A/N, not a good excuse I can type here for taking so long. Thank you to all who are sticking with this story. It's getting close to the end and has been a great ride for me, hopefully for you all also.
There is freedom within, there is freedom without
Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup
There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're traveling with me
Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win
Crowded House, Don't dream it's Over.
The night air felt cold and the chair was making Gabby neck stiff. Though the bed was small, there was enough room for her to curl up next to her boyfriend, savoring his warmth. Kakyoin usually liked to hold her at night, but tonight she held him close, feeling each inhale and exhale. He never stirred. A knock on a door woke them both up. Kakyoin stretched and knocked Gabby to the floor, not realizing she was sleeping with him. She hit the ground with a loud groan. He turned his head to the noise still unsure of what exactly had happened.
"Are you alright?" Kakyoin asked, peering down with unseeing eyes towards the ground. "What happened?" Gabby rolled to her knees and rubbed her shoulder groaning again.
"The chair was uncomfortable, so I crawled into bed with you," she replied. "Ouch, I may have pulled a suture out. Am I bleeding?"
"I… can't tell." He touched the bandages, "but nothing felt wet". They heard the knock again, and this time the door swung open.
"Pardon us," one of the nurses called, "How are you feeling, Mr. Kakyoin… good morning Mrs. Kakyoin." Gabby stood up next to the bed and greeted the nurse and doctor.
"Should I leave?" She asked them. But the nurse smiled and shook her head.
"Family can stay as long as they like." The nurse walked over to the bed and picked up his chart.
"I've never been without my vision before," Kakyoin answered them truthfully. Hearing the distress in his tone, Gabby placed her arm around him. "It's a bit unsettling."
"Does it hurt?" the nurse asked again.
"Not much, I think the painkillers are working."
"I see, that's good. Mrs. Kakyoin, since you're still here, would you like help changing your dressings?"
"Yes," Gabby replied, it was easier to have someone help her. Her attempt last night was lumpy at best. She sat in the chair and the nurse helped her out of her top and chuckled. "You're bleeding, you've popped two stitches. Its okay, we'll just clean it up and you'll be okay." It took them a moment as the doctor went over to talk to Kakyoin.
"Hello, Mr. Kakyoin." The doctor greeted in a calm voice.
"Doctor, when do you think I can take off these bandages?" Kakyoin asked, itching to get out of there and catch up to Mr. Joestar and everyone else. "I don't have any time to waste."
The doctor hesitated and looked at the nurse who had just finished helping Gabby back into her shirt. "Hmm, Mr. Kakyoin, while your eye injuries are not life-threatening, they not minor either. I'm afraid we won't be able to discharge you anytime soon. To be honest, I can't even give you an estimate." Kakyoin inhaled sharply and gulped. Gabby looked at him and hung her head. "Just Kidding!" The doctor finally said in a jovial tone. "It's true you'll need time to heal. You too my dear," he directed to Gabby. "But just a moment ago, for some reason, we were contacted by doctors from the Speedwagon Foundation. They ask that we put you in their care, both of you. With their advanced medical techniques, I'm sure you'll recover much more quickly." Then the doctor's tone turned accusatory as glared at Gabby then back at Kakyoin. "So who exactly are you, anyway, a couple married kids with ties to the world famous Speedwagon Foundation? I didn't think they'd get involved with an ordinary couple of students."
"We have an acquaintance who's very reliable," Kakyoin replied quickly and pointed, "that is all." Gabby stood up and walked behind her boyfriend putting a hand on his shoulder.
"This is great new," she said. "How soon are we leaving?"
"A car is on its way now and will be here in twenty minutes." He looked her over again and then looked back at Kakyoin. "The nurse is getting Mr. Kakyoin's transfer papers ready now. Mrs. Kakyoin, since you've already been formally discharged, nothing more needs to be done on your end. You two get better, you hear."
"Yes Sir, thank you."
