Chapter Text
Kujo Jotaro had been accepted to the marine biology program in Scripps, probably one of the best programmes in the world.
Holly had cried when the letter arrived in the mail, and cried even more when they opened it and welcomed Jotaro into the university. They hadn't known he would be applying, and couldn’t have guessed either, as the boy told them he wanted to go into marine biology a week before finishing high school.
To his surprise, Sadao Kujo even made an appearance at the family dinner, thanks to his mother praising- showing off, actually- their taciturn delinquent of a son on an hour-long phone call. Holly cooked Oyakodon, one of his son's favourite foods. We're so proud of you, she said as soon as he saw the food. Jotaro smiled the entire evening.
So everything seemed absolutely perfect.
Except for the fact that his university required him to stay, quite literally, an ocean away from his home in Japan, and live in San Diego for a couple of years.
That, and the fact that the letter was received in early April, and now, it was early August. And he hadn't told his boyfriend.
At first, both of them were still dealing with the repercussions of Dio's bullshit, so why would he purposely ruin Kakyoin's holidays?
Then, he left for a couple of weeks with his parents while Jotaro stayed in the city.
Then, he wanted to spend their time together without worrying about seeing him less and less.
Then, he simply forgot about it. Until he woke up one day and realized what month they were in.
And so right now he was on a boring call with his grandfather, who was somehow even happier than his mother to find out Jotaro would be starting his higher education close to him. He had lived most of his life in America, and raised his family there. The old man seemed to love the country, even though he moved at eighteen.
That, Jotaro guessed, would be a potential bonding experience in Joseph's eyes. Earlier that morning, Holly told him his grandfather would be calling in order to offer his "wise guidance", as he called it. Surprisingly, there he was; carefully listening and mentally taking notes of everything he'd probably need to keep in mind.
"... And remember: register at the local library as soon as possible!" His grandfather spoke through the phone, a strong robotic accent paired with a bit of static. "My God. Your grandma Suzie still randomly bursts into tears whenever she remembers you'll be here soon. I cannot congratulate you enough! However, I must say, even though this is big, it's not exactly surprising to me."
"What do you mean?" Jotaro simply replied as he played with the phone cable on his finger.
"Well, you somehow managed to finish school just fine after the Egypt events. With good grades as well- not everyone can finish the school year with them, let alone miss 50 days and pick it up like nothing happened."
Jotaro directed his gaze towards a wooden picture frame placed on the table, one of many copies of that one photograph they took at the desert. "I took complementary classes. It's Kakyoin," he clarified, "the genius you're thinking about."
A couple of seconds of complete silence passed by. "... speaking of. Have you told him yet?"
"I'm going to his house after this."
Joseph's tone switched towards a warmer tone. "So you haven't told him yet. You know, son, to have a healthy relationshi-"
Joseph was cut off as Jotaro put the phone back into its base. Frankly, he did not want his advice in romantic matters. He was good enough getting his love across and Kakyoin stood his mixed signals. Things worked just fine between them. However, he hadn't notified him of his departure, which was worrisome at least.
"Good grief." He lowered his view as he grabbed a pack of cigarettes to stuff on the right pocket of his new black trousers, and made his way out the door.
–
Jotaro was visibly distressed. He had knocked around 10 times on Kakyoin's residence, and hoped with all of his might that his parents weren't home at the moment.
As if a religious entity answered his prayers, Kakyoin was the one to answer the door. He had a big, welcoming smile on his face, and Jotaro leaned over to greet him with a kiss. "Jojo! Come in! I didn't expect you to come by,"
Jotaro's brain was fuzzy as he took his shoes off, while his partner mentioned something about his mother working and his father just leaving to run errands.
Noriaki seemed to notice the lack of talking. "I'm having tea, do you want some?" Jotaro nodded as he followed him to the tea room.
Kakyoin kept chattering about having made a painting of their new ceramic tea cup set, but not being able to show it to him yet since he needed to let the latest layer of oil paints to dry down in order to add the few last details.
