobody else was around, everyone laughing all at once at some times. Jotaro and Kakyoin occasionally joined the conversation, but mostly everyone else talked instead. The two had their own quiet talk a few times, but mostly listened to their friends/family.

It was almost 11 o'clock. The six of them had had a long, eventful day---they toured both the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, saw the Broadway show Cats, ate three delicious meals at fancy restaurants, took a carriage around Central Park, and rven had time for Christmas gift shopping. Now, they were talking until they eventually nodded off only to realize it was Christmas morning when they woke up. In other words: they were tired and didn't want to move, and would rather tire themselves out just by talking.

"Oh, I know!" Holly abruptly exclaimed, shaking Jotaro and Kakyoin from the foggy sleepiness of their minds. "We should all open one present before we go to bed. I totally forgot! We always do that on the 24th! Right, Jotaro?"

Jotaro almost inaudibly hummed in response.

Holly shook his shoulders, making his hat nearly fall off his head. He rubbed his eyes, forcing himself to stand up alongside her. She then moved onto Kakyoin and Joseph, shaking them to full consciousness. Suzi had been awake the whole time, just like her daughter, but Polnareff---he was already snoring, legs draped over the arm of the chair he slept in. There was even a bubble of snot blown up on one of his nostrils. He looked as if he was having the best sleep he'd ever have in his lifetime.

Lucky, Kakyoin and Jotaro thought in unison, staring at their friend's obviously comfortable sleeping figure.

Holly chose each them a present---besides Polnareff---and handed it to them. Jotaro received a shoebox sized gift, covered in wrapping paper with dolphins wearing Santa hats on their heads. It was from Kakyoin. Kakyoin received a thin square-shaped object wrapped in white-and-red plad wrapping paper. It was from Jotaro.

They glanced at eachother before tearing their presents open.

In Kakyoin's hands were two cassete tape cases. After looking at the singer's name, he immediately opened one up, gentle so he wouldn't ruin it, and took the off-white cassete tape in his hands. Since it was a cassete tape, it didn't have very many songs; but, inscribed in black letters was one of his most favorite songs:

I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me), by Whitney Houston.

The other cassete tape was more of Whitney Houston's songs. He stared a both of them for a moment before giving Jotaro a hug. Suprised at first, Jotaro hesitantly put his arms around Kakyoin, melting into the hug.

"Thank you so much, Jotaro." Kakyoin said happily once they pulled away. "How did you know Whitney is one of my favorites?"

"It's rather obvious. You always listen to her songs on the radio whenever they come on, and you did tell me a few times in the hospital. I know you've recently heard about her, and it's not very easy to get cassete tapes of American songs in Japan. I wanted to get you some earlier, but couldn't find any, so I took this opportunity while we're in New York to buy you some."

"Well, thanks again, JoJo. Now, open up yours; I'm not sure you'll like it or not, but . . . It's the thought that counts, right?"

"Right," Jotaro agreed as he opened the lid of the box in his hands. Sitting in the middle of royal blue tissue paper was a stuffed animal of a dolphin. It wasn't a normal one, either; it's fur was bright sky blue, with a dense velvety texture. Above it's pearly black eyes were thick, arched eyebrows knitted into the surface of the dolphin. On it's head was an exact replica of Jotaro's hat, only this time it was miniature and completely made of thread. And, to top it off, a reddish-purple star-shaped brithmark embossed above it's left fin. Simply put, it was a stuffed dolphin version of Jotaro, everything handmade by Kakyoin except for the dolphin itself.

Jotaro smiled inwardly. "I say I like dolphins one time, and everyone goes crazy. Yare yare . . ."

"D-Does that mean you like it?"

"I . . . I do."

"R-Really? You're not kidding?"

"No, I'm not. I genuinely like it. Thank you, Noriaki. It's very creative."

"O-Oh, thank you, JoJo! I'm glad I decided to stick with making it."

"Speaking of which, when did you even have time to make all of this extra stuff?"

"Usually before I went to bed, I would work on it for a bit and continue the next night. Thanks again for the compliment."

"Y-Yeah, don't mention it."

They stayed silent the rest of the night, waiting until everyone else was done opening their early present. Not until Jotaro really took time to admire his gift, he found something hanging on either side of the dolphins head; cherry earrings, just like Kakyoin's. Jotaro didn't hide his smile, only because nobody could see him.

