[It's awful to not be able to just fix situations like this. It feels wrong. If he were at home, he'd speak one quiet word and everyone, panic or no panic, would part like the Red Sea to make way for his Fugo. But here, this is the best he can do.]

[And he does it well. God, does he ever--he hates it, but he focuses, and he stays calm, and he functions. He's so good at functioning.]

[Even if there's a moment, just before they start moving, that Fugo reaches out and grabs hold of Jin's jacket, and in that moment Giorno feels his heart breaking. Like a bone; his heart has always been so brittle anyway. In that moment, he looks up and meets Jin's eyes. The pain is so clear in him that he might as well be bleeding.]

[Do you understand now?]

[And then they move. Giorno paces himself; he's careful, watchful, with Gold Experience coming out to bring up the rear behind him. He feels for the pulses of everyone around him, keeps careful track--and it's a lot to think about, but for Fugo and for Jin and for the safety of everyone in here, he does it. A quarter of the way through the journey, he turns to Fugo and murmurs: Good job. I've got you. Halfway, the same: Halfway there, you can do it, I've got you. Three-quarters: Almost there, almost. You're amazing. Keep your eyes closed, I've got you.]

[And then it's over. For now. They cross the threshold in a line, Jin and Fugo and Giorno and Gold Experience; Giorno turns so his back is to the store, his eyes fixed and sharp on the crowd they've left behind. Then he exhales sharply and refocuses.]

Fugo, let go for a moment, please. Jin, bring the grate down. Then come back and stay next to us, please.

[He catches Fugo's other hand and pulls him close with both at once, looking at him with intent concern.]

Fugo. It's okay. You can open your eyes, we made it. You're safe, non hai male a nessuno.

[Jin . . . can't know. Yet. But he'll have to, soon. He will.]