Bloody Golden Butterfly [JJBA Fanfiction] (Giorno x Jolyne)

16. Du Riechst So Gut

Although the temperature often dropped during the night in Naples, a coastal city, the extent that night was quite absurd for that time of year. Even though Giorno was well covered, he felt a chill course throughout his body from time to time. He wondered if Jolyne felt the same and if he should go check on her. To make sure she was okay, not for any other reason.

Whatever his feelings or impulses, he had to suppress them for the moment. He had brought her there to save her from his brother, not to fuck her. But was it really normal to be so cold? Then he realized that he had been so busy scolding himself and talking nonsense that he hadn't realized the sheer abnormality of the situation.

He manifested his Stand and dashed to Jolyne's room. He found her shivering by the door.

"This is..." Giorno started.

"Yes, it seems to be a Stand attack."

"You should stay here while I look for the user."

"Yeah, and freeze to death here? Like hell I will. I'm coming with you. I've already shown you that I can fight. So, unless you're planning to tie me up, I'm heading out."

The idea of tying her crossed his mind, but he decided that since she had been able to keep Donatello at bay in the swamp for so long, she could handle this. Bruno had told him that she was capable. The fight a while ago had also confirmed it.

Since they had not packed appropriate clothing for the cold, they went down with blankets.

"Would you mind if we huddled together? Two blankets are better than one," Jolyne said through chattering teeth.

Yes, he did mind. Giorno knew he would feel uncomfortable, but as he watched her shiver, he remembered that she had grown up in Florida and was probably not used to the cold. He pulled open his blanket to allow her to snuggle up to his side.

The body heat was pleasant and even though her smell was distracting, having her in his arms and seeing her shivers end was gratifying. At the same time, he was able to keep her safe, holding her protectively under his arm. Only protection and warmth, nothing else. He did not know why he thought of Abbacchio's sarcastic smile at that moment, but he quickly pushed it out.

As they went outside, Giorno noticed something. The plants did not seem to be cold. It was as if the freezing temperature was only targeting the two of them, confirming their suspicions of a Stand attack.

He wasted no time. Gold Experience Requiem manifested behind them as he took on a vigilant stance.

"I don't want to hurt you," they heard a voice call from an area that the streetlights did not illuminate. "I just wanted to knock you out and escort the girl back to her boyfriend."

"Why don't you show yourself?" Giorno asked. His gaze was alert and wary, scanning the dark corners all around them.

Jolyne shifted her weight beside him. "Wait, what boyfriend?" she said sharply.

"My name is Rikiel," said the man as he stepped out into the light.

His silhouette was tall. The closer he got, the more beautiful he seemed, despite his strange clothes, which were a combination of different animal pattern prints styled into a robe and trousers. He looked a bit like Giorno, but with straight magenta locks of hair that touched his shoulders. It wasn't just his looks though, but his aura too. He had a hulking figure like the blonde and his features were stunning. If one were to squint, they would notice that he looked a bit like Donatello too, but without the same malice.

For a moment, Jolyne remembered Anasui. This man was something like him but more handsome.

"Okay, Rikiel, sir, what boyfriend are you talking about? You couldn't possibly mean Donatello, could you? Here's a piece of advice. Don't listen to anything that psychopath says." She remembered Anasui again and corrected herself. "What those two psychos say. I've been single and free for months. Hell, if I see my ex again, I'll break his nose. Whatever it is they've told you, they've lied to you."