"I'll be back in twenty, to help you both out." The nurse said cheerfully. Kakyoin shook the doctor's hand and thanked him, as Gabby went to the bathroom to clean up a little.
"I'm going to run down and get a snack," Gabby said as her stomach rumbled.
"Oh, Miss Gabrielle, it says in the form here, you're not allowed to eat anything today. Looks like they want you in for a procedure and it says here 'no food, or drink before it,' on this form."
Gabby slumped down. No food, not fair, she was hungry and they'd just woken up. "Humph. One snack can't hurt."
"No food means no food, sorry, but it is doctors orders," the nurse scolded as she shut the door. Kakyoin put his hand on her back. It was mainly to steady himself as he got out of bed, but he also wanted to hold her back. Restraining from food was not his girlfriend's strong suit.
"But I'm hungry," she continued to whine as she packed up what little possession they had.
"You'll live even if you miss a meal or two," he replied to Gabby with a small smile, amused.
"That's the thing; I've lived for too long missing a meal or two…three… or four. I just want to eat when I'm hungry." Kakyoin sighed with a small smirk and shook his head. He pressed his hand to the small of her back and pulled her close. She stopped complaining as he held her for a moment.
"We'll get something to eat once you're done, alright?"
"Yeah, okay, but there better be dessert, also." That's his girl; she could eat a horse and ask for more. He kissed her forehead. A sharp knock on the door indicated the nurse was back to escort them down. She had a wheelchair with her, hospital orders all patients who did not have a formal discharge needed to be escorted in a wheelchair. Kakyoin was not happy, his eyes were injured not his legs. He was not an invalid. But he got over it when he felt a weight on his lap.
"Gabby? What are you doing?" He asked. She giggled and wrapped her good arm around him.
"Your chariot and I don't mean Silver Chariot, awaits, Sir," she joked around with him. He heard the nurse clear her throat as he felt Gabby kick her legs over the sides of the chair. She was now horizontal across him, arm still around his neck. The nurse cleared her throat again. He could picture the disapproving look in the woman's eyes. "Fine, I was only joking anyway." Gabby got off of Kakyoin. "You could have just played along and pushed us both," she mumbled under her breath.
Kakyoin could only imagine the look on everyone's face if they traveled downstairs with her in his lap. He did like the idea though, showing the world she was with him. His gorgeous girlfriend, but he didn't need his eyes to see her true beauty. Her heart showed it off every day. But he couldn't help but notice her new hesitation. Gabby used to greet and smile at everyone they'd pass on the street or at least nod her head, but the past few days he noticed it'd stopped. She was still friendly, but her openness was waning. Fear of the enemy caused her to start mistrusting the strangers around her. Experience is a harsh teacher.
As they moved forward he reached for her hand. Kakyoin felt her close and his right hand found her left one easily. Getting used to relying on hearing and touch was important. He was improving in strides. The sunlight hit his face, and he took a deep breath. This would all be over soon, he would be whole again. The car waiting for them was a simple black sedan. The nurse helped him find the back seat as the driver helped Gabby into the other side.
The driver had the same Speedwagon Foundation ball cap that the chopper pilots wore just the other day. God rest them, what happened was awful. In fact, the driver looked very similar to the late pilot, blond hair, blue eyes, and a muscular build. They didn't even get a proper burial… Gabby felt tears forming at the thought of those poor men, but she managed to squeeze her eyes shut and fight them back. The driver seemed to sense her discomfort. She looked up at him peering at her through the rearview mirror. Noticing her gaze, the man smiled and tipped his cap to her. Her mouth twitched back in a half smile. Gabby glanced at her boyfriend who was quietly resting his head on the window. The painkillers sapped away any energy Kakyoin had. It was for the best, sleep could only help his healing.
