#【 * 🍒 教皇 › ❛ 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘃 / vento aureo & stone ocean . 】

[sacredpit]

↳               @praeteritus-memories ,   continued from   here .     🍒

    to   no extent   had kakyoin expected that so significant a tenderness would bloom in his chest upon making giorno’s acquaintance ,   especially since he’d come to italy for work .   over a decade has passed since the momentous events of his egyptian escapade ,   &   in that time ,   he has learned more about his true self than ever had been previously apparent   ━━━━   become more of himself   than ever he had been before .   but one aspect of his being that has yet to fully emerge from its chrysalis is his reluctance to open himself up to others ;   many pensive hours has he sat beside his inner child in   healing silence ,   hoping to unravel ,   thread by thread ,   the tightly - wound shroud in which he’d enswathed himself for protection ,   as if hierophant’s tendrils had coiled ’round his too - soft body like an unbreakable cocoon .

perhaps that had been a necessary response to the   corroding heartache   of a childhood spent entirely alone .   yet ,   he has managed to make a home for himself on   the other side ,   now ,   &   the white - knuckled grip he’s maintained on the latch to free his heart from its cage doesn’t serve him so well anymore .   how ironic a tragedy that   letting go   is this difficult ,   but as a man that has survived   the unfathomable ,   kakyoin is not so inclined to think of it as a mountain he cannot summit .   even the slackening of one knuckle at a time is still progress .

even so ,   there was something he saw in giorno early on that rendered his heart’s   immaculate camouflage   futile ,   exposing the softness tucked beneath layers   &   layers of armor without so much as an honest effort .   perhaps he saw himself in giorno ,   &   perhaps that extended to him the ability to perceive the lonely child hiding at the core of the strong   &   straight - shouldered   force of nature   that brought an entire syndicate to its knees .   how could he behold that   &   allow himself to become another person that   abandons him ?? 

the embrace is as warm as the venetian summer ,   or maybe warmer still ,   &   the loving width of kakyoin’s smile encapsulates a disposition just the same as his arms anchor tightly around giorno’s smaller frame .   as much as he’s   dreaded   having to bid giorno farewell   (   distance can be so cruel ;   how   unfortunate   that the heart can leave pieces of itself all over the world   ) ,   moments like this are precious enough to quell the sinking feeling in his abdomen ,   leaving a comforting reminder that   not even eight thousand kilometers   can make strangers of them in its wake .  

“   i don’t just mean for practical things ,   ”   he says ,   straightening his back just enough to look at the boy in his arms ,   “   though that’s important ,   of course .   but for anything ,   even if you just need someone to talk to .   ”   a lavender gaze is devastatingly soft as it meets the blueish emeralds reflecting off of it in a deepening gradient ,   &   in the back of his mind ,   kakyoin curses the throb in his chest   &   the pressure building behind his eyes .   his husband would surely say he is being dramatic ,   &   maybe he is ,   but his ever - growing affinity for the golden - haired boy cannot be helped .

“   i know that you’re a busy young man ,   but if you just want to talk about your day ,   or tell me about any cute boys in your life ,   ”   his smile grows a little with that remark ,   the teasing glint to his eye twinkling like a sky full of stars ,   “   i’d be happy to listen .   ”   

the raising of a slender wrist   &   hierophant’s tugging back of a linen sleeve reveals the face of kakyoin’s watch ,   prompting a slight pout .   oh ,   fuck it .    sure ,   he’s eager to return home to his family   (   this is the longest he’s been away since jouta was born   ) ,   but giorno has become family ,   too .   “   say ,   giogio   ━━━━   it seems i don’t have to be at the airport for another few hours ,   ”   he says ,   ruby - hued lashes fanning out between scarred lids as his eyes become smiling crescents .   “   i think that gives us just enough time for one more adventure .   i still haven’t gotten to try amarena gelato ,   &   that’s just unfair .   ”

[sacredpit]

    her fingers curling tighter around his elicits a stinging bite ,   but the inkling of pain does not bother kakyoin in the slightest   ━━━━   it hardly registers ,   tremendously outdone by the bone - shattering weight of the burdens piled atop his shoulders .   verily ,   he appreciates the nip of jolyne’s nails into his skin ;   it offers a fleeting reprieve from the deepening plunge into desolation ,   a reminder to focus on why he came here ,   on her presence ,   &   to allow himself to temporarily dismiss the   flock of vultures   that have been circling his head since he realized jotaro would not be coming home .   not on his own ,   at least .

she could hold onto him forever ,   if she needed .   until she had broken through the flesh of his hands ,   until his blood spattered maroon across the table ;   even then ,   kakyoin would stay right here ,   unwavering in his promise to be there for her ,   thankful   &   even   relieved   that he could provide a sliver of solace in this dreadful hour .   perhaps it’s the only thing that can offer him a   fragment of peace ,   too :   remaining strong for her ,   for jouta ,   for jotaro ,   or the rest of their family .   at times ,   it feels impossible ,   the cracks in his armor threaten to crumble   &   leave him vulnerable to the worsening nightmare his reality has become ,   but the thought of his despair transferring to any of them ,   burdening them with   another thing to worry about   as their world burns to dying embers around them ,   reinforces his resolve .   strangely ,   there is comfort in this .   at least he can be a source of strength for them ,   even if there’s no such thing for him when all’s said   &   done .

the one person who can fill that role is comatose ,   &   needs kakyoin now more than he ever has before .

pursed lips loosen ,   only to wilt into a frown .   “   you are   not   a   ‘  fucking disappointment  ’ ,   ”   he counters ,   the mild tone he’d employed for the majority of this encounter flaring into something almost   angry ,   but not embodying   aggression   ━━━━   it more closely resembles the voice that chides from a place of love ;   severe in order to demand regard ,   but softhearted at its core .   “   you have made a lot of mistakes ,   plenty of which could have been avoided .   but even so ,   you’re just nineteen ,   jolyne .   of course you’re going to do stupid shit ,   &   many of those mistakes are going to have consequences .   ”   briefly ,   his own younger self comes to mind ,   the teenager that ran away from home for fifty days without saying a word to his parents   &   returned   half - fucking - dead   &   in a coma .   jolyne knows that story by now ,   knows he has negligible room to make judgments about her life even if he wanted to .   “   but   . . .   the truth is that there’s nothing you could do that could make me love you less .   i’m sure your father would say the same thing .   i’ve known him twenty - three years ,   &   i feel pretty damn confident when i say that he wouldn’t hold any of this against you for a second .   i don’t think he’d even think about it   . . .   so why should i ??   why should anyone ??   ”

a sigh drags itself up from his core ,   his thumbs gliding back   &   forth over her knuckles in a gentle ripple .   he closes his eyes ,   her voice uttering those sure ,   determined words sounding   so much like jotaro   that his heart seizes like an overused muscle ,   sharpening the ache in his chest .   eyebrows pinch inward ,   but beyond that ,   he does not flinch .   “   he will be ,   ”   kakyoin affirms ,   a violet fire behind his gaze .   “   if i know nothing else ,   i know that .   ”

kakyoin has accepted that he cannot change the past ,   knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that if he could have foreseen this somehow ,   he’d have stopped at   nothing   to keep jolyne out of the line of fire .   &   if he couldn’t do that ,   he’d at least have done all he could to ensure she’d go into this fight somewhat prepared rather than   horrifically blindsided   &   grasping at straws just to survive another day in hell .   still ,   there is a comfort in her response that soothes at least a fraction of the heartache that has come to be his norm .   she knows he cares ,   &   to be so explicitly reassured of that absolves him of an affliction he hadn’t fully known he’d carried with him .   “   you’re meant to be kind to people you love ,   ”   he says simply ,   the tension melting out of his facial expression as he mirrors her melancholic smile .   “   even if they act like little shits ,   sometimes .   ”

upon jouta’s well - being coming into question ,   kakyoin falters visibly ,   the unshed tears that had since dried up suddenly replenished with a series of slow blinks .   each time his lids veil his eyes ,   he sees the distressed face of his typically carefree   &   vivacious child   ━━━━   the   puzzled sadness   in his eyes ,   the hint of fear in the way his pouty lips ,   which before never seemed to stop spilling out words regarding his current fixations   &   every detail of his day at school or whatever shenanigans he   &   his stand got up to ,   suddenly pursed shut ,   barely offering even a   hushed greeting   as he clung desperately to his remaining parent .   a knife through his diaphragm would be easier to bear than witnessing the happy life they’d worked hard to give jouta disappear before his very eyes ;   that in spite of his inability to fully understand what’s happening ,   he’s still in pain ,   still reaching for his father   &   grasping only   dead air   he’d once occupied .

“   he’s in morioh with your uncle josuke ,   ”   says kakyoin ,   his voice leaving him steadily on account of a deep breath   &   a weighted pause .   “   i had to put him on the plane by himself   . . .   with a few of my trusted peers from the foundation ,   but either way ,   it wasn’t an ideal situation .   but he touched down this morning   &   is safe   &   sound .   ”   despite this ,   there’s still a miserable air to kakyoin’s expression .   “   he misses you ,   too .   he’s been asking about you a lot since you ended up here .   he wanted to come see you ,   &   we were going to arrange for it ,   but   . . .   it just isn’t safe for him .   ”   a hand rakes through roseate tresses ,   which come to spill over kakyoin’s shoulder in a sleek wave .   “   he’s   . . .   taking this really hard .   i haven’t been able to explain to him what happened because i wasn’t even sure until i got here ,   but even now that things are clearer ,   i still don’t know what to say .   he knows about stands   ━━━━   he was born with one ,   for fuck’s sake   ━━━━   but it’s never been a scary thing for him .   &   he’s already so traumatized ,   i just   . . .   ”   

another pause ensues ,   &   kakyoin raises their joined hands   &   lowers his head at the same time ,   until both their knuckles press against his forehead .   “   even if we make a point to always be honest with him ,   i don’t want him to assume the worst   &   to think what happened to jojo is going to happen to me .   it might ,   but i don’t even want to put that in his head .   ”

in a single moment ,   kakyoin realizes that he’s allowing the anguish to show .   he holds his breath   &   forces his eyes open ,   tears blurring his vision as he stares down at the table ,   &   with the combined effort of every atom constituting his being ,   he blinks them away ,   slowly raising his head .   his hands tremble in jolyne’s grasp ,   but he steadies the rest of himself as best he can ,   issuing the umpteenth reminder about   why he is here .   “   i know this will not be what you’re hoping to hear ,   ”   he replies ,   delivering his words on a soft ,   but firm tone ,   “   but i have already made arrangements for jouta to stay in morioh in the event that something happens to me .   i’ve considered this extensively   ━━━━   it’s been the only thing on my mind all this time ,   &   while i know that there’s truth to your words ,   there’s no way i can just   stay home   when things are like this .   ”   his eyes settle on her with a certain intensity ,   the bit of flushed wetness from the tears he’d shed serving only to amplify the strength of his resolve .  