On his chair, Polnareff opened his eyes with an approving glance, grinned, and shot Jotaro a quick "ok" symbol with his hand.

Jotaro shook his head, but kept smiling anyways.

— • —

[JANUARY 1ST, 1990]

[JUST AFTER 1:00 A.M.]

[15 DAYS UNTIL END OF THE WORLD]

— • —

A new year is a great time and opportunity to do and start many meaningful, great things.

For example: Noriaki Kakyoin wanted to confess to Jotaro Kujo at some point, and just maybe start a relationship.

For Jotaro Kujo, it was only vise versa.

They wanted to so badly confess, but neither could bring himself to do it. There was something restricting them from doing so; it's almost as if somebody was stopping them. They were hurting from feelings they couldn't escape nor do anything to make clear to the other.

But, at sometime in their lives, they would allow themselves to express fully how they felt. Until that day came, they were stuck being "best friends."

A little more than an hour ago, the ball that announced the year of 1990 dropped. A day of waiting was the price for being able to physically witness it, and more or less was worth the wait. Everyone besides the two Japanese teenagers had crashed immediately into bed, letting sleep take them. They ate a small snack to ease their appetite, but that was about all that happened after getting back to the Joestar residence. Kakyoin and Jotaro were the least tired of them all, so they alerted everyone before going out into the city that they were taking a walk.

They were a few minutes outside the Joestar residence, walking side-by-side on the ancient concrete streets. It smelled horribly of the sewer, a white fog-like substance shooting up from every nearby drain. The only thing saving them from the revolting stench was the smoke from Jotaro's cigarette.

They walked in silence until they saw a food stand in front of them. They ordered two hot dogs and tipped handsomely, sitting down on a bench back by their temporary house after the short walk back.

They ate in silence, until Kakyoin noticed Jotaro had forgotten his gloves. Along with his visibly shaking hands, his cheeks and nose were beginning to turn a slight shade of red.

Kakyoin set the hot dog down on his leg, since placing it anywhere else would probably get nasty bacteria all over it. He removed his own gloves, holding them out to Jotaro as a generous offer.

"N-No, thanks. It's my fault I didn't bring my gloves. Please, keeping wearing yours---"

"Jotaro, I insist. You're shivering much more than I am, and my hands are already warm enough. Here, take them."

Jotaro took the gloves with an appreciative nod, slipping them onto his own hands. The gloves were small compared to his hands, but it was better than nothing. They finished their hot dogs, throwing their trash away into a bin next to them. Jotaro decided to smoke the rest of his cigarette and, even knowing that Kakyoin would decline the offer, asked the redhead if he wanted a cigarette, too.

Unexpectedly, Kakyoin accepted, and Jotaro quickly grabbed another one from it's box and set it in Kakyoin's hands. Once it was between Kakyoin's lips, Jotaro lit the end, and the two proceeded to smoke.

"So, these are your cancer sticks that you like so much?"

"Yep. But, it's no so much of a "like" as an "addiction." Not a lot of people like the smell of smoke, nor the feel of smoke being passed into their lungs, but it just feels right; that's really why it's so difficult for people to quit things like smoking and dipping, or whatever else you may have an addiction to. Once you've tried it, you'll want more and more, and before you know it, you're addicted to the damn things."

"Oh . . . Is that why you smoke? Just because you're addicted?"

"I . . . It's . . . For me, it's a just habit, and you know how hard it is to break habits. Some people have a bad habit of biting their nails when they're nervous; I have a bad habit of smoking just because I've grown accustomed to it."

"Thanks for telling me, um, that stuff. I still don't really see how you or other people are so drawn to these things; it already feels like my lungs are being shriveled up like crumpled paper."

"Well, it's good that one of us isn't addicted to something, I guess." Jotaro said akwardly, thinking to himself. Kakyoin focused more on his thoughts as well, thinking: Oh, Jotaro . . . If I'm addicted to something, or someone . . . It's definitely gotta be you.

"Where do you think we should we go to university, Noriaki?"

"U-University? Oh, um, I guess I haven't really thought about that. I've always assumed I would go in Tokyo, but now that you mention it, I'm reconsidering. Where do you want to go for university?"

Jotaro exhaled deeply, a mixture of gray smoke and his visible breath from the cold air escaping his lips.

"Florida."

"I should have known. Of course Florida is suitable for a marine biologist."