"How's your day, ma'am?" The driver asked still smiling. Gabby felt shy again. Why was she feeling uncomfortable around strangers? She was always open and friendly, but what if they were an enemy? It seemed like the only strangers who talked them recently turned out to be enemy Stand users. But he was trusted. Any member of the Speedwagon Foundation was trustworthy. Gabby had to tell herself that.
"It's going well," she replied softly, then offered him a smile back. "I'm grateful the Speedwagon Foundation is willing to work with us. Thank you for picking us up."
"Not a problem ma'am." The driver had a long drawl in his voice. His accent seemed American from what she could tell. "We'll always be there for Mr. Joestar, his family, and his friends, no matter where in the world they are. We'll get you both fixed up good in no time. How's your partner doin'?"
"He's resting now. Once we get to the hospital… he's fine." The driver could see the tenderness in Gabby's eyes as she gazed at her boyfriend. "We're both just… itching to get back out there. How much longer until we get to the hospital?"
"Not much longer ma'am, it's on the outskirts of town, maybe five more minutes. How are you likin' Egypt? I've only been in the area a few months myself, but people here seem real friendly." He continued on trying to make conversation.
"I've not seen much other than desert, unfortunately. But I look forward to seeing more sites once we… well… get better. And please, stop calling me ma'am, my name is Gabby."
"Well it's a pleasure to meet a lovely little lady like you, Mizz Gabby, my name is Evan."
"Pleased to meet you as well, Evan." They hit a bump and Kakyoin stirred. He seemed startled for a moment, before regaining his senses.
"Where am I?" Kakyoin asked as he rubbed his bandages. Gabby pulled his hand back so he wouldn't scratch them like she had been doing to her sutures.
"Don't be like me and pull a stitch, it hurts. We're still in the car on our way to the Speedwagon Foundation hospital. We're almost there, Noriakikun, just rest," Gabby soothed him, and he settled back down leaning against her chest. She looked up and noticed the driver frowning ever so slightly, his eyes fixating on her left hand. A look of sadness clouded the blond man's face as looked back to the road, now focusing solely on it. Silence settled over them for the last few minutes of the ride, with the driver's previously casual demeanor now formal. Gabby stared at the window at the scenery as they drove. It a much nicer view than the desert, and they passed some lovely, old ruins.
"Ma'am…" The driver's voice cut through the silence.
" Oy, it's Gabby!" He didn't flinch, and his expression remained stoic.
"Missus, we're pullin' up to the hospital center now." The car stopped in parking loop and two nurses in crisp white uniforms were waiting out front. Gabby assumed they were waiting for them. The driver got out of the car and opened the door for Gabby as the nurses went to help Kakyoin out.
"Again, Evan, thank you for the ride." Gabby stuck out her hand to shake, but he tipped his cap again.
"You're welcome ma'am, any friend of Mr. Joestar is a friend of ours. You get better now, you hear."
"I will, and please, stop calling me ma'am."
"Yes, ma'am." He finally shook her hand and got back into the sedan. Gabby rolled her eyes as he pulled away.
"Madam," one of the nurses called out. "Ms. Lebedev, correct?" Gabby turned to the nurse, so Mr. Joestar remembered this time. She frowned for a moment, would that mean she would no longer be able to visit Kakyoin at night? The nurse must have sensed her unease. "We're going to put you both in the same room if that's alright? We have plenty of room if you'd like one of your own, but Mr. Joestar mentioned you are close and wouldn't mind."
"Yes, I mean No, I don't mind sharing… Noriaki?" Gabby turned to her boyfriend who was once again annoyed that he was forced into a wheelchair. Gabby took a step forward as the other nurse forced her into one of her own.
"No, I don't mind sharing, either." He replied. "It'll be nice, having your company."