“   if jotaro were in my position ,   he wouldn’t just sit back   &   hope for the best .   so i can’t allow myself to do that ,   either   ━━━━   even with everything on the line ,   i’m going to be by his side ,   &   i’m going to fight .   ”   he tells her this as if it’s already been decided ,   because it has ,   but also in light of the fact that he’s never felt surer of any decision in his life .   “   that being said   . . .   i’m aware that a lot of this has to be you .   i fucking hate that ,   to be honest ,   but i know when to put my feelings aside ,   &   i’m not going to stand in your way .   i still have a lot of information to gather   &   a lot of arrangements to make ,   so most of my work will be in the shadows .   you   &   your friends will have to take the reins ,   so i hope these are people you   know   you can rely on .   ”

his eyes go soft at the title he rarely hears from her ,   &   all at once ,   the task of holding himself together becomes a little easier .   kakyoin squeezes her hands ,   noticing now as he looks down that the polish on their nails nearly matches .   “   neither of us would have chosen   this   for a grand reunion ,   but   . . .   i’m happy to be here   for you ,   regardless of everything surrounding us .   as long as i’m alive ,   &   maybe even after that ,   i will   always   be there for you .

even so ,   jolyne ,   i have to tell you that this is not something you can brute force your way through .   i don’t know the full extent of what you are dealing with ,   yet ,   but i do know   who   you are dealing with ,   &   beyond the unthinkable power of his stand that he’s already shown ,   the likelihood that all of us are already sitting ducks in what he’s planning is terribly high .   ”   kakyoin’s expression sobers considerably as he impels eye contact ,   locking jolyne in an ambitious lavender haze .   “   i’m going to tell you his name ,   &   everything i know so far   . . .   but first ,   i need you to   promise me   that you will do   exactly   as i say with this information   ━━━━   because if you don’t ,   all of us are going to die .   ”

Life has an unfortunate way of granting the desires one utters, often shrouding them in mysteries best left unsolved. From a young age, Jolyne had dreamt of a life filled with suspense and excitement, fast cars, and intrigue. She had achieved it all, but the cost had been steep, and now her father's state lay in shambles as an unfortunate ‘casualty’ of her ‘aspirations’. Why couldn’t he be there more? why couldn’t he show he cared? why had her dreams aligned with the most devastating of outcomes, and why had their family been the victims of her selfish desires? Being in Green Dolphin Street prison was an eternal purgatory, all she had was time to think. Friendships had offered some respite, a cushion to soften the fall into grief, but even their calloused embraces couldn't quell the relentless self-blame that gnawed at her from sunrise to sunset.

It felt as though years of bad choices had converged, constricting her like a vice, suffocating her spirit. Jolyne HATES that she took her relationship with her father for granted. Still, as the saying goes, ���you never know what you have until it’s gone’.Kakyoin's visit, though well-intentioned, was proving to be much more challenging than she had ever anticipated. If it had been anyone else, she might have held the torrent of anguish in check. . .but, now she feels close to bursting at the seams, unraveling much like the string inside her. She listened to Kakyoin's words, absorbing his reassurances, but the words failed to provide the solace she desperately needed, till things were FIXED she’d take ownership⸻someone had to. Perhaps if she just listened to her father one goddamn time this wouldn’t be happening !

Tears continue, their existence finally causing Jolyne’s eyes to burn due to the diy prison makeup she had made up in her cell that rested on her visage. A chapped lip is tucked between her teeth as she waged war internally to regain her composure. Through the storm, kakyoin’s gentle touch reminded her that he was there despite EVERYTHING that had transpired. The response to his touch is instant and comes in the form of her digits tightening around his hand, using the link as a lifeline of support in the turmoil. As the emotions continued to surge she recalled her breathing exercises and as she decided to attempt to use them to calm herself. Shoulders lift and fall initially with intensity before they calm. Despite her mind being elsewhere she hears Kakyoin’s voice repeat that this ISN'T her fault, and while she wants to believe it, she just doesn’t.

❝ If I wasn’t such a fucking disappointment he’d be okay. . .It is my fault. ❞ initially, her voice is aggressive until it falls into a near-catatonic murmur. Slowly, her head lifted, her makeup smeared and disarrayed, her gaze fixed in the distance, unable to meet Kakyoin's eyes. Her own eyes, red and puffy, conveyed a steely determination, much like her father's. ❝ It doesn't matter what's happened in the past… He will be okay. I'll make sure of it.❞ it didn't matter what obstacles lay ahead or how much pain she might have to endure; she was resolved to save him or die trying. Even in the face of doubt from the SWF scientists, she clung to the belief that he was alive and had a chance. No one could convince her otherwise; she needed something to fight for.

A heavy breath escaped her, her eyes closing as she practiced deep breathing, the grinding of her teeth the only audible sound as she wrestled with her emotions. Eventually, the emotional storm seemed to subside, replaced by a heavy, melancholic calm. Slowly, her eyes reopened, meeting Kakyoin's lavender gaze once more, her expression now etched with sorrow.

❝ I don’t hold anything against you. ❞ A whisper, one that Jotaro is left out of, ❝ I know… you care about me, and you've been far kinder than I deserve for how much of a shit I've been.❞ A faint smile graced her lips, although it held deep sadness. She wondered what her life might have been like if Kakyoin had always been there. Would she be in this situation?

❝ How's Jouta ? ❞ her eyes brightened with hope as she leaned closer, her hands still holding onto his, a lifeline in the storm.❝ I never thought I’d say it but I miss him so much.❞ briefly, she looks down as she laughs, more tears falling though this time she doesn’t try to hide them. ❝ I’d do anything to hug him, to play a videogame with him⸻hell, I’d probably even take him to the zoo and buy him one of those stupid expensive stuffed animals he always begged for. ❞ these desires, once sources of annoyance that she’d throw the biggest fits over become cherished, cathartic memories of a simpler time, and now they held the power to reignite her fading hope.

With her heart gradually steadying, Jolyne found the strength to resume discussing the matter at hand. ❝ I have a few leads… and I've made a few good friends that I think are willing to help me. I'm not alone, and I don't want you to get wrapped up in this.❞ her voice was tinged with concern and affection. ❝ Jouta needs you, and so does Dad, even if he's not… really there. I know you want to help, Kakyoin, but please, let me try to do this on my own. I can't lose you too.❞

Jolyne's determination was unwavering, and she sniffled, her head tilting slightly as she continued. ❝ I only know the stand's name⸻WHITESNAKE… but not the user. I've been trying to find him… so far, no luck, but I won't quit looking.. .and in case I haven’t said it. . .Thank you, Papa. I’m so happy to see you.. .I hate the circumstance but. . .I’m glad I can rely on you.❞

[sacredpit]

           @praeteritus-memories   /   continued from   here .

    by no means does kakyoin exhibit a   duplicitous nature .   he is stealthful ,   yes ,   &   even well - versed in certain   manipulation tactics   by necessity of certain aspects of his job ,   but he doesn’t show that side of himself at home ,   or in his marriage .   there’s genuinely no need ;   he   &   jotaro have a healthy   &   fulfilling relationship built on a foundation of open communication   &   understanding one another more than anyone else in their lives .   yet ,   on the occasion he   does   find himself wanting to keep something from his husband   (   for innocent enough reasons ,   usually   ) ,   it can be quite a task   ━━━━   jotaro is sharper than a sashimi knife   (   it seems he always has been ;   kakyoin easily recalls that   bladelike wit   being one of the many things that attracted him to jotaro ,   back when they were teenagers   ) ,   &   given that they talk about any   &   everything together ,   it isn’t so difficult to recognize when something’s been   left out .

    but kakyoin   ━━━━   now kujo   ━━━━   noriaki is   determined .   &   when his mind is set ,   he will pull out every stop to ensure he reaches his goal ,   valiant efforts   employed for even the smallest ambition ,   for he’d decided the day he vowed to face dio again that he would never lose sight of   himself   as he had that cruel spring day they met .   this considered ,   when jotaro agreed to   take on the challenge   of getting jouta down for a nap ,   kakyoin figured he’d bought himself an opportunity to put his plan to action   (   that child behaves as if he’s in the   fight of his life   at naptime ,   after all   ) .

    either time had evaporated too quickly or their son elected to be   merciful   for once ,   for kakyoin is all but   startled out of his skin   when jotaro makes his presence known behind him .   the office is   exceptionally quiet ,   as expected of any place of work or study ,   but somehow ,   kakyoin hadn’t heard those footsteps he’d recognize from rhythm alone .   it could be that he’d just been too absorbed in trying to find the   damned thing ;   bent over with his ass in the air as he canvassed the lowermost shelves   &   narrowly avoiding   hitting his head on the way up once he’d realized he was no longer alone .   jotaro wouldn’t carry it around on his person at home ,   &   kakyoin hadn’t spotted it anywhere in their bedroom ,   thus ,   this is the only logical location he’d expect to find the item of interest .   so where the fuck is it ?? 

