Chapter Text
The dim lights of the little yakiniku restaurant were starting to spin, like giant fireflies caught in the whirlwind of alcohol swirling around Sabo. Oh no—everything was going to his head. Fifth drink… maybe tenth… he’d lost count ages ago. With a soft thud muffled by the tatami, he slipped off his cushion and landed on the floor of the zashiki room where they were having their barbecue.
Ace’s POV:
I was chatting with Marco and Thatch, who were already on their fifth drinks. I’ve always handled alcohol well, but I don’t really like the taste, so I don’t overdo it—unlike the two alcoholics I call friends. I grabbed another piece of freshly grilled meat while listening to Thatch tell the story of how Marco face‑planted while serving at their restaurant, when I heard a soft noise behind me.
I turned around and found Sabo lying on the tatami, feet still on his cushion. Oh no. He’s never been good with alcohol, and I knew inviting him to a night like this was a mistake. (Honestly, the moment Thatch, Marco, or Zoro show up, the night automatically becomes a drinking event.) I remember warning him at the start of the evening, but now that I think about it… he’s probably been downing drinks for a while. And I didn’t even notice. Great.
Though… I have to admit he looks cute like that—relaxed face, cheeks flushed, messy blond hair, and a tiny line of drool slipping from his parted lips.
What the hell am I thinking?!
I sighed, blaming my tomato‑red face on the alcohol.
“I’m heading out,” I told my friends. “I need to take Sabo home, he’s completely gone.”
“Yeah yeah, have fun with your boyfriend~”
“And don’t forget protection~” Marco added.
I gave them my best middle finger and tried to wake Sabo up. Ever since they found out about my crush on him, they never let me breathe. Meanwhile, my blond angel refused to come back to reality.
“Ace…” he mumbled suddenly.
My heart jumped so hard I thought it would break my ribs. I sighed again and tried:
“Sabo… we need to go home.”
He only groaned, his gorgeous golden‑lashed eyes staying shut. No use—he wasn’t getting up. So I picked him up like a koala, careful not to hurt him. He automatically wrapped his arms around my neck and buried his face in my shirt.
I turned into a tomato again while my friends giggled behind me.
Time skip to the apartment
The walk home was a mix of silence, warmth, and Sabo refusing to let go of me. I pushed open the door of the apartment we shared, still carrying him. I brought him to his room and tried to lay him on the bed—keyword: tried. First, he wouldn’t let go, and second, delicacy has never been my strong point.
When I finally managed to free myself, I tucked him under the blankets and fixed his pillow. He looked so calm, so peaceful—almost angelic. I couldn’t resist: I pressed a kiss to his forehead, cheeks burning, and turned to leave, satisfied with the view.
Well… tried to leave. A pale hand grabbed my arm, stopping me.
“Ace… don’t go…”
My cheeks burned even hotter. I turned back toward the boy who made my heart race.
“S‑Sabo?” I stammered.
“Ace… don’t leave me…”
“Never, Sabo,” I answered softly.
He tugged weakly on my arm, so I sat on the bed. He curled against me instantly, and I lay down beside him, running my fingers through his soft blond hair, ignoring how hot my face felt.
“Ace… why do you smell… so good…” Sabo mumbled into my shirt.
I choked on my own breath. If it was possible to blush harder, I was doing it.
“Sabo…?”
“It’s annoying… I’m trying…”
This was my chance. He was drunk, sure, but people are honest when they’re drunk… right?
“You’re trying to do what?”
“T‑to not… fall in love… but you’re… you’re…”
I froze, letting him finish.
“You’re Ace… you’re too pretty… it’s not fair…”
My heart did the biggest leap of its life. Sabo thought I was pretty? And he loved me? This was the best day ever. I couldn’t help laughing—pure joy bubbling out of me.
Then I felt a drop on my shirt. Then another.
Sabo was crying.
“Sabo?! What’s wrong?!”
“Ace… d‑don’t hate me…”
Tears streamed down his cheeks, and the sight shattered me.
“Sabo, don’t cry… I love you,” I whispered.
“Ace…”
I pulled him closer, kissing his hair and forehead. His breathing slowly calmed, and he fell asleep in my arms. My mind was spinning with questions. Why did he think I’d hate him? And… does he really love me?
Luckily, sleep hit me before I could overthink myself into oblivion. One thing was certain: tomorrow, we were going to have a long talk. Things needed to be clear.
(And yes—by the next day, they were officially together ^^)