"Excellent," the nurse said taking the breaks off the chairs and wheeling them inside. The atrium was wide open with green plants and windows everywhere letting sunlight stream in. They walked through and saw the building was outfitted with all the newest, cutting-edge technology. It gleamed chrome and white. There were not many patients, but plenty of doctors, nurse, and scientist were walking around carrying paperwork. A few seemed deep in discussion about medical papers and recent studies they were working on. Kakyoin seemed to listen intently to each discussion, much of the terminology familiar. But to Gabby, it all sounded like gibberish.
"I would love to work in a place like this someday," Kakyoin said. "Everyone is working on state of the art research. That doctor over there has made a breakthrough in tumor surgeries. And that scientist over there is leading a project to study a new disease found just south of Egypt in Sudan. Isn't it all exciting?"
"Yeah," Gabby agreed. She was much better with physics than biology, but it did sound exciting. If they were going to get better, this was the place. "I think becoming a doctor would suit you well. Your brain works so fast, and you're great at reading a situation and reacting right away. So, yeah…" She giggled slightly and he smirked at her. They finally stopped at a whitewashed waiting room. There were no other patients waiting but it had to traditional hard chairs and boring magazines on the table.
"Ms. Lebedev," the nurse started as she turned to face both her and Kakyoin. "I'm Nurse Khan; I'm your personal nurse while you're here. Mr. Kakyoin, this is Nurse Bellamy, she will be assigned to you. Both of you are about to undergo a new tissue regenerative treatment. This is state of the art, but we've been able to cultivate certain enzymes and undifferentiated cells to help stimulate and regrow skin, muscle, and connective tissues. While the general hospital provided you with excellent care, they do not have access to these treatments. Most tradition treatments, like sutures, involve healing the open wound first and then waiting for the tissues underneath to catch up. This treatment will heal the wound from the bottom up. Ms. Lebedev, your sutures would normally have to stay in for about ten days, with this treatment your injury should heal in about three days. Mr. Kakyoin, your eye injury could have taken weeks to have healed enough to fully regain your sight, but we can help treat it in about three days as well."
"This is great news," Kakyoin said. He was ready to go.
"I will let you know, there are some risks, so I want to inform you both that infection is always a possibility, and in a small percentage of patients, allergic reactions have occurred. This is still a new treatment; you are both part of a trial run. Is this okay?" They both nodded, so this was really happening. "Also, there is a small chance this may not work. Mr. Kakyoin, there's a possibility it could cause scar tissue build up and cause further damage to your eyes."
He took a deep breath. "If it means catching up to Mr. Joestar and the others sooner, I'm willing to take that risk." Gabby looked at him and then back at Nurse Khan. He was absolutely determined.
"Alright," the Nurse nodded. "Please sign your consent right here." She placed a form in front of both of them. Gabby signed her quickly, but Kakyoin held his awkwardly as he had no idea where to sign. Nurse Bellamy placed the pen in his hand and guided it to where he needed to make his mark. "Good, now that that is taken care you. I will also let you know that the initial procedure can be very painful. We generally do a local anesthesia for it, just numbing the area, but Ms. Lebedev, the expanse, and depth of your injury will warrant a general anesthesia to keep you comfortable. That's why we told the other hospital to not allow you any food or drink. Mr. Kakyoin, because we are dealing with your eyes, we have a specialist coming in tomorrow, and will also place you under general anesthesia to prevent you from moving and to limit complications. Is that alright?"
"Yes," Kakyoin replied quickly.
"Yeah," Gabby said hoping once she was done she could eat something, soon.
"Great we'll get you both in for blood work and if it all checks out, Ms. Lebedev, we should have your procedure done soon." They were both taken to different exam rooms and Gabby had multiple vials of blood drawn and an IV reinserted. She couldn't help feeling like a pin cushion, but Kakyoin was right if this helped them get better sooner, she was ready to be free of the sling.
"How are you feeling Ms. Lebedev?" Nurse Khan asked.
"Good, I feel good." The nurse let out a hmm, and poked at the injury. Gabby flinched and get out a hiss. "But that hurt."