    he’s seen it so many times ,   that little black book with jotaro’s name scripted on the front cover in neat kanji   ━━━━   drawn from his pocket ,   left on the chabudai or on the edge of his desk ,   jostled at the bottom of his laptop bag .   but now that he actually needs it ,   it’s nowhere to be found .   isn’t that just his luck ??   “   oh ,   ”   says kakyoin ,   daintily tucking a stray red tress behind his ear ,   violet eyes shifting toward the far wall .   normally ,   he’d have no trouble playing it cool ,   but this is jotaro .   even after years of knowing each other   &   now being   fucking married ,   kakyoin still manages to feel a little nervous around him ,   sometimes .   mostly because he’s hiding something .   “   uh ,   no ,   not really .   it’s   ━━━━   i’m never really in here ,   so i just got curious as i was passing by .   ”

    clearing his throat ,   kakyoin places his hands on his hips ,   attempting to look a little more confident   &   a little less suspicious .   the fact that the navy sweater he’s wearing belongs to jotaro   &   covers his hands completely likely foils his intent to be taken seriously .   “   sorry ,   i shouldn’t have shouted at you .   i was just a little startled ,   ”   he mutters ,   cheeks suddenly feeling unbearably warm .   “   i’m guessing jouta didn’t give you much trouble ,   then ??   ”

[sacredpit]

↳               ❛   will i see you again ??   ❜   -   Giorno <3

sender :   @praeteritus-memories   /   source :   prompted   /   status :   closed .

    perched at the window of giorno’s study ,   violet eyes trained on the relative serenity of the world below ,   kakyoin’s relaxed ,   though still decorous posture tightens with the sudden question .   they both know his investigation is nearing its end ;   less than a week remains before he is expected to report back with his findings concerning the   son of dio   &   the reconstructed   passione   (   one willing to cooperate with speedwagon ,   at that ,   which seemed   unfathomable   prior to giorno’s ascension to power   )   ━━━━   &   while he’s never been one to underestimate the wealth of knowledge   &   the potentially life - altering experiences his missions can offer ,   kakyoin could not have foreseen that he would grow so close to the one tethered to the   former face of his nightmares   by parentage .  

given ,   he knew prior to meeting giorno in the flesh that he’s   nothing   like his father ;   polnareff made that exceedingly clear in his memos .   but even with all the praise his old friend showered on the new don ,   kakyoin hadn’t been prepared to love giorno   this intensely   ━━━━   to carve out enough space in his fortified heart to keep this precious boy safe from harm ,   to prove to him that the comfort   &   affection he’d been denied by his   disgraceful parents   could be offered by someone more worthy ,   someone who would never abandon him .   that it’s not too late .

“   oh ,   giogio .   of course you will ,   ”   he answers ,   raising himself from the windowsill   &   whirling ’round to face giorno ,   looking untouchable behind his gilded   &   lacquered desk ,   despite the vulnerable nature of his question .   then ,   he looks closer ,   &   kakyoin sees it ;   the unsurety in his eyes ,   the concern that the bond they’ve cultivated during his stay will evaporate the moment kakyoin is no longer a stone’s throw away .   the heart - shaped smile that curves pinkish lips is mild   &   attentive ,   &   paired with the softness of his eyes ,   it extends a reassuring promise .   

“   even if it won’t be the easiest thing to arrange ,   i’ll make sure to visit you whenever i can ,   ”   kakyoin vows ,   sure steps carrying him closer to where giorno is seated .   “   that’s an effort i’m more than willing to make .   &   in the time we’re apart ,   there are plenty of ways we can keep in touch   ━━━━   i know it’s not the same as me physically being here ,   but it’s still worth a lot .   ”   daintily ,   he leans on the desk’s edge ,   a bit of melancholy seeping into his otherwise optimistic countenance .   “   i would be quite sad if i didn’t get to hear about what you’re up to .   ”   

a few beats elapse in pensive silence prior to kakyoin reaching out with a delicate hand ,   placing it atop giorno’s head of golden hair   (   extra - careful   not to disturb its immaculate style ;   he understands exactly how important that is   ) .   he smiles wider ,   effulgence beaming in his eyes   &   warmth wreathing the laughter that spills from his throat .   “   you have to tell me about everything ,   okay ??   even if you think it’s boring .   it won’t be to me .   ”

[sacredpit]

    gazing upon giorno’s   mild ,   placid countenance   from so close ,   kakyoin recalls a remark koichi had made in passing ,   asudden ;   he kind of looks like jotaro .   mostly ,   he’d been talking about the way giorno had appeared in photos taken prior to his stand awakening   ━━━━   looking at him now ,   the dark ,   pin - straight hair seems nigh on a   myth ,   &   one he’d be reluctant to assign credibility had it not been documented with the concrete evidence of modern photography .   yet ,   even now that dio’s blood has brandished its influence ,   kakyoin picks up on traces of his   joestar lineage ;   fair eyes that come in shades of oceans   &   skies ,   features fashioned to hold kindness ,   but exuding   solemn intimidation   just as easily ,   whispering an   unspeakable power   that blood enemies dare not challenge .

    but that is   exactly   what makes giorno’s existence so fascinating ;   the physical manifestation of an unthinkable paradox .   perhaps his birth represents the conquering of dio’s sworn vengeance in one way ,   &   the uncomfortable reality that he will   never really be gone   in another .   with regard to that ,   kakyoin is   (   &   fathoms that the rest of the world   should be   )   grateful that dio will   never   be allowed the chance to sink his   cold ,   undead claws   into the altruistic heart that carries giorno through life .   

    still ,   there’s no doubt that as much as he exhibits joestar traits ,   giorno is his father’s child   as far as his visage proclaims .   there’s something   softer   about him ,   howbeit ;   kakyoin remembers dio’s face   unfortunately well ,   &   his son had taken his genes   &   shaped them into a delicate ,   almost   angelic kind of beauty ,   which is surprising ,   considering the unsettling ,   devilish sort of way   that dio was attractive .   briefly ,   he considers that there is something inherently poetic about that .   perhaps it is only a   tangible reassurance   that he blossoms in a light his father cannot touch .

    “   you really ought to meet jotaro ,   ”   says kakyoin ,   lavender eyes trailing pensively toward the car’s roof .   hopefully his staring hadn’t put giorno off ,   though it’s far from the first time he’d taken his time to really   look at him .   he’s   gorgeous ,   after all .   i would have killed to look like that at sixteen .   “   there are some things about the joestars that i can tell you ,   but i think you should hear it from him .   i’m only connected by marriage ,   after all ,   &   he’s kind of become the expert on you guys’ bloodline .   ”   giggling ,   kakyoin thinks back to their time in morioh ,   where jotaro had gone to great lengths to ensure josuke knew   all there was to know   about their family history .   it’s charming ,   really ,   how dedicated his husband is to his family ,   even if the chances of him admitting it in such   sentimental terms   are near to naught .   “   i’ll be sure to bring him with me next time i’m around .   or he could come on his own ;   the only reason he’d sent koichi instead of making the trip himself is because we were preparing for jouta to arrive ,   among other things .   ”

    a brief pause allows him the chance to carefully consider the way his ensuing thoughts leave his lips .   “   he could tell you a lot about your father ,   too ,   ”   kakyoin utters ,   voice soft as he gives giorno’s hand a light squeeze .   “   though ,   come to think of it ,   i may actually be the best person to do that .   but it’s   only if you want ,   &   when you’re ready .   ”   soft lips curve into an attentive smile ,   the   mild light   in his eyes declaring that there is   no pressure   on the matter .   he couldn’t blame giorno if he   never   wanted to know ,   &   were that the case ,   he would   respect his decision .

    with regard to giorno’s thoughts on kakyoin’s own family ,   kakyoin’s expression turns reflective ,   cherry - red brows knitting toward one another in a slight furrow .   “   it’s funny you say that ,   ”   he replies ,   “   i had the same thought when all of this was revealed to me ,   &   i expressed as much to my relatives when we met .   but they had their reasons ,   &   it was hard to judge them ,   as much as i wanted to .   ”   he sighs ,   free hand raking through his crimson mane .   verily ,   the recounting of his mother’s experiences rendered him   grateful   to have been an only child .   “   plus ,   it was a different time back then .   my mother was thirty - three when i was born ,   you know .   don’t tell her i said this ,   but she’s getting old now .   ”   kakyoin laughs .

    the image of giorno flushed   &   meek all but   floors   kakyoin   ━━━━   but he tries not to let on how   adorable   he thinks it is ,   given that   he was a teenager with a crush on his best friend ,   once ,   &   such a reaction would have made him want to dissolve into a   black hole .   &   still ,   he’s beaming ;   partly with reverence for   young love   &   partly because of the familiarity of this situation ,   the nostalgia it conceives .   

