Kakyoin Noriaki looked outside, sitting in that coffee shop as he slowly stirred his iced tea, trying to ignore the horrific churning of his guts due to the nerves he felt. Gosh, was the air conditioner on or not? It was as hot inside as it was outside!

He adjusted his glasses and drank some of his tea, forcing his digestive system to function normally as he gazed out the window at the venue. A year had passed since Kakyoin had followed Jotaro and company to the end of the world (again) chasing someone who had a grudge against the family (again) and who had put a kind of curse on some members of it (again). The difference is that this time they didn't have to eliminate a sadistic vampire to save the family, rather convince a cheated wife to forgive her husband and his husband.

Both villains were sadistic and spiteful blondes, however.

But anyway, after Jotaro's grandparents apologized (with a lot of crying involved) and an intensive Josuke-therapy treatment, Suzie Joestar relented and became the matriarch of the family again, she had that position since great-grandmother Lisa Lisa was wacko and quite senile.

And as a matriarch, Suzie Joestar took her role seriously. That's why she had been the first to notice that Kakyoin was drooling over his grandson. She had approached him at Jotaro's last birthday party and said:

"You're in love with my grandson, boy. Now tell him how you feel because Jotaro is stupid like his grandparents and he's not going to realize it. And it's obvious that he likes you too, stop fooling around."

Kakyoin had unsubtly spit out his drink and Suzie had laughed in his face.

And that's why the boy was there, after months of fruitless and disastrous attempts. Because whenever Kakyoin tried to tell Jotaro how he felt, something would happen, anything in whatever situation they were in, from the most ordinary to the most unlikely: Holly would appear in the room with soda and sandwiches, an ambulance or the fire engine, someone used a hydraulic drill to break up the street, the fire alarm sounded from wherever they were, something exploded in the school science lab, a cat fell and scratched his face, the tsunami warning sounded, there was a magnitude eight earthquake in the country, the tsunami alert sounded, a rabid dog chased him, Jotaro's fansclub appeared screaming, a traffic accident occurred, the subway stopped or someone from the Speedwagon Foundation appeared asking strange questions about the trip to Egypt.

Anyway, that's normal being the best friend of the protagonist of a shonen/seinen anime.

If he didn't know that in general he had bad luck, he'd say it was the work of an enemy stand.

But Kakyoin had faith that today, at last, he would make it. He knew it.

And if not, he would punch Kujo Jotaro's stupidly beautiful face and keep his feelings in the depths of his red-haired being until the day he died devoured by the wild foxes of the forest where he would have fled to live as a hermit out of shame if he would not be able to say he's in love with his best friend's deadpan and troublesome jerk.

Heavens, what a horrible death, he thought.

Are you Kakyoin Noriaki? You have a call.- Kakyoin looked at the waiter who had spoken to him and, not at all surprised, got up and followed him to the counter, where a telephone rested.

Hello, Ms. Joestar.- he greeted in almost perfect English as he picked up the phone.

Tell me, Suzie, dear.- Jotaro's grandmother said in Japanese, not at all surprised that the boy knew it was her. -Have you already told Jotaro how you feel about him? How did you react? Does he said that he love you too?-

He hasn't arrived yet.- Kakyoin said after laughing and feeling an unpleasant heat on his face. Surely he was like a tomato. But he arrived very early and he said it would take a while.

Ok, I just stopped by to check. I wish you luck then. And patience. We already know that Jotaro is the dumbest of my grandchildren.-

He is your only grandson, Suzie-sama.-

That doesn't mean he's smart, I mean, look at his grandparents.-

Kakyoin laughed, deciding not to tell her that she was his grandmother too. He valued his life and health too much for that. The sound of the door opening prompted him to look up to see a tall young man in dark clothes who seemed to be searching for someone with his eyes, followed by a couple of girls who were looking at him adoringly.

Er... I have to hang up.- Kakyoin said, trying to sound brave. He heard a little squeal of excitement from the other end of the line.

Has he arrived?!-

Yes.-

Uuuuh, yeah. Cheer up. I know he loves you too. Let me know when you are already kissing on the beach at sunset and he asks you to marry you, I already have half a wedding plan ready.-

Goodbye, Suzie-sama.-

The young man put the phone aside, thanked the waiter and with his heart beating almost in his throat he went to meet Jotaro. Seeing him, he gave him an imperceptible smile as he greeted him, then followed him to his table. The girls - part of the fansclub, Kakyoin assumed - shrieked and sat down at the next table.