"I bet, you've had these suture in for just over twenty-four hours and you've already managed to rip out several of them. How did you not notice this?"
"I did, I just didn't want to make a fuss about it." The older woman hummed again. She looked to be in her mid-forties and well seasoned in her field. Then the nurse shook her head.
"Tch. Well, this treatment was made for people who scratch at their stitches, once it's done, the healing may itch but, you cannot damage it by scratching it." The nurse left the room for quite a while leaving Gabby alone with her thoughts. The hospital's air conditioning was blowing right on her, and the gown was short. She felt suddenly naked. Goose prickles ran down her arm. Kakyoin was jumping head first into this treatment they knew nothing about, but what if it did leave him worse off than before. While the probability may be small, there was still a real possibility of permanent disfigurement. Could he live with that? Not that he would tell anyone, but he wasn't managing as well as he leads people to believe without his sight. He was such a visual person, and not being able to see left him confused and uneasy. The idea of getting better kept his hopes up, but she had no idea what would happen if that hope was stolen away.
Where was the nurse? Nurse Khan had been gone for a while and Gabby's thoughts were taking a very dark turn. The air in the room had gotten colder, and Gabby pulled the thin gown around her small form. She felt a familiar weight on her shoulders as Cups squeaked. Her Stand brought her a great comfort. Gabby looked at the white form. She had changed so much in the past weeks. A month ago it was a translucent white blob, now she had a more humanoid form. Sure, Cups still looked a little like a misshapen starfish, but now she had a rounded head and a thin layer of ice quills down her back. The hospital humidifier was working well. Gabby wrapped her arms around her Stand.
"I hope this works out," she whispered to Cups, "I'm worried about him. He thinks he can take on the world doesn't he." Cups squeaked back. "He thinks he can out think everything…but that also worries me. He's not used to losing, and he's been down since he lost. He smiles to the world but is so quiet when the door is closed. I'm trying to be strong, Cups. I don't know if I know what love is, but I'm willing put him before me, and I would do anything to see him smile." Cups squeaked again. "Oh Cups, I'm so glad you understand…" The door opened suddenly and the nurse gave her a funny look.
"Everything alright in here? I heard you talking to someone." Nurse Khan asked glancing down at her charts.
"Yes, I was just singing a song. Um….Hey now, hey now, don't dream it's over, hey now, hey now, when the world comes in… I heard it on the radio, catchy. I sing to calm myself down."
"Well, you do have a calming voice, and there's no reason to be nervous. Your blood work came back completely normal and you're cleared for the treatment, we'll get you prepped now."
"That is good news."
"Again, it can initially be very painful, but the pain will subside soon after as healing begins immediately." The nurse wheeled Gabby into the surgery prep room.
She felt a hand entwined with hers as the haze cleared from her eyes. Gabby was on her stomach with her back exposed. She took a deep breath.
"Gabby?" Kakyoin voice cut through. The hand around her's tightened and she took another deep breath. Then it hit her… agony. It was as if someone had peeled back her flesh and poured acid on it. No sound could come out as Gabby wanted to scream. She scrunched her eyes shut again as her body shook. A long whine came out and the hand entwined with hers loosened. "What is it? Are you alright." Panic was now clear in Kakyoin's tone, but she couldn't answer.
"The procedure was very successful." The nurse replied. "She refused the painkillers, but her heart rate is climbing."
"I think she may need them. Gabby can you hear me? I can't see you squeeze my hand if you can hear me." She heard him but couldn't squeeze, everything was on fire. Her fight or flight started to kick in as Cups came out to defend her. Kakyoin felt the air around him cool suddenly, Cups was about to protect Gabby. He called Hierophant out, felt his girlfriend's Stand close to him, and wrapped her up to prevent the Stand from doing anything rash. The onslaught of emotion's poured into Kakyoin's system and he felt the hard edge of pain rush in as well. He gritted his teeth as sweat dripped from his brow. It took everything he had to swallow the rising sickness climbing his esophagus.