    “   the only way you can know if he feels the same way is to talk to him ,   ”   he says ,   though giorno likely knows that already .   sometimes ,   the reinforcement of the truth makes it a little less daunting ;   it’s the   only option ,   after all .   “   but if you can talk to him about anything ,   this shouldn’t be any different ,   even if it’s a little complicated .   beyond that ,   if you can’t be vulnerable with the man you trust with your life ,   then who   can   you be vulnerable with ,   really ??   ”   there’s a certain sparkle in kakyoin’s eyes as he looks at giorno ,   a clear wish for his happiness strung between each iris .   “   not that i know from experience or anything ,   but if you wait too long to talk to him about it ,   your feelings will just implode   &   seek resolve on their own ,   whether you’re ready or not .   &   it’s a little embarrassing to confess to your first love when you’re both almost thirty .   so avoid going that route ,   if you can ,   ”   again ,   kakyoin giggles ,   a light cerise dyeing the tips of his ears .   better late than never ,   right ?? 

    his sweet smile angles into something of a   smirk   as the issue of sexuality comes into consideration .   “   are you kidding ??   there’s   no way   mista is straight ,   ”   kakyoin waves his hand dismissively .   “   that’s the most bisexual - looking kid i’ve ever seen .   &   i knew polnareff in 1988 ,   so i know what i’m talking about .   ”

It makes Giorno smile softly when he thinks about what it'll be like for the red head's son to grow up in not just a loving home but one who knows stands. He's happy for his relative, glad to know that little Jouta will have a better childhood than he did. Jealous? No, Giorno isn't the type to feel things like jealousy in most ways. He has his moments, he is still a teenager, but not when it came to other people having happiness when he didn't.

He looks in bewilderment with his aquamarine eyes inherited from the Joestar family, feeling like that of a child learning a family secret from a parent than a factual lessons on how deep stands run in bloodlines. "Like...the Joestar family? Ah, but, I'm afraid I'm still in the dark on my own bloodline." It'd be nice to know more about the mystery of the Joestar line, even the Brando bloodline that flows through him from Dio. "That's a shame they never told your mother. If I were in such a situation, I'd think it be irresponsible not to tell." Speaking politely, curious on what kind of situation that'd even be like in the first place.

Hearing someone else point out his blatant crush on his closest friend leaves Giorno speechless at first, even cheeks dusted pink when he stares down at the car floor as if it would hide his face. Giorno may have a stone cold face to everyone else, but most weren't even able to see his expressions on his face to point out that he held feelings for his own bodyguard. "I...don't think that far to think of marriage, but...I do like him." Even his own feelings were a bit lost on him though, as those feelings meant exploring a much more vulnerable side of his heart that he didn't quite feel ready to acknowledge.

"It would be nice to know if he feels something similar or has an interest in men, I suppose I've just never found a reason to ask without seeming odd in the moment." In a way, it's Giorno asking for advice, to know how to get close without that painful feeling of rejection.

[sacredpit]

new tag dump bc all my tags have been yeeted into the void (1/2)

VERSES:

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲  ?   /   undetermined .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲  𝗶   /   post - stardust crusaders .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲  𝗶𝗶   /   stardust  crusaders .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲  𝗶𝗶𝗶   /   diamond  is  unbreakable .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲  𝗶𝘃   /   vento  aureo   &   stone  ocean .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲  𝘃   /   modern   &   university .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲  𝘃𝗶   /   assassin .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲  𝘃𝗶𝗶   /   kitsune .   】

WRITING:

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀   /   replies .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀   /   unprompted  answers .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀   /   prompted  answers .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀   /   prompts .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀   /   closed  starters .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀   /   open  starters .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀   /   headcanons   &   metadata .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀   /   shitposts .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀   /   dash  commentary .   】

VISUALS:

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆   /   likeness .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆   /   hierophant  green .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆   /   aesthetics .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆   /   stardust crusaders .   】

【   *  🍒  教皇    ›    ❛   𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆   /   miscellaneous .   】

[sacredpit]

【   *  🍒     ·     𝗝𝗢𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗢   /   ⁽  @praeteritus-memories​​ .  ⁾   】   ©

That was the last time he ever takes advice from his grandfather on how to actually flirt. Are you an angel because I'm falling for you!? Seriously, Jotaro Kujo?

How in the world could his husband flirt so effortlessly is something the marine biologist will never actually be able to understand. Sometimes, it feels like Kakyoin is the one to sweep him off his feet rather than the other way around.

Still, he gives a grumpy frown when he stares down at him.

"Good grief..." He starts, trying to act like he isn't hopelessly flustered. "I thought that...it would make you blush or somethin'."

          to merely state that noriaki is charmed by his husband’s flustered display would fail to encapsulate the extent to which he is both enamoured   &   entertained .   a blindingly bright smile spreads along the wide expanse of his tender mouth ,   so large it nearly forces his eyes shut ,   the violet hues phasing into crescents of mirth .     “   that sounded suspiciously like something mr .   joestar would say ,   ”   he says ,   leaning forward   &   lifting up onto his toes ,   limiting the space between them so that jotaro may not avoid his coquettish gaze .   “   don’t tell me you’re starting to become your grandfather already ,   jojo .   you aren’t   that   old ,   yet .   ”   he snickers ,   stretching the mere six - month gap between their nativities .

          upon closer inspection of the shift in jotaro’s expression ,   noriaki’s heart flutters just like it had over twenty years ago ,   his affection for the other man as juvenescent now as it had been then .   “    my ,   my !!   ”   he exclaims ,   his laugh like mellow music as it fills the air around them .   “   kujo jotaro ,   are you   pouting ??   you’re adorable !!   ”   to emphasize this opinion   (   which noriaki would argue is   utter fact   &   purely undebatable   ) ,   he reaches up   &   takes the other’s face into his hands ,   tugging him down until their foreheads can meet .   

          “   i’m sorry ,   i didn’t mean to make fun of you ,   ”   he snickers ,   brushing his thumbs gently over his partner’s cheekbones .   “   here ,   i’ve got one of my own .   life without you would be like a broken pencil   . . .   ”   the redhead pauses ,   allowing the silence to build anticipation like any seasoned comedian would .   “   . . .   pointless .    ”

[sacredpit]

↳               @lumitris​​  wrote   :     ❝   didn’t your grandmother ever tell you to finish what you start ?   ❞    prosciutto 🔫 👁👁

                           prompted          /          selectively accepting !!

          the sharpness of   discerning lavenders   form amethyst daggers behind the sable lenses of his eyewear ,   the intensity of his gaze managing a seemingly impossible feat by cutting right through the blackout shades .   kakyoin takes a good look at the other man ,   surveying his austere expression   &   unyielding disposition ,   &   considers the possibility that he may foster intent to kill him   ———   even so ,  it is not something he concerns himself with to a greater degree than necessary .   clearly the blonde is shouldering some kind of   ego ,   &   for now ,   kakyoin elects to humour it ,   seeing as though his original goal of moving on with his mission without embarking on any detours inches further from reality with each passing second .

“   any grandmother i’ve had died long before i may have been presented with any opportunity to meet her ,   ”   replies the redhead ,   a loose ,   though refined   nonchalance   about his tone .   in reaching up to remove his glasses ,   symmetrically scarred eyes are revealed ,   &   the severity of his unwavering glare achieves its full ,   unobstructed potential .   “   despite that ,   i’m not the kind of man that leaves loose ends behind .   you’ve mistaken my   compassion   for carelessness .   ” 

kakyoin clicks his tongue in an almost tauntingly   maternal   manner ,   eyes remaining fixed on the other man ;   cool - toned irises glitter like brandished blades in the broadness of daylight .   “   you see ,   prosciutto ,   i intended to allow you to walk away with your life .   as to whether or not that   changes ,   the choice is yours ,   ”   he utters simply ,   as if presenting any mundane ultimatum .   “   i know all about your stand .   &   while i can concede that it is quite a unique ability ,   i’m afraid you are   no match for me ,   signore .   ”

[sacredpit]

    he’d been expecting this conversation .

    since he’d come to italy to meet giorno   &   what remains of his closest friends ,   kakyoin had been increasingly aware of the figure looming ominously at the backs of both their minds ,   demanding attention   in death as much as he had in life .   yet ,   despite the whisper of a resemblance ,   he can’t see much of   dio   in the refined   &   lionhearted adolescent that shares his space now ;   giorno is all his own person ,   made up of a unique concoction of hardships conquered ,   ambitions pursued ,   &   passions cultivated .   verily ,   kakyoin cannot claim he’s ever met anyone quite like passione’s young but   powerful   don ,   though he thinks he catches glimpses of himself in him every once in a while .   the time they’ve spent together thus far ,   in spite of its brevity ,   has revealed to him a   golden child   for which a soft spot quickly grows at his core .

a weighted sigh gusts past parted lips ,   scarred eyes lowering toward the evanescing shoreline behind crystalline lenses ,   the light of day shifting against his glasses .   “   ‘ complex ’   is quite a diplomatic way to put it ,   ”   replies kakyoin ,   a bitter ,   but truly humored chuckle beneath his tone .   “   these days ,   i think of it more as nonsensical ,   even if i’ve long since given my younger self grace for falling into his mousetrap .   but giorno ,   as much of a   demon   as your father was ,   it isn’t so easy to answer your question .   not as easy as you may think it to be ,   anyway .   ”   

kakyoin’s lips curve into a gentle smile as he reciprocates the established eye contact ,   a softness to his gaze often reserved for those held closest to his heart .   “   of course you could never be like him .   you have empathy ,   &   a sense of humanity ,   &   a regard for life that he would view as weaknesses .   he was a man   ━━━━   a   being   ━━━━   so consumed by a lust for power that could never be satisfied ,   that he would exploit anyone   &   anything to the furthest extent ,   even if it meant he was only a centimeter closer to his ever - heightening goal .   ”   there’s a falter in his expression as he thinks back to the time he spent in that mansion ,   seeking a companionship that had been dangled over his head on a fraying string   &   losing more of himself with every second he spent at dio’s feet .   his jaw tightens just slightly ,   but the light does not leave his eyes ,   even as a dainty - looking hand raises to remove his glasses . 