Were you doing some paperwork or something?- Kakyoin asked seeing the folder his friend was trying to put in his bag and trying to ignore the table next to him.

That's what I wanted to talk to you about.- Jotaro said in his deep voice. That voice should definitely be illegal. -I have something important to tell you, but you wanted to tell me something too, right?-

Er… yes, but…- he felt the nervous giggles from the other table and felt an unpleasant heat on his face. How humiliating is it to confess in front of your romantic interest's fansclub? -...don't you want to tell me first?-

Jotaro stared at him with a constipated face, but Kakyoin - who knew how to interpret all his gestures due to his friend's inability to communicate like a functional human being - knew that this was his "I'm thinking" face, so he didn't press. Jotaro took off his hat (muffled squeals from the next table) and ran his hands through his hair (more squeals). Jotaro was nervous?

God, don't let it be that he has a girlfriend or a baby, please. Or a terminal illness. Or that the family has another villain to defeat. Or all of the above.

Seeing that his friend didn't speak, Kakyoin decided to tease him a bit. That after secretly drooling over him, it was his second favorite Jotaro-activity.

Did your tongue was eaten? We can tell Josuke to fix it, I'm sure he would do it for his beloved nephew.-

Good afternoon, what do you want to order?- asked the same waiter as before with a small bow and an affable smile.

I want another iced peach tea, please.- Kakyoin asked, glaring at the intruder. -JoJo?-

Lemonade, thank you.-

The waiter quickly left, somewhat intimidated by the redhead's gaze. Jotaro frowned, but gave a short laugh that was more like a sigh. He's so cute, dammit, Kakyoin thought, sipping his tea to hide his loving gaze. Wake up, Noriaki.

Well, what were you going to tell me?-

My mom wanted to know if you would come with us to buy a present for the brat, who will soon have his birthday- answered Jotaro quickly.

Oh right, Josuke! Well, how about saturday…?-

I was accepted to study in the United States.-

Kakyoin almost spits the tea in Jotaro's face, but being polite even in shock, he decides to swallow it at the last second, which makes the liquid go through the larynx instead of the pharynx. Or was it the other way around? He never remembered the difference.

Anyway, he had more important things to do now, like breathing. He began to cough desperately, covering his mouth with a napkin as he felt Jotaro's hands patting his back. He heard the shrieks from the fansclub.

Are you alright, Kakyoin?- Jotaro asked worriedly behind him, once the boy stopped coughing as if a lung was coming out.

I will survive.- replied the other, clearing his throat. -Sit down, please.- he added, noticing all the eyes on them.

Jotaro obeyed and returned to his chair facing Kakyoin, who was red and sweaty, not so much from lack of air, but from the shocking news. How did the person who caused his romantically wet dreams go to the other side of the Pacific Ocean to study? Is this a joke? After months of unsuccessful attempts to confess?

But he must have guessed. Damn universe and its signs.

Ok, I already understood deities of the universe, I will not tell you anything, leave me alone.

Suddenly living isolated in an inhospitable forest to die devoured by wild foxes did not seem so far-fetched.

Sorry, I didn't think you'd be so surprised- Jotaro said, -Are you sure you're okay?-

I thought that with so much traveling around the world you would stay in Japan for at least a few years. Isn't there enough sea here to study marine biology? We are literally a handful of islands in the Pacific.-

Kakyoin knew that Jotaro wanted to study marine biology, so he always talked to him about it. But why on the other side of the world?

The waiter brought them their drinks and quietly left.

The program at the University of California is very good.- Jotaro said, sipping his lemonade.

California.- Kakyoin sighed. -Now I understand everything, it's because of the surf and the blond and tanned woman with legs for days.-

This time it was Jotaro who got problems and had to hit his chest to keep from dying. Kakyoin was amused and smirked at him.

That's not the reason.- Jotaro replied, clearing his throat. -The program is excellent and I will be able to participate in different investigations. It will be easier to get a job later.-

How? Isn't it easy for marine biologists to get a job in the unemployment office? Who'd say.-

They both laughed, but it didn't last long because they stared at each other seriously. Too serious, Kakyoin thought, trying not to get lost in his best friend's shining eyes. They stayed in silence for a few seconds and Kakyoin jumped when he felt Jotaro's hand on his on the table.