"Gabby, my little cherry blossom, you need to calm down," he tried to sooth placing on hand on her bare back. Cups backed off from the attack but did not try to get out of Hierophants grasp. In fact, the Stand seemed to curl into the other, embracing him back. Kakyoin's nausea subsided as Gabby calmed down at his touch and words. Her heart rate dropped and she opened her eyes again.
"Painkillers please," she gasped out. Nurse Khan nodded quickly and pushed something into her IV. Tears raced their way down her cheeks as she did all she could to breathe. Finally, after a couple moments, the pain subsided. Gabby took another breath.
"Feeling better?" Kakyoin rubbed the small of her back gently as he called his Stand back. Cups returned back to Gabby as well, the uncertainty subsiding.
"I… I think so... I've never felt anything like that," she said, yawning as the medication set in easing her. "So, lesson learned, when they tell you the regenerative procedure is going to be painful, please believe them. Don't be like me and try to go without the post-procedure painkillers." He chuckled slightly.
"I won't."
"Ms. Lebedev, are you feeling better now? Nurse Khan asked with a note of concern in her voice.
"Yeah," Gabby replied. "The meds are working, but I can already feel the itching kicking in, ugg, at least this time it's worth it."
"Actually I have something for the itch; I'll get it in a few moments. I just wanted to let you know the procedure took about forty-five minutes and went wonderfully. You'll still feel the healing for the next few hours, but we'll keep the medication up. Starting tomorrow morning the second skin bandage we put over top will start to slough off. Once it's all gone, in about forty-eight to seventy-two hours, the skin and muscle will be fully healed. You may have some scaring from the initial injury but it will be minor at best. There no need to change any bandages, and once the sloughing starts, you can shower as normal."
"Yes! A shower. I've wanted a real one so bad lately. Thank you for this, for everything. The normal hospital told me it would take about ten, maybe even fourteen days to heal. This really sped things up. It may have hurt a lot more, but definitely worth it." She yawned again but fought the sleep that was closing in.
"Well, healing bodies do need rest. Mr. Kakyoin, your procedure is first thing tomorrow, I assume Nurse Bellamy told you about it."
"Yes, she did, thank you." He said quietly still comforting Gabby. "I'm not allowed to eat anything past eight pm, and no liquids after I go to bed. I will be electing the post-procedure painkillers."
"Correct, I'm going to have you taken back to your room and Ms. Lebedev will be back shortly, the doctor wants to look her over once more."
"Wait," Gabby called, "I want dessert."
"Sorry, what was that?"
"Noriaki, you promised me dessert after my procedure." He took his hand off her back.
"Yes, I did, but I don't think we can get some right now. Maybe tomorrow?" He told her.
"Yeah, okay…" she closed her eyes and fell asleep, no ability to fight her thousand ton eyelids. Nurse Bellamy came back in and smiled. She was much older than Nurse Khan and had a grandmother like appearance to her.
"Oh, I think a little dessert could help, and Ms. Lebedev hasn't eaten all day," the older nurse said with a laugh. "I'll have some chocolate cake brought up to your room once the young lady is cleared to go back." Gabby's eyes snapped open.
"Did someone say cake?" she asked. Gabby made an attempt to push herself up off the bed, but Nurse Khan pushed her back down.
"Not yet," she scolded Gabby. "You need some rest. Mr. Kakyoin I think it's time for you to return to your room and let Ms. Lebedev rest. Yes, you will get cake, but please be patient."
"Ooooh, but I want cake now… fine… I'm just going to rest my eyes for a moment." She closed them again and soon faded off.