“   but despite all of that ,   he wasn’t   all   bad .   no one is ,   ”   he utters ,   voice softening an octave .   “   it took me many years to be able to admit that .   nothing will ever be able to justify the atrocities he committed ,   &   the selfish motives he held for pretty much   anything   he did in his life ,   but there was a reason i was drawn to him ,   that i   trusted   him .   he gave me knowledge of myself i never could have received anywhere else ,   &   helped me to unlock the full extent of my stand’s capabilities .   ”   crimson brows thread together as kakyoin’s thoughts ,   strung together over years of reflection   &   growing maturity ,   present themselves with clarity he wouldn’t have been ready to accept at seventeen ,   freshly victimized .   “   as much as i hate that absolute fucking monster ,   i can’t disregard that .   

so ,   my point is   . . .   if you feel a connection to him ,   an urge to   love him ,   even ,   you shouldn’t feel bad about it .   you said it yourself ,   you could never be what he was .   but he’s still your father   . . .   it’s only natural that some part of you would seek him out that way ,   giorno .   ”   kakyoin watches as the boy stares at the photo he’s kept with him all these years ,   &   there’s a tug in his chest as he thinks of the comfort giorno may have sought in that mysterious image ,   the   value   it holds to him ,   that may have carried him through strife .   “   you are   so young ,   & though you have already accomplished so much ,   you still have a lot to learn .   dio cannot teach you any of those things ,   &   even if he could ,   i can’t imagine his perspective would benefit you much .   but it’s okay to take comfort in what he could have been .   it doesn’t mean that you want to be like him  . . .   just that you want what he should have given you .   ”

𝑬𝑴𝑷𝑨𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑻𝑰𝑪 𝑺𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑺▓ ❛  I know it feels like no one understands, but I'm listening now.  ❜ @sacredpit

❝ That's very kind. ❞ Seafoam hues can only stare with softness, the faintest hints of a smile lifting the corners of his lips at the sentiment. A breath is taken as Giorno looks away, his breath rolling with the breeze as he leans against the railing of a hillside near the ocean, his blonde hair swaying ever so lightly. ❝. . .I understand that the history between my father and you has had its complexities.❞ He'd begin, his eyes finally drifting to the shoreline, where he watched the ocean recede from the sandy beach. ❝ He and I aren't the same. . .I couldn't be like him if I tried. . .but to know my life is attached to someone so heinous. . .❞ A gentle sigh as melancholy takes hold of his voice, a hand gripping the railing tightly as he continues to look over his shoulder at the beach.

Finally, Giorno glances back to Kakyoin, ❝ Just how vile was he ? ❞ Giorno isn't even sure why he's asking, but he needs wants to know. What better person to ask than a victim of his father, and when would an opportunity like this present itself again? ❝ Please. . .Don't sugarcoat it, I want to hear it all. . .It's troubling missing someone I've never known. . .let alone someone like him.❞ Finally, a hand lifts, reaching to his back pocket to pull out his wallet so that he may look down at the photograph of DIO, a sigh leaving his lips once more as his thumb grazes the plastic covering the image. ❝ To only have a photograph. . .I imagine it's nothing compared to the monster he actually was. ❞

[sacredpit]

↳               @lumitris​​  wrote   :     ❝   you came all the way here to see me ?   ❞ - jolyne 🥺💕💕

                             prompted          /          accepting !!

          a wide mouth pulls into a taut line ,   the plushness of the redhead’s lips vanishing as they press into one another ,   while the gentle indentations of his dimples appear .   the moment she says those words ,   the guilt he’d felt for allowing this to happen in the first place steeps in density ,   rendering the crackling heart in his chest an   anchor   that plunges deeper   &   deeper into a sea of grief .   since jolyne had been put away in this   awful place ,   noriaki hadn’t stopped agonizing over the loneliness   &   anxiety   &   distress   she must have been experiencing ;   her distraught cries as she was forced out of the courtroom   &   into custody echoing in his mind .

“   i don’t like how surprised you sound ,   ”   he utters almost airily ,   swallowing the urge to sob at the sight of her .   she carries herself well ,   a skill she had undoubtedly inherited from jotaro ,   but as he peers into her eyes   &   thus beyond whatever display of strength   &   agency she feels compelled to offer ,   the fear for her future   &   heartache   toward her circumstances   (   &   how severely they have   shaken her   )   manifests in perfect clarity .   a moment’s brevity sees kakyoin holding his breath ,   raising a hand to rest against the plexiglass separating them ,   wishing he could reach for her   &   provide some comfort .   unfortunately ,   only one visitor is allowed at a time ,   &   after the chaos that had ensued during jotaro’s time with her ,   unrestricted encounters are off the table .   unfortunately ,   this is the best he can do   ———   without leaving her   worse off ,   at least .   

“   jolyne ,   of course i came to see you .   if you think i’m mad or disappointed or anything like that ,   don’t ,   ”   he insists ,   speaking earnestly ,   almost   pleadingly   into the receiver allowing them to hear one another .   “   even if i was ,   it wouldn’t matter .   my focus is your safety   &   making sure we can bring you home   &   get you out of this fucking mess ,   ”   says noriaki ,   voice replete with sincerity .   

          “   anything beyond that is collateral .   ”

[sacredpit]

【   *  🍒     ·    JOTARO   /   @praeteritus-memories   /   x .   】

"Guess I'm still on edge, even years later." Is it that hard for him to just relax? He's sitting on the edge of the bed, of course he can already feel his husband's slender hands against his back where he clearly feels his tense muscles.

"Nori, how the hell do you relax?" He swears the red head is always so calm compared to how tense and almost heated Jotaro was at every moment. Perhaps it just shows the contrast between the two of them.

          touching had been nothing of a necessity where noriaki’s ability to perceive his husband’s unease is concerned .   since their hearts converged at seventeen ,   the redhead could detect even the subtlest intricacies of jotaro’s mood ;   he understands him like no one else ,   &   this aspect of their bond had only strengthened   &   deepened impossibly more over the years they’d shared ,   &   even now as they navigate their   forties .   

          yet ,   even if he does not need to touch jotaro to sense the tension that wrings his limbs in tightly like those of a   ball - jointed - doll ,   he finds the physical contact can serve as a grounding reminder of his presence in the life of his beloved ,   a wordless whisper of   ‘  i’m here for you ;  i’m right here ,  ’   when talking comes as too much of a chore for either of the two men .   noriaki recalls restless nights in foreign hotel rooms where he’d settled a deceivingly delicate hand overtop of jotaro’s much larger   &   more calloused one ,   &   similarly reassuring caresses on shoulders   &   thighs   &   upper backs .   this had   always   been part of their relationship ,   long before they’d fully understand just how far their feelings would go .

          “   no matter how many years it’s been ,   it’ll always feel like it happened yesterday ,   ”   replies the crimson - tressed ,   skating thoughtful fingers down the solid muscle of his husband’s back ,   pressing slightly into the emphasized bulge where the stress clusters into knots .   “   you know ,   jotaro ,   sometimes i wonder how the time passed for him .   we were so young back then ,   but he’d lived our whole lives ten times over   &   then some ,   even if he’d spent a lot of it locked away at the bottom of the sea .   ”   a pause ,   &   the wide seam of soft lips pulling tighter with unease .   he’s not a teenager anymore ,   but even still ,   it’s hard to talk about dio without that   bitter   feeling eclipsing his mind .   he’d faced his fear of the vampire ,   &   beyond that ,   he conquered it ,   but to say the whole process had   fucked him up   would be an understatement .   the blunt truth is that they’re   all   still fucked up after egypt .   &   it’s likely that in a handful of ways ,   they always will be .   “   those fifty days felt like an eternity to me .   but for him ,   for dio ,   was it only a few moments ?? ”

          the question makes his heart ache .   truth be told ,   noriaki is far from calm   &   collected at all times ;   he’s only learned to play the part well .   for the sake of quick wit ,   for the sake of not causing alarm in his loved ones ,   for the sake of being able to move on   &   enjoy his life to the fullest .   slowly ,   he wraps his arms around jotaro from behind ,   pressing his cheek to the larger man’s nape as he kneels behind him on their bed .   “   i keep busy ,   ”   he answers ,   the softest chuckle in his tone .   “   with spw ,   before i retired from the field so my children wouldn’t have to worry about me dying before they even got to high school .   now it’s mostly with research ,   &   teaching ,   &   training ,   not to mention the fact that there’s never a dull moment around here   . . . ”   there’s a smile on noriaki’s face ;   something of a bittersweet one .   “   but   . . .   there are still times where i lie awake at night ,   &   i see the streets of cairo from where i was crushed into that water tower .   &   i get scared to close my eyes ,   just like i was then .   ”   he’s pulling away now ,   but only so that he may sit at jotaro’s side ,   rather than at his back .   his hand does not move from its place at the dark - haired man’s shoulder blade ,   however ,   even as lavender eyes raise to meet the oceans of his beloved’s gaze .   

          “   but i’m still here ,   jojo .   &   you’re here with me .   &   we have a beautiful family ,   &   a beautiful life .   so ,   to answer your question   . . .   most days ,   just remembering that   ——   just being with you   ——   is enough to help me relax .   ”

[sacredpit]

tag dump  (  1  ) .

[sacredpit]

threads of surprise unravel ’round kakyoin’s thoughts as giorno suddenly   apologizes ,   an authentic tinge of   remorse   coloring his words   &   the soft lineaments of his angelic face ,   having him resemble some dolefully cherubic figure in a classic painting .   he’d have never expected such a formal expression of regret with regard to a rather   trivial matter   where it fits amid the bigger picture ,   but the more he considers it ,   kakyoin thinks he can grasp a better understanding of giorno’s   true character ;   the earnest sincerity that occupies his carefully concealed core .   it reminds him of jotaro at giorno’s age   ━━━━   though where his beloved masked his altruism with well - rehearsed apathetic aggression ,   giorno takes a more   regal   approach ,   as if he aims to present himself as something   divinely untouchable .

    relief elicits a mild sensation around kakyoin’s pulse .   to see further evidence of those seemingly   impenetrable walls   crumbling in his presence allows the thought that giorno is truly comfortable with him ,   &   that is nothing short of a blessing .   