"I don't know exactly what town or whatever, but definitely somewhere in Florida that offers a good program on marine biology. Hey, maybe you could go with me. I know it may sound crazy, since I'm just now bringing up the possibility, but think about it. I wouldn't be so lone---I mean, you won't have to be so lonely in Japan, since your parents hate you for some reason."

It felt as if someone ripped out Kakyoin's heart with a pitchfork; he managed to forget about his parents for the entirety of this trip, and now that Jotaro brought them up once again, he couldn't help but think about them. They hated their own son, just because he liked a man.

Was that really so bad!?

"That's . . . A really good idea, Jotaro. I may actually consider that." Kakyoin answered honestly, pushing his parents out his mind; now was not the time to be set in a bad mood, now that he was alone with the man he loved.

"I'm glad you feel that way, Noriaki. Come on, let's go back and get some rest; I'm sure we're really going to regret staying up this late already."

"Yeah, we're already sleep-deprived as it is. Hopefully we can sleep in rather than get up early like every other day we've been here."

They stood up and walked back to the Joestar house in hopes they would get extra time to sleep.

Walking side-by-side, the Japanese teenagers smoked their cigarettes, talking in more detail of what they wanted from proceeding in university.

— • —

[JANUARY 16TH, 1990]

[ALMOST 10:00 P.M.]

[END OF THE WORLD]

— • —

"I feel more relaxed now that we rummaged through a few good memories."

"Same."

It was almost 10:00 P.M.. The sky was infinitely dark, the only other color than black being a pearly white from the stars.

Near the nape of Jotaro's neck, his star-shaped brithmark pulsed.

Around both of their necks, the golden necklaces swayed with the soft currents of the wind.

"Weird . . . It's January 16th, right?" Kakyoin asked.

"Yeah. Wait . . . That means . . ."

"It's been a year since you kicked DIO's ass."

"It really has been, huh? It sure has been a long year for the both of us."

"Indeed, yes. I've been cooped up in the hospital the whole time, and you were always visiting me. Thanks, by the way, for constantly coming to see me. You were the main reason why I kept pushing myself to achieve the ability to walk again."

"You're very welcome. I don't believe I've asked you yet, but . . . How long have you liked me?"

"Liked you, or loved you?"

". . . Both."

"So, um, I've always liked you, ever since the day we met and became friends. As for loved, my feelings gradually developed to more of a romantic sensation rather than a friend-ish one. Now, you tell me how long you've loved me."

". . . I've always . . . loved you."

"Sorry, but . . . Can you be more specific, please?"

"You're lucky that I'm even talking about this with you. Let's see . . . First off, it was weird for me to even have a friend. Like you, I grew up without anyone, so I didn't know what it was like to have a friend. When I met you, I knew that, somehow, you'd be different from everyone else. It was weird for me to have friends, like you and Polnareff and Avdol. But, I felt differently towards you the entire time I've known you. From Egypt to the hospital, I knew I liked you differently from everyone else. That's the best way I can explain it."

"You're such a talker around me, you know that?"

"Yeah."

"You're also very shy around me."

"Your point?"

"I've always wondered why you've been more nervous around me. I've even suspected at sometimes that you liked me, but I thought that was impossible because I'm just . . . Me."

Jotaro pulled him even further into his embrace. "I love you because you are you, Noriaki. You stole my heart, more successful than anyone has ever been at making me fall for them."

"I can say the same about you, Jotaro."

They thought about their friends and family, wondering when they would see them again once they were gone from this world. Jotaro checked his watch one more time; it was almost 10 o'clock. The tsunami would approach them in minutes.

Gently placing his hands over Kakyoin's, Jotaro closed his eyes, head comfortably resting in the curve of his boyfriend's neck. Kakyoin felt a single tear run down the other's cheek and down his own neck. Kakyoin's eyes teared up as well, and he blinked hard, two crystal drops rolling down the scars running vertical over his eyes. He closed his eyes as well, taking one final look at the ocean before them.

"I . . . I love you, Noriaki."

"I love you too . . . Jotaro."

They fell asleep in eachother's embrace.

They didn't wake up again.

- • -

The player is satisfied with their work.

They are relieved to have finally finished the game that has taken millions of years for them to complete.

But the player soon realizes that they are not yet finished with this game.

They may never be finished with this game.

They see that there is another step in the game for the members of humankind.

Now the people of Earth will enter the next phase:

Afterlife.

END
先

☆-•- • -•-☆

Credits on the next page ---->