As Gabby slept she had a very strange dream of Dio. It was so terrifying it made her think she was under the influence of Death 13 once again. The beautiful vampire had frozen the world and murdered them all. Gabby saw herself lying in an alleyway unable to breathe as Jotaro and Polnareff both laid dead around her. Their bodies, so still, and she could do nothing about it, as her life slipped away with them. Before she died in her dream she woke up startled and screamed. Gabby was alone, where was Kakyoin? Tears dripped down her cheeks and she wiped them away hastily. How long had she been asleep? Her back felt a thousand times better. The pain from earlier had completely subsided, and nothing itched. The door opened.
"Gabby?" Kakyoin asked, hearing her rapid breathing. "Are you awake?"
"Yeah, I'm awake…" she sounded out of it, almost far away. "Where were you? How long have I've been asleep?" She replied looking around. He was standing in the doorway hold something. He walked straight to the sound of her voice and handed her both items. They were two large slices of cake on a plastic plate.
"You've been asleep for about four hours, what's wrong?" Gabby shifted around so he could sit down next to her.
"Nothing," she ran a hand through her hair.
"You sound… stressed…" he seemed skeptical and placed a hand on hers. "I brought cake." Gabby looked at it with wide eyes as her stomach rumbled, she'd not eaten in almost twenty-four hours. But the panic of her dream, images of everyone dead, sent her appetite away. She took it anyway but didn't eat, it's not like he could see her. But he did notice. "I thought you wanted dessert, would you prefer something else? Gabby what's wrong?" It seemed more of a demand than a question, concern evident in his voice.
"It's nothing," she tried to assure. He looked her full on, even with bandaged eyes; she knew he was giving her a skeptical look.
"We promised not to lie to each other. Gavriila." She flinched at the use of her given name, she'd been Gabrielle, or Gabby for so long now, the word sounded funny. He sighed, "Gabby, you don't have to tell me."
"No, I'll tell you, it was a dream, just a dream."
"We both know how horrifying dreams can be." He did know, he was the only one who truly remembered their encounter with Death 13, Gabby remembered what she was told, and the terror after waking up, but he remembered everything. She set the cake down on the side table and threw herself into her boyfriend.
"It really was nothing, but I just saw all of us dying in battle, you, Mr. Jostar, even Jotaro, I saw all of you dead, even myself, I was dying before I woke up. Once we leave, we'll be walking into war. There are no certainties. It just frightened me that all."
"Gabby, we've been at war this whole time. These are the injuries of battle." Kakyoin stroked her hair as she buried her face into his chest. "There are no certainties, but I do know I have no regrets going off to war. I'd never have made any friends. I'd never have met you."
"The battle has to be fought, I don't fear to fight itself, and I'd rather fight than do nothing at all. What I fear is losing all of you, and the burring uncertainty that… Noriaki, what if we don't win… then what?" He sighed deeply and kissed the top of her head, then rested his head on hers.
"I can't answer that, but I think we will. I believe in my own abilities, and those of the others and I don't think that Jotaro will lose. He doesn't have it in him. He's too stubborn, and he's fighting for his mother. No one will fight harder then Jotaro. If we can't win, he will."
"I… believe you." Kakyoin was right; they couldn't lose with Jotaro on their side. He was the strongest of them in both strength and conviction. "I wonder how the others are fairing, do you think Polnareff has gotten himself into trouble again.'
"Without a doubt, I'm sure he has. Probably went off to use some toilet, and got attacked by a Stand user." He chucked and Gabby giggled back.
"I just hope they don't go gambling their souls or something, or God forbid ours." Gabby's stomach rumbled again as she now eyed the untouched cake.
Kakyoin's procedure was bright an early. When they came in for him, Gabby wanted to roll over and go back to sleep, but he was there for her and she'd be damned if she wasn't there for him. Her bandaged was coming off in weird gummy chunks. It grossed her out at first, but it was interesting to look at. Since she was already off her IV and painkillers, they let her walk on her own.
"If I can do it, you can," she told him squeezing his hand. He smiled at her.
"I'm not worried, the sooner I can take these bandages off, the better." She kissed him before they took him back. He was nervous, she felt the slight tremble as she kissed him, but she let it go.