Kakyoin, I…-

Kakyoin no longer heard anything because he had a whistle in his ears (Aaaaaaaa, Jotaro is touching my hand, help!) that he was soon replaced by the cries of the girls of the fansclub who had approached his table with watery eyes. He quickly withdrew his hand.

JoJoooooo, how are you going to the United States? Are you going to leave us? -

Jotaro made the face that preceded Star Platinum's fists, so Kakyoin stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

What nosy ladies you are. We're having a private conversation here.-

Get away from us. -Jotaro growled.- Can you leave me alone sometime? Find someone else to bother, how annoying.-

He's going to sleep with all the blondes who surf.- Kakyoin said. -Give up now.-

Jotaro lost all seriousness he radiated to laugh heartily. The girls and Kakyoin were spellbound upon seeing the scene, although the redhead quickly rearranged his love face into one more of "hello, I'm your non-homo friend." With a murderous look and a shake of the head, he dismissed the intruders, who returned to the table whispering something Kakyoin couldn't hear, but continued to glare at them until they stopped.

Sorry for not telling you before, I wanted to do all the paperwork first and be sure.- he heard Jotaro's already calm voice that forced him to look at him.

He looked like he was going to throw up, which in "Jotaro mode" means being sad. Kakyoin sighed getting lost in his thoughts. Why are you so sad? You're going to make me sad and I don't want to. I will only be able to cry and curse my luck when I am in the woods urinating around my cabin to scare away hungry foxes that will come and eat me when I least expect it. Honestly, that scenario was becoming more and more tempting.

Okay, I guess. Do your parents already know?-

No.-

And your grandparents?

Even less. You're the first one I tell. - he confessed.

And your fans.- Kakyoin reminded him, gesturing to the next table. -On Monday the whole school will know, you know right? That is the price of fame, Kujo Jotaro.-

Jotaro leaned back in his chair and sipped his lemonade. Again he had a constipated face.

What happens now?- Kakyoin asked.

I just thought…- He looked up at the redhead with such intensity that he felt himself blush. -Never mind, what were you going to tell me?-

Ah?-

You summoned me here because you had something important to tell me, right?

Oh yes, that…- Damn, Jotaro, why are you bringing this up, I was handling it so well up until now, you idiot.

He felt his eyes stinging, threatening to tear up, and a knot formed in his chest. He hid as much as he could by drinking and playing with the ice and the straw, avoiding looking at his friend. For God's sake, Kakyoin, say something.

My mom asked me to ask you when you were going home for dinner.- he said the first thing that crossed his mind.

And that's why you summoned me here? I thought it would be something more important.-

My mom is important, she brought me into the world, that is.-

Kakyoin replied, raising an eyebrow, pretending to be angry. Anything to divert attention from the "why did you called me here" issue. If it didn't work, he would fake a faint or short-circuit his spinal prostheses. It wasn't that difficult because it had already happened to him once when he touched the bad toaster in his house (seriously, how much does a person have to convulse to make some simple toast without dying in the attempt? At least about ten seconds, based on anecdotal evidence).

I know it's important, but you could tell me on the phone.- Jotaro replied, snapping it out of his thoughts.

It's just that I love seeing that constipated face that you have all the time, that's why. How long has it been since you went to the bathroom, JoJo?-

They laughed for a long time and soon Kakyoin breathed a sigh of relief because his friend didn't ask him anything about the reason for the date. And Kakyoin didn't even attempt to bring it up until, a few months later, they said goodbye at the airport and Jotaro took him away from his family and surprisingly kissed him.

I love you, Kakyoin Noriaki, I have always loved you… and I will miss you.

No, Kakyoin was not dreaming. Yes, he pinched himself to check (although he didn't understand why people would do that. I mean, in a particularly vivid dream, your brain would process that pinch as part of the dream, wouldn't it? How could that wake you up?). Anyway, the statement was not romantic at all because the esophagus of the girl who was sitting next to them and who had been eating fries for a long time decided that it was the perfect time to vomit on her grandmother's feet, who started screaming already argue with the cleaning assistant who was passing by. Kakyoin wasn't even surprised, the deities of the universe laughed at the misfortunes that befell him when he was in romance mode with his friend. Former friend now boyfriend?