    “   i’m certain you had other things on your mind at the time ,   considering all that happened in the following week ,   ”   he empathizes ,   cool violets taking on a tender warmth .   “   &   beyond that ,   you’re so young   [   . . .   ]   most people your age aren’t so interested in their lineage ,   since being a teenager takes so much energy by itself .   ”   the latter sentiment is uttered on a breath warbled with soft laughter ;   a gentle initiative to   lighten the mood ,   &   any lingering guilt giorno may carry in relation to his past dismissiveness .

    one of giorno’s men returns to the car to retrieve them ,   but kakyoin waves him off before giorno can register his resurgence .   he isn’t quite ready for a change of scenery ,   concerned it may disturb the natural flow of their conversation .   “   oh ,   yes   ━━━━   he’s a marine biologist !!   &   a very passionate one ,   ”   kakyoin beams ,   monolid eyes phasing into   lavender crescents   with the mirthful spread of his lips .   “   i’ve told him quite a lot about your stand abilities over the phone ,   &   i’m sure i’ve only added to what he knows from koichi’s research .   i really think the two of you would get along so well ,   but   [   . . .   ]   ”   pensively ,   kakyoin pauses ,   employing the lull in his speech to carefully select his words regarding so   sensitive a matter . 

    “   [   . . .   ]   he has some reservations .   nothing you’ve done ,   of course ,   but he’s a bit wary of what remains of your father .   ”   solemnity bleeds into kakyoin’s expression ,   a blend of reflectiveness   &   foreboding   illustrated amid his features .   he’d rather not tell giorno of the trauma that haunts him   &   his husband in light of all they had endured by dio’s orchestration ,   the   dread   that remains despite his death being so far into the past ,   now .   because it has nothing to do with giorno ,   he is not his father ,   &   if he knew the depths of dio’s monstrous depravity   &   the toll it has taken on kakyoin ,   on jotaro ,   on the ones they love   &   have loved ,   he would likely be appalled to have been fathered by such an   abominable creature .

     even so ,   he understands jotaro’s reluctance .   though giorno is not connected to their trauma ,   he is connected to the one that caused it ,   &   that alone can make it hard to look at him   ━━━━   at that   face   that mirrors   evil incarnate . 

     “   but ,   ”   kakyoin continues ,   a   sweet serenity   returning to his softening visage ,   “   i don’t think he will feel that way for long .   i know that once he meets you ,   he’ll be comforted by what a lovely person you are .   i had similar concerns when i first arrived ,   after all   [   . . .   ]   but now i can’t even stand to say goodbye to you .   ”   the joyful twinkle returns to moonlike eyes as kakyoin turns his face toward giorno ,   pulling him closer by the grip interlocking their hands .   “   you’re family ,   no matter how you got here .   i’ll hold you in my heart ,   always .   ”

     less than surprised by giorno’s tendency to   dismiss his own feelings   (   it sounds a lot like   another joestar   he knows   ━━━━   a few of them ,   actually   ) ,   kakyoin instead focuses on the implications laid bare by his   clumsy attempt   to address them for the first time .   again ,   he is   unthinkably endeared   by the cuteness of it all ,   but he dare not utter this aloud ,   suspending the urge to fawn over what   must   be a   budding romance ,   even if giorno can’t quite see it from his angle .

     “   i understand that feeling ,   ”   says kakyoin ,   a reminiscing hum low in his throat .   “   it’s easy to think of yourself as helpless   &   weak when it comes to matters of the heart ;   it can feel like you’re cutting yourself open   &   letting someone else look inside ,   &   that’s not something you can come back from if things don’t go the way you want .   ”   with his free hand ,   pale fingers sweep scarlet tresses over his shoulder ,   emerald - hued nails a shimmering contrast in the light of day ,   as it filters through tinted windows .   in that same effulgence ,   kakyoin’s wedding ring sparkles ,   as if winking suggestively .   “   i don’t think there’s any need for that ,   ”   he giggles ,   eyebrows raising as his gaze befalls giorno with amusement .   “   do you honestly think he would need an excuse ,   if he didn’t share your feelings ??   you two have been through so much ;   your friendship would be just fine .

     [   . . .   ]   though ,   ”   unable to help himself ,   something of an impish smile takes the place of kakyoin’s innocent beam .   “   if you want my opinion ,   i don’t think you have anything to worry about .   i think he likes you ,   too .   ”

For as much as Giorno often lies to himself and those around him that he could care less about his lineage, the truth was that Giorno wanted to know as much as he could about this entire side of a family he never knew and the man he idolized for so long from a single photograph in his wallet. Even now, Giorno still has that photo of Dio in his wallet. His father's face is from the side, focused and staring off at something, but Giorno could see from a vague photo that he held similarities with him.

It's a blessing to him that he eventually inherited his golden hair that shined like the sun itself, for that sudden change in hair and even it's length was the final piece the young mafia don needed to pick up what little he had to run away from home and far away from his 'parents' as possible. Likely, it fed into the delusion for Giorno that his father was some sort of hero for him, despite never meeting the man or knowing a thing beyond the vague impression his mother had of him when they met.

Teal eyes, the one thing he could tell he didn't inherit from neither Dio nor his mother, looked to his golden braid while fingertips ran through it to fidget just a bit. Truly, the innocence and kindness in the teenager's face really did contrast his father in every way. Perhaps if Jonathan Joestar were alive in some way, or by some bizarre circumstance they met, one would see that Giorno's heart was far more akin to that of the very Joestar that started it all while inheriting all the cunning and malice Dio had when it came to being the boss of Italy's criminal underground.

"I apologize I feigned disinterest and dismissive before about the Joestar line when Koichi told me." Rather, he had too much on his mind to suddenly care about strangers overseas that he wonders the reason behind never once finding Giorno in the first place. "I would like to meet Doctore Kujo, I heard from Koichi he's a fan of animals as well. Ah...He's a doctor of sea life, right?" The word in English slips his mind, but Giorno always did hold a soft spot for animals and biology. Hell, several times his teachers in science would praise him for his high marks and some would ask if he'd be a veterinarian when he grew up.

Yet to hear that Kakyoin has a good relationship with his family, even joking about his mother's age, makes Giorno give a rare childish laugh. Perhaps it's the first time he feels like he can be a sixteen year old teenager instead of someone who had to hold the world over his shoulders. It's a nice feeling, a freeing feeling.

"I've never really, allowed myself to talk to others about romance before. When my friends talked about how pretty Trish was or arguing over who would ask her out, I didn't really pay attention or understand it." It's just a girl, why argue over her like a toy in a store? "All this is new to me, allowing myself to tell someone my emotions without being seen as useless to them." Useless, that's exactly how he felt throughout his whole life, even now he still feels that way about himself. "I suppose at the very least, if he doesn't feel the same, I could just feign I was wonder a stand attack or...No, saying I became drunk doesn't make sense when I don't drink." Already calculating, poor Giorno was trying to put method and planning into something from the heart.

Cheeks begin to dust pink though, when he thinks if there was ever a moment when he might've expressed feelings for Mista by accident. There was that time he grabbed him by the waist and was unbelievably close to him when they used their stands together, something that still makes Giorno feel as though his heart is going to burst knowing he was that close to Mista.

[sacredpit]

    years of stand research had bared truths to kakyoin that seemed   unimaginable   through the lens of his younger self ,   but this is only part of what makes that aspect of his job so rewarding .   he’d learned a lot about himself in egypt ;   dio’s   ‘  guidance  ’   had been one thing ,   but the fifty - day fight for his life ,   through the endless stress   &   bone - crushing pressure ,   allowed him to refine   &   polish his synchronism with hierophant to the point that he’d been able to nigh on   unwittingly   devise a method of survival in what had nearly become his final moments .   he’d been told by jotaro   &   mr. joestar what a   shock   it had been to discover that he was still breathing ;   that they’d gone up to the water tower expecting to recover a   corpse .   &   as he’d lain in the hospital ,   roused from a month - long coma   &   nursing a broken body back to strength ,   kakyoin resolved that he’d spend the rest of his life unveiling the truth about this   incredible gift   with which he’d been born   ━━━━   that perhaps he could cultivate a   world of knowledge   that could save young users like he’d once been from wondering if they’d been born with a curse ,   from feeling as though they’re meant to be alone due to strange powers they can’t yet control ,   from stumbling into the false comfort of a cult .

    he’s made progress already .   though much of the intel he’s gathered is still classified ,   kakyoin has found ways to reach out to stand users all across the world   &   build bridges of solidarity with them .   beyond that ,   there’s been an exciting development in his own family ,   too .   “   mm   . . .   it’s definitely for the best that your parents couldn’t hurt you more than they already have ,   ”   he murmurs ,   maintaining a steadiness in his voice that masks the heat of   anger   simmering amid his viscera .   but as he thinks of his own child ,   likely driving his other father insane with his boundless energy   &   penchant for mischief ,   a bit of the weight lifts from his heart .   “   it’s hard to tell for sure because he’s still so young ,   but our jouta is showing signs of having a stand .   nothing has fully manifested yet ,   but since i was born a stand user ,   i know what to look for .   ”   a fond smile curls the seam of glossed lips ,   a flutter in his chest as he thinks back to the first sign he’d noticed :   jouta can see their stands .

    there’s something   profound   about the fact that he can give his son the childhood he’d never had ;   that jouta will   never   feel the desolation he felt ,   the isolation from his own parents who struggled to understand him ,   who didn’t believe him .   it offers a sense of intrinsic peace that   nothing else can ,   as if a tragic cycle had been broken   &   old ,   deep wounds had finally closed up . 