The treatment took only about a half an hour. It felt like a long time though before they called her in to sit with him. It was a smaller area to cover then hers, but much more delicate. Nurse Bellamy was beaming at Gabby. "My sweet girl, he did wonderfully. This was a picture perfect procedure, and he will heal with no complication." Gabby wasn't sure what came over her but she found herself clutching the old nurse.
"Thank you," she cried in happiness. "Thank you. I'm so glad he'll be alright."
"It's my pleasure sweet one, I'm just happy to see such a nice young couple so happy together. I was your age when I met my husband. We've been married now for almost fifty years. I know when two people are meant to be together when I see them, and you two seem to share something special." Gabby hugged the nurse again. "He'll be awake soon, let me get you some water while you wait."
Gabby took Kakyoin's hand as he slowly stirred. There was still a bandage around his eyes, but this one was different, it like another layer of skin, and like Gabby's would start to slough off in a few hours, and continue until the wound was fully healed. Twelve hours in and she was already a quarter way through, with full arm movement back. It felt wonderful to get out of the stupid sling.
Kakyoin squeezed her hand. "Hey, welcome back," she said to him softly. His face softened at the sound of her voice and a small smile formed. "You did great, are you in any pain."
"No, unlike you I did the smart thing as asked for drugs," he jabbed at her. Gabby feigned hurt. I feel, kind of like I'm floating. A little twinge of pain here and there, but it should go away. I'm just really thirsty." She held a straw for water up to his lips and he took a long sip. "Thank you. Did they happen to mention how long until my bandage falls off?"
"Like mine, probably two days. We'll meet them in Cairo soon!"
Kakyoin was always the overachiever, his bandage had completely shed right at the 48 hours mark. Gabby still had a couple bits left here and there, but most of it had shed as well. She had five long scars across her back and shoulder as a reminder of her injuries. Once one of the larger pieces fell off from his eyes, Kakyoin could finally see again. Everything was blurry at first like he'd just come out of a pool with too much chlorine, but he blinked a couple times as his vision adjusted. It was perfect. Finally seeing colors again, the verdant green plants in the atrium, the cerulean blue sky through the window, it was all so perfect. He didn't want to admit he feared never knowing what the world looked like again. Then he turned his gaze to Gabby. She was truly beautiful. She glanced up at him and smiled, as a little red blushed its way to her cheeks. Her blonde hair fell across her face as she leaned down over the table, and a small smudge of tahini sauce was evident on the corner of her cheek, like a freckle. A leftover from lunch. Yes, truly stunning.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" She asked him becoming embarrassed. She looked around for a moment and stopped rifling through the magazines.
"Like what?" He asked her trying to be innocent, watching her tuck her hair behind her ear. Her nails were chewed and short, hair a mess, but it worked somehow.
"I… like you've never seen me before. Like I'm the first girl you've ever seen in your life…" Even intelligent humans were slaves to their baser instincts. Every fiber of his being wanted to touch her. Kakyoin could see again. Sure, his eyes were still sensitive to light, but his vision was as good as ever.
"You are the loveliest girl I've ever seen. Let's… go back to our room."
"Why? This is your first and maybe last chance learn about the research of the top Speedwagon scientists? Our injuries are healed and we'll meet up with the others tomorrow. You have access to everything you've ever wanted to read, don't you want to take advantage of that." He wrapped his arms around her and lightly grazed her bottom. She looked at him confused for a moment before the realization dawned on her. "Oh," she giggled. "Yes, back to our room… I… yes. I still have them in my pillowcase bag… if you…"
"Only if you want."
"Yes, I've wanted to for a while, and this may be our last chance before, well, how do you say, the shit hits the fan."
"Alright, shall we…" He took her hand and led her back to their shared room and locked to door. While it was initially awkward, a little confusing, and very exciting, they finally got to know each other physically.