Once they were there, Kakyoin swiftly sat down. Oddly, Jotaro kept still and stayed on his feet.
"Kakyoin." The mentioned hummed as if waiting for a reply.
This is it, Jotaro thought. "I'm moving to the United States to study Marine Biology. For four years."
Kakyoin left the teapot in his hands fall to the floor. What the fuck? Star Platinum managed to grab it on the air and left it on the table.
"... Wow!" Kakyoin took a sip of tea in hopes to calm down, yet seemed to almost choke on his drink for a second, and took a big breath, as he tried to string the conversation and hopefully make it normal once again. "That's- that's really, really great Jotaro! When did this happen? It's August- When are you leaving?" He questioned his boyfriend, brows furrowed.
"Next week."
Nothing could've prepared Kakyoin for that answer.
He blinked in disbelief for ten seconds before he shouted, "You're telling me now?!" He grabbed his spoon- quickly switched it to his napkin when he considered maybe the spoon was too extreme, and threw it at Jotaro.
"I'm sorry." Jotaro had no remorse on his face. But Kakyoin couldn't judge him based on that: as a matter of fact, he didn't have anything on his face for most of the time.
"Like HELL you are! Did you smack your 7 feet tall, decorative head on a door frame and somehow forgot to tell me?!" Kakyoin's arms waved around trying to gesture his expressions.
"I'm sorry. Do you want to go with me? You can."
This son of a bitch.
Noriaki swore his eyes could burn like lasers. "What?!" His hands clawed in frustration. Jotaro took a couple of steps towards him.
"How?", Kakyoin wanted to scream at him. Hey mom, dad, my boyfriend just got me a full-ride at an american art school! I'm leaving! Next. Week! Goodbye Japan, I won't miss you!
But regardless of the lack of details, and as crazy as it seemed, Kakyoin knew he meant it. There was a genuine tone to his words. And Jotaro seemed to really honestly enjoy time spent next to him, so it wouldn't be out of pity. "I'm sorry. I will try to make it up to you. You can go with me if you want to."
Noriaki hadn't managed to be sad, nor be happy, nor process his emotions, at the record-breaking speed of their two minute long conversation about plans and future. His head was completely dizzy. He let out a big sigh and replied,
"I'm killing you. Stay and we will have a snack to discuss this." His scarred eyes closed, with a hand on his forehead. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" He asked.
"I'm sorry. I care about you. I didn't want to ruin your holidays." Jotaro figured it was honest enough, and Noriaki seemed soothed with the reasoning. As much as a prick as he could be, Jotaro didn't really have it in him, bad intentions.
Still, did the giant of his boyfriend truly grasp how bad this was? Jotaro handed over the napkin. "Sorry," he repeated. "I don't expect you to go if you don't want to."
Kakyoin quickly analyzed everything in the situation and gave himself time to order his concerns: "No- Jotaro, of course I want to, but have you even... thought at all? What will I tell my parents? Do I even have a spot? What if they ask me for documents or a specific portfolio? How do I even bring this up to the dean at the school I did get accepted in? I don't have that much money either." His voice was much more controlled now, he felt like he needed to solve a puzzle.
"I looked it up before coming here," Jotaro stood in front of him, as he took a folder out of his coat. "There is a very prestigious art school in San Diego. I will get the old man to make a phone call, give you a spot. I'll pay for everything until you get settled,"
Noriaki quickly scanned the pages as he listened; a map with the location, a couple of pictures of the university, a list of bachelors programs: Fine Arts, Museum Studies, Art History..
"You can send a letter to the current school you're in. We will talk to your parents."
They could figure out the smaller details later. Mr. Joestar would surely help, so those weren't void promises at all. And his parents... wouldn't be ecstatic, but wouldn't refuse either. If things worked out, these could be rich experiences for both, Kakyoin rapidly reasoned. Jotaro seemed relieved to hear it all.
Egotistical, entitled fucker, were Kakyoin's final thoughts as they finally sat down. His tea felt cold on his lips.