    “   interestingly enough ,   my mother was actually born to a family of stand users ,   ”   he adds ,   absentmindedly pressing the pad of his thumb into the soft center of giorno’s palm ;   an affectionate touch he tends to offer jouta   &   jolyne .   “   she was the only one of four daughters without a stand .   both her parents had stands ,   too   ━━━━   &   because of that ,   they decided to never tell her anything about their abilities .   i guess they thought it would never be part of her life ,   especially when she left morioh to marry my dad .   needless to say ,   she was very ill - prepared to have a stand user for a son ,   ”   a muted giggle envelops the   irony   of the situation ;   the reason he can laugh rather than   cry about it   now lies in the mending of their shattered relationship . 

    the volume of his laughter dials up when giorno articulates another similarity between them ,   pure mirth the force that elicits the amplification .   “   i don’t doubt that for a second ,   ”   replies kakyoin ,   eyes creasing as if they’re smiling on their own .   “   look at all you   &   your friends have accomplished   . . .   only an ambitious person could achieve what you have .   what a blessing that you have such a good heart   &   a righteous spirit .   ”   raising his knees to fold comfortably but neatly ,   one atop the other ,   kakyoin reclines against the backseat ,   his seatbelt long abandoned since the car has been motionless for a while ,   the crimson waves of his hair spilling vibrantly against sleek black leather .   he hums thoughtfully as giorno talks about his friends ,   but at the mention of mista ,   his eyes gradually start to widen ,   sparkling with interest like an amethyst geode turned toward the sun .  

    of course he had noticed .   kakyoin couldn’t help but observe the way the two interact ,   especially when they couldn’t have realized he was looking   ━━━━   &   to an untrained eye ,   it could resemble any other close friendship ,   forged through shared victories   &   losses   &   exuding a depth of which only the two of them know the bounds .   but kakyoin saw something   . . .   familiar   in them ;   something he hadn’t recognized when he was their age ,   but presents itself with unmistakable clarity now that he is over a decade older   &   has made it to the other side of his unstable hormones   &   laughable yearning .   thus ,   as he looks at how flustered giorno is becoming ,   kakyoin cannot so much as   hope   to inhibit the grin that slowly stretches from cheek to cheek ,   prompting the depth of his dimples to perforate the smooth ,   supple skin .

    “   the two of you are   quite close ,   aren’t you ??   ”   he says ,   emphasizing his words by slanting nearer to giorno himself ,   just enough so that the kindred scents of their respective perfumes mingle in a fragrant haze .   “   oh ,   giorno ,   are you saying that you’d like to marry mista one day ??   i mean ,   i think you   would   make a cute couple   . . .   ”   he’s teasing ,   evidenced by the way he starts to giggle ,   eyes fully crescented as he gives giorno’s hand a playful squeeze .   but there’s honesty in his words ,   too ;   kakyoin may or may not have fawned over how cute they are ,   even if in the privacy of his own mind .   briefly ,   he wonders if mr. joestar or mr. avdol looked upon himself   &   jotaro the same way ,   all those years ago .   

    “   if you like him ,   you can tell me ,   ”   he all but coos the words ,   the songful warble endowing his voice with an almost maternal warmth .   “   trust me ,   giogio ,   i’ve been right where you are .   i know   all   about it .   ”

Born to an entire family of stand users? Giorno can't begin to comprehend the concept in his mind of what it would be like to belong to an entire family of stand users. Ironic his thoughts, in the dark that he had brothers out there with stands as well, but it would've made an isolated childhood feel just a little bit less so. Then again, he merely pictures a childhood like that with different parents entirely. What would normally be thoughts of Dio in the role of a father, rather what he envisions him to be in his mind rather than the actual facts, comes instead to be Kakyoin of all things. Funny, he wasn't used to picturing the living in his mind when he thinks about people who would give him security and safety.

"I almost envy the concept of a family of stand users, but then I think to mama and Signore Giovanna and I suddenly find relief in the fact that they didn't." Maybe a hint to Kakyoin that he didn't have favorable parents, rather deplorable ones which makes Giorno's instinctive kindness a miracle, but also showed how much he trusted the other to know pieces of himself the more they knew one another. "It would have been nice to have at least friends who understood, who could see the plants around me grow in minutes without thinking I was cursed." Part of the reason Giorno was bullied and picked on so often as a child. Aside from being born rather small and having clothes that didn't fit him right due to neglect at home.

Yet it makes him all the more relieved to have people now who don't even view him as a freak or someone to fear, he has family and friends now. His closest friends were ones who viewed his abilities as a blessing, or that it was a reflection of his very soul rather than some power to use to get ahead of the game.

"I know you'll give me the best party in all of Europe." Even if it was small or large, it already sounded like the best birthday ever to know people wanted to celebrate it instead of ignore it. "A coincidence that I'm the same way. When I have a goal in mind, I do everything to achieve it." Similarities were something that made Giorno feel at ease, even look up to Kakyoin as a mentor. Funny how he was the don to one of the biggest mafia organizations in Italy, yet he was the one viewing someone meant to basically spy on him as that of a mentor.

"Fugo's temper is...unusual, but it isn't anything I can't handle personally." Maybe he's used to it? Then again, Giorno didn't view it as that bad by comparison. Yet his words make him feel happy in a way, hope for himself for his own future maybe? "It's funny you mention such a thing, I found Mista to be someone I struggled to understand when we first met, but now...He's one of my best friends." Maybe it was the way that Mista didn't grow furious with Giorno when he was frozen in the car, how he was panicking as all his fears overwhelmed him to the point of being unable to properly use his stand, yet he stood up like a hero and quite literally took bullets for him. Oh, God, why does thinking about him every time make Giorno feel like he's gonna collapse on the ground? Nope, he can't let himself look like a fool talking about him, so instead he clears his throat to pretend like he didn't look struck by cupid's arrow.

"What? Oh, no, but your Italian is wonderful compared to my Japanese. Even so, I'd be happy to teach you some words over the phone if you help me learn Japanese." He was honestly bashful about compliments to himself, dismissive when he didn't really see his talents the way others did.

[sacredpit]

    kakyoin listens with heartful earnestness as giorno describes his similar history with his stand .   it sounds familiar enough to conjure images of his own lonesome childhood ;   his younger self isolated in a quiet ,   lightless corner with hierophant’s tendrils curled around his legs ,   the extension of his soul attempting to   console   him in its embrace .   silently ,   he wishes for his childhood self to be able to reach across time   &   space to connect with the younger giorno   ━━━━   to hold his hand   &   to prove to him that he’s not alone ;   that if he could just hold on a few more years ,   the world would open up   &   show   both of them   the loving companionship they’d only been able to find in dreams thus far . 

    “   no one really knows why stand users seem to attract each other ,   yet ,   ”   says kakyoin ,   an introspective gleam to his gaze as it wanders away from giorno ,   “   but i’ve always thought it was to counteract that initial feeling of isolation .   some people are born to entire families of stand users ,   &   some aren’t so lucky   ━━━━   but even so ,   being a stand user is still a one - in - a - million thing .   i think our powers have some kind of universal pull that calls to others like us ,   for better or for worse .   ”   that’s how   dio   found me ,   after all .   electing not to dwell on that idea much longer ,   a tiny breath puffs past his nares ,   laughter sewn into the suspiration .   “   obviously ,   it’s nearly impossible to prove that .   but there’s no way i’ll die without trying ,   at least .   ”

    the beaming smile that had temporarily departed returns upon giorno’s display of excitement ;   kakyoin’s core resembles the hearth of a furnace by sensation ,   melting away the   atmospheric chill   of the outside world   &   providing a warm   &   comfortable place to rest   &   be vulnerable .   “   i wouldn’t call myself a party expert by any means ,   but i’ve picked up some skills over the years .   besides ,   i’m determined to give you the best birthday party anyone’s ever seen ,   ”   he replies ,   punctuating his claim with a wink of his left eye .   then ,   he grins ,   eyes rendered amethyst crescents by the growth of his smile .   “   ━━━━   &   when i put my mind to something ,   i make sure it happens .   ”

    &   it’s   true   ━━━━   no known power can hinder the   unstoppable force   that is kakyoin   (   now kujo   )   noriaki’s ambition .   (   perhaps it could be construed as silly that he’d put   so much energy   toward this ,   but he wouldn’t hear it ;   he’d go to the ends of the earth for his loved ones ,   notwithstanding how trivial the matter seems ,   &   giorno is no exception .   )

    “   oh ,   ”   he voices ,   long lashes fluttering in the vein of butterfly wings as his interest shifts to the discussion of giorno’s friends ,   “   they sound lovely already .   though i believe mista may have said something about fugo having quite a temper ,   &   i wasn’t sure if he was being facetious or not .   ”   he seemed to have the kind of rollicking personality that polnareff used to embody ;   a perfect foil to the reserved   &   composed giorno .   bearing this in mind ,   kakyoin begins to imagine what giorno’s other friends are like ,   &   how they complement him .   he smiles with a certain sentimentality to it .   “   either way ,   i’m sure it’s nothing that would put me off .   jotaro was   quite a character   when we first met ,   &   i ended up marrying him ,   so i’d like to think i’m good at seeing peoples’ hearts .   ”   &   if they’re friends of yours ,   their hearts must be nearly as golden .   

    somepoint amid their discussion of takoyaki   &   other wonders of kakyoin’s homeland ,   the car comes to a stop   &   a gaze through the blackout window reveals their destination ;   a charming   gelateria   that looks to be as old as the city itself .   the driver gestures for them to wait before climbing out ,   likely to secure the area for someone as   important   as passione’s don .   for the umpteenth time ,   the passive knowledge at the back of kakyoin’s brain that his beloved giorno is also technically   the most powerful person in all of italy   is activated .   not that it alters the way he sees him ;   kakyoin is well - versed in the concept of   two things being true at once   ━━━━   perhaps he even embodies this duality himself .

