Disclaimer: Ishinomori's, not mine
Notes: Takes place post series, spoilers apply
--
Black Ghost is gone. His wounds have healed. But it's only now that Joe is finally able to relax.
He's not entirely sure why it took this place, this exact moment for the weight on his chest to finally lift. The scenery might have something to with it; it's a beautiful day, a gentle breeze making the leaves of the tree he's under dance. Or it might be it's taken this long for it to register that he's done with it. No more hiding or being forced to fight... no more having to watch people die. There is always the chance that it's because he knows that for the first time in his life, he knows there are people waiting for him when he gets home, people who will never leave him.
But when Joe feels Francoise's fingers in his hair as he rests his head in her lap, and he looks up to see her smile gently, there's no doubt in his mind anymore.