His inner Kakyoin shrieked as he fought the urge to punch Jotaro for making him suffer all this time or for not take him to the bathroom to tease him (as a Joestar he was horny, but decent), he decided to kiss him back and they agreed to have a long distance relationship. This is how they would look when they were able to travel, considering they both had the resources to do so (how else would it work? Poverty is a huge obstacle to this kind of relationship, so Kakyoin was thankful that his family had the money to pay for most of his love story).

And so three years passed.

It was a hot and humid morning in Tokyo, but that was not an impediment for Kakyoin to drink his usual sweet and strong coffee, as they did in Egypt, while he read some papers from the foundation where he worked. Gone are the hermit wishes of living in forests and devouring foxes, now our unfortunate protagonist lived in a simple apartment that he barely used to sleep in since he alternated his time at university and at his job at the Speedwagon Foundation (or SWF for its acronym).

He had decided to combine his undeniable artistic talent with his intelligence and his own experience with disability, so he was studying industrial design with a view to occupational therapy; something that could deepen his work at SWF as part of the Department of Design and Innovation. Something he had to thank Josuke for, honestly.

With a yawn, Kakyoin washed his cup, poured what was left in the pot into his insulated glass, grabbed his bag, and slipped on his shoes to head out. Upon reaching the elevator, it opened and he saw Kim, his Korean neighbor, carrying a huge box.

Do you need help?- he asked, stepping aside to let him pass.

It's not heavy, don't worry.- Kim replied with a thick accent. -You received several letters, they are at the reception.-

Thank you.- Kakyoin smiled. His neighbor smiled at him too, bowing his head slightly and walking away.

Kakyoin entered the elevator, excitedly thinking that at least one of those letters must be a postcard from Jotaro, advising the exact date he would be coming for Josuke's birthday, which was great because they could be alone for a couple of days after sharing with the family. Of course, they knew nothing about their relationship, because eccentric as they were, they wouldn't leave them alone.

He had also told him that he wanted to tell him something important and that he wanted to tell him in person. Kakyoin hoped that they would finally decide to live together in Japan or the United States and adopt a dog or cat. Honestly, he didn't want more in life at almost twenty-two years of age. Reaching the first floor, he went straight to the reception desk, where the concierge was reading the newspaper.

Good morning, Tadano-san.-

Good morning, Kakyoin-san.-

Are there letters for me?-

Ah yes.- the gray-haired man turned to pull a stack of envelopes from Kakyoin's box.

I was going to pass them yesterday, but I didn't see you arrive.-

I arrived later than normal, the other concierge was there.-

Ah, yes, the new one.- Tadano said, handing him the letters. -Have a nice day, Kakyoin-san.-

Thanks you too.-

Kakyoin took a quick look at the letters: electricity bill, some coupons for the supermarket, a letter from his mother, one from Josuke, one from the SWF that must be the monthly detail of his salary and expenses, more bills, a an envelope with Jotaro's handwriting that he assumed must be the desired postcard and an elegant gray envelope that looked like an invitation. Would it be for a SWF gala event or one of his family's companies?

He opened Jotaro's postcard first. It was the image of the Golden Gate.

Nori:

I arrive on June 8 at 5:00 p.m.

Are you going to pick me up at the airport?

Miss you.

JoJo.

There was about a week left for that. Smiling, he absently opened the fancy envelope that had too many stamps on it. In English, a few words in a pretty cursive font shimmered under his gaze.

Kujo Jotaro & Susanna Bangles invite you and your companion to witness their union in marriage on September 23 at 5:00 p.m. in the ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel located at 757 Market St, San Francisco, CA.

Please, confirm your assistance.

Kakyoin blinked rapidly, because his vision was blurry. What had he just read? He went back to the front line, feeling an unpleasant ringing in his ear, as if his brain had stopped working.

Kujo Jotaro & Susanna Bangles invite you and your partner to witness their union... Kujo Jotaro & Susanna Bangles… union in marriage… Kujo Jotaro & Susanna Bangles …

Jotaro… was he going to get married? He didn't even feel when his thermos cup slipped from his hand and hit the floor noisily or when Mr. Tadano came over to ask if he was okay.

Jotaro Kujo was going to get married. In a few months. With a woman. Across the ocean.

Kakyouin-san?-

That damn motherfucker!-