     “   not bad !!   ”   he says with a lighthearted chuckle ,   squeezing giorno’s hand in a gush of endearment toward how   cute   he sounded .   “   don’t be embarrassed ;   japanese is hard .   but you used to speak it ,   so there must be some dormant knowledge in your brain that you can try to activate before you go back for a visit .   ”   his words overflow with encouragement ,   kind eyes turned to waning moons once more ,   the scars slashing through them like comets shooting across the sky .   “   but either way ,   we’d be happy to help .   &   you know ,   i’ve picked up some italian since i’ve been here   ━━━━   i felt awful about butchering such a beautiful language when i first arrived ,   but i think i’m getting the hang of it now ,   ”   kakyoin declares ,   laughing softly as he rakes a hand through cherry - red tresses ,   loose from their usual plait .   “   i’ll practice more once i get home ,   i promise .   ”

Giorno felt like Kakyoin was the kind of adult he wanted to be someday. He seemed like someone so elegant, courageous and friendly to everyone he meets. Although Giorno was all those things, teenage insecurity and horrifying childhood made it where having that natural confidence and wide eyes to the world around him felt nearly impossible some days for him. He was still scared of the dark, surely no mafia don is scared of something so immature?

"It's funny you speak of that, to believe you're the only one with a stand. All my life, I thought I was the only one with this gift." Anytime he told his parents about the plants that grew overnight or the small creatures that sprung to life from old buttons and coins? They didn't believe a damn word he said, and the children around him thought he was insane for talking about a floating golden creature by his side.

Having a stand felt like the cherry on top to a lonely childhood in a place that took far too long to feel like home for him. That's why his eyes light up to hear someone he considered a living paternal figure was so happy to celebrate his birthday. "Yes please! I've never been to a party before, so I entrust you know how, um...a party is done."

For as proud and social he seems, he really couldn't hide that he was still a shy boy around someone who made him feel safe. "I would love to, Trish and Fugo are also my closest friends, so you should meet them as well!" Fugo would be easy since he largely handled the finances and more transactional side of the mafia for Giorno, but Trish? She wasn't involved in any of this, but seemed to be busy living her life to the fullest across Rome.

"Ta-ko-ya-ki...?" Giorno tries to say it as fluently as Kakyoin did, but his own Italian accent made it sound so hard to pronounce even the name of the very dish he remembered fondly for so many years when thinking back to Japan. "I think I may need you and Dr kujo if I were to visit Japan, my Japanese is deplorable..." He feels kind of...embarrassed that he struggled for a moment.

[sacredpit]

    in his adolescence ,   kakyoin encountered many of his age who feared getting older   ━━━━   there was a certain   naïve distress   at the idea of becoming like their parents ,   of exiting their prime years   &   settling down into the monotonous routine of waking up ,   going to work ,   cooking dinner ,   rinse   &   repeat .   but now that he has advanced past his twenties   &   commenced a new chapter bearing a   ‘ 3 ’   as the frontmost digit ,   kakyoin has come to realize what a blessing aging can be .   since he’d phased in   &   out of consciousness in the   fight for his life   against that leaking water tower   &   found a new sense of self in emerging from a months’ long coma with a broken body but an   unbreakable mind ,   he resolved not to take a single year ,   month ,   day ,   or second for granted .   turning thirty was a milestone he’d been elated to reach ;   one he wishes he could celebrate alongside his seventeen year old self who tried with all his waning might to keep from swallowing the taste of death that stained his tongue .

even so ,   there’s an undeniable beauty to the potential of youth .   kakyoin is not so old that he has lost sight of it in himself ,   but the way it glows in giorno ,   bright like a wild flame ,   is wholly unique ;   awe - inspiring   even ,   considering the impenetrable resolve   &   noble grace this boy of   almost seventeen   exudes to an extent far greater than most double or even triple his years .   verily ,   kakyoin is aware of the darker implications that take part in engendering giorno’s advanced maturity ,   &   as someone who had once been his age   &   was viewed in a similar light ,   he understands the importance of acknowledging that he is   not yet an adult ;   that he still has learning ,   growing ,   &   developing to do ,   &   there is comfort to be taken in that .   but giorno has earned kakyoin’s respect   &   admiration ,   alongside his affection   &   desire to protect him ,   even if he’s well - established his capabilities when it comes to protecting himself .

lavender eyes expand a little at the articulation of giorno’s aspirations for his thirty - year - old self ,   crimson lashes fluttering as he pensively combs through his words .   “   i should hope you’ll have seen more of the world by then ,   ”   kakyoin replies ,   mirroring giorno’s immaculate posture by way of his own natural tendencies .   delicate hands intertwine slender fingers over his raised knee ,   the glossy green of his nail polish stark against a milky complexion .   “   i know it’s important for you to stay here ,   for the sake of your job ,   &   that means you’ll have to make some sacrifices .   but i don’t think that should mean you   never   get to travel ,   especially if you have the desire .   one of the reasons i chose this job was because i wanted to see more of the world ,   &   to meet stand users from all over .   i was terribly convinced that there was no one else like me when i was a child ,   so i think it’s healing ,   in some ways .   ”   the seam of soft lips pulls into a sweet curve ,   a resonant tenderness glittering in his gaze .   

“   ah ,   what a cute idea !!   ”   he says ,   perking up suddenly ;   the calm sentimentality in his eyes flashing into an excited effulgence .   “   we could find someplace to decorate in your favorite colors   &   have all of your favorite sweets ,   including a great ,   big cake at least three tiers tall that’s just as pretty as the venue .   ”   perhaps it’s excessive ,   or someone with less of an inclination toward festive merriment would make such a claim ,   but kakyoin isn’t so concerned with that angle .   only the best for giorno .   “   i’m sure your friends would agree that you deserve all of the effort it would be worth .   speaking of which ,   i would love to meet them all !!   i’ve met mista already ,   considering you two are rarely ever apart ,   but i’ve only heard about the others .   ”

his smile only grows at the precious look on giorno’s face   ━━━━   somewhere in his mind ,   he wonders how often the steely - eyed don can be seen this way .   nigh on never ,   likely ;   it wouldn’t be wise to allow his subordinates or potential enemies to perceive this softer ,   more age - appropriate side to him .   but in considering this ,   kakyoin feels the depth of his gratitude increase :   it’s an honor to be a place of comfort ,   of safety ,   for him.  

“   oh ,   you’re talking about takoyaki ,   ”   he supplies ,   lips stretched around a beaming grin ,   one that rivals the mediterranean sun .   “   the best you can get is in osaka ,   but it’s nearly just as good in morioh .   my mother’s from there ,   &   she still makes it the traditional way   ━━━━   i’ll have to see if i can bring you some of hers when i return .   ”   somewhat absentmindedly ,   he unclasps his joined hands   &   places one of them overtop of giorno’s ,   daintily holding him at the wrist .   he elects to refrain from commenting on giorno’s mother’s horrific neglect   (  for now ,   he will surely rant to jotaro about it when he gets home   ) ,   pushing down the anger threatening to plume up from his stomach   &   choosing instead to maintain the lighthearted energy embracing them in the back of the car .   “   we call it   purin ,   &   i can see why you remember it so fondly .   it was one of my favorites when i was a kid ,   too .   &   maybe still is ,   as an adult ,   ”   he giggles quietly .   “   i think you should   . . .   i could come with you sometime ,   if you wanted .   i’m still trying to gently convince jotaro to move back there .   it’s taking some time ,   but i’m good at playing the long game .   ”

He sometimes fears what it will be like as he grows older. Will he forget their faces? The thought alone of forgetting Narancia's smile or even Abbachio's smartass remarks makes Giorno's heart feel as though it would falter. Why yes, he does have a single photo that the group took long before meeting Giorno on the steps of Venice, it isn't the same when he holds nothing to bind those memories together aside from three simple trinkets.

What will happen when he's Kakyoin's age? Will he look at that zipper on his drawers in his office and wonder who it belonged to or will he still see Bruno as a golden wind in the sky when he wishes he could have his gentle guidance on the world.

"I would like to think that by the time I'm your age, my dream will keep all of Italy shining and maybe...I'd travel outside of Italy." It'd be nice actually, since the only time he traveled out of the country was when he first arrived here from Japan as a very small child. "I've never held a birthday party before so perhaps we could do something like that. I can introduce you to my friends! I think they'd all like you like I do." Especially Fugo and Trish, he can't help but give a childish gaze of imagination at the thought of the two asking Kakyoin all sorts of questions.

Though he wonders if maybe he's now outlived his father in some way? Not that he'd live to be a hundred years old or more, but rather...did he outlive his physical appearance from the photo he has? Giorno mainly never asked these questions out loud because he's almost scared of the answer. All his life, he put this single photograph in his wallet on some sort of pedestal, making up things he'd like in a father just to keep him going at night. Maybe he was encouraging or gave good advice? No, probably not from a monster like him, but Giorno was so lonely and hurt as a child that the pedestal was a survival technique for him.

Ah, but nevermind that. He doesn't think of his father in his mind, at least he doesn't as of late now that he had people in his life that made him feel the need to just let go of clinging to an imaginary man.

Sitting next to him, legs crossed elegantly while his hands were intertwined on his lap, he really can't believe that Kakyoin didn't get many vacation days while traveling abroad. "I don't remember much, my mother hardly took me outside but...I liked um..." Ah, what was the name of it? His Japanese was pretty much nonexistent by now, having never spoken it again since moving to Italy.

"The...fried octopus balls. I liked those a lot when I lived there, oh, and pudding too." No, definitely not his mother who gave them to him as a child. "Oh, I had grandparents in Japan." On rare occasions, they did look after Giorno just to ensure he wouldn't die while his mother was off partying and sleeping around. Of course, he remembers them as incredibly old, the poor couple are likely not around anymore...

"Someday, I think I'd like to go back to Japan again. I don't have any good memories there, but I'd like to make good ones."