Chapter Text
How many months had already passed?
It was only tens of weeks, but it felt like many years. Neither of them seemed to really notice the exact time, always feeling it was very long; homesickness taking over them, and working hard until the promised day.
A day that had finally arrived.
One day, one noon. Sabo had taken the train very early to return to his family.
To get back to him.
To Ace.
The doors of the train opened, allowing passengers to descend the platforms. Picking up and tossing a lock of his back behind his ear, Sabo adjusted the distinguished hat he used to wear from time to time, and took a deep breath before stepping out of it; feeling past memories of the previous time.
That time, he had come back nervous, a different nervousness than he had now. Before, he was afraid to confirm that he hadn't managed to turn off the feelings he had for Ace. He now was very moved by those same feelings; and for the great expectation of seeing him again.
The autumn breeze was the first to greet him, and instantly a smile spread across his face. The luggage was already on the ground as well, and he was about to take the first step when a whirlpool rushed up to meet him.
Sabo was tackled to the ground, and he only needed to hear the familiar giggle to know who it was.
Shishishi.
"Luffy!"
The young man pulled him into a hug and helped him back to his feet. In the distance, a exhausted Ace and Garp were running towards them.
"Seriously, Luffy, it looks like you have wheels or motors in your feet!" Ace puffed his cheeks, but immediately launched himself at Sabo as soon as Luffy was a little distance from him. "Amore mío, I missed you a lot!"
Setting down his suitcase, Sabo caught Ace and wrapped his hand around his waist as his dear boyfriend searched for his mouth to kiss him. Smiling very gladly, Sabo returned the brush of lips.
"Welcome".
"I'm back," he whispered still close to Ace's face.
When they separated a safe distance, and walked a few more steps, Garp went to meet him; greeting him with great affection. "Son!" He exclaimed before catching him in a suffocating hug that made the pair of dark-haired men laugh.
"I-I missed you too, Jii-san," the blonde stammered, nearly turning purple from lack of air. Grandpa released him, and they all headed down the platform toward the exit.
Adjusting his scarf in the cold December breeze, and adjusting Ace's and Luffy's hat, Sabo got ready; with his family to return home.
Home Sweet Home.
Since the semester had ended a couple of days before, Sabo stayed with his family since the middle of the month, to spend the holidays and start the plans he had with his freckled.
Luffy still had to decide what he wanted to do, and; despite the fact that both Ace and Sabo already knew what the youngest of the family had in mind, they still had to tell Garp. The three of them were sure that Dragon would spend the new year with them, so it was the perfect time to tell Luffy's father as well; not without first telling Grandpa much earlier.
Sabo was excited. Ace would move in with him and they would start renting an apartment together. After a couple of years of working as a pizza delivery man, it was time for the fiery brunette to expand his horizons and allow himself new work experiences; and this time Sabo would be there to support him in every way.
Certainly this decision would have a major life impact on the lives of the D's; in the oldest of all, to be precise. Well, not only would Ace be leaving home now too, but; Luffy would do the same. The plan of the young man with a cheerful character was to take a year to decide: whether to follow the path of his grandfather and be a Navy, or to be a preschool pedagogue with a focus on sports and activation.
The first proposal did not surprise Sabo very much, because he knew how much Luffy liked to defend people and help them and the idea of fighting the bad guys had always caught his attention, but the second option had amazed him. He couldn't imagine a child - because that's how he kept seeing Luffy like - caring for and guiding other children, because that required a lot of patience and control, which he didn't think Luffy had in sufficient measure. However, since it was a matter of sports, and since in general Luffy liked any physical activity, he could see that it would be a great opportunity for his ototou to develop in his professional future.
A great nostalgia came over him when he realized how many years had really passed. Now Luffy was also becoming a young adult, and before long the three of them would embark on a new chapter of their lives. They would live together again, following their goals or searching for them. And Sabo hoped it would all go well for them.
The door opened and the voices of Ace and Garp were heard, reminding him that the freckled man had gone out to buy more ingredients that for one reason or another they had run out of when they started with the preparations. Luffy had gone to visit his friends, promising to be there before dinner to set the table properly; while Garp had helped him make a special cream for the spaghetti, before also helping him with the mashed potatoes and carrots.
Sabo had taken care of the turkey, which they carefully chose and began to prepare from the night before; as the recipes indicate. It still needed one more bath of the spiced juices, and when it was done Ace helped him put it in the oven.
"Oh! How much did you tell me was milk, Sabo?" The old Marine asked for the umpteenth time, moving the measuring cup away so he could read the measurements. Sabo sighed, for the umpteenth time saying "a cup and three quarters, Jii-san".
And then Sabo focused on the pasta, waiting for the sauce to be ready. But, after a few seconds; and seeing that Garp could not read well, he took the glass from his hands and read the measurements; placing his index finger on the indicated one to highlight how far he had to serve. Garp laughed, clapping a hand to his head, "wow." Grandpa wasn't used to cooking, that was for sure, but he liked to help out on holidays and important days; even if it was a little.
By the time the pasta was ready, and Ace and Sabo were still hanging on to the turkey, Garp went on a few express visits to his friends and co-workers. The pair of boyfriends was alone, and they did not hesitate to take advantage of that moment to be able to spend it in a kissing session and, a little, of fondling; Sabo always trying to keep an eye on the oven.
Nevertheless; as soon as Ace brought him closer to himself, sitting on the edge of the kitchen counter - which they had previously cleaned off for space - Sabo was so lost in his boyfriend's lips and how they went down his neck and his fingers brushed his skin beneath the thin sweater, he let out several sighs. "Mhm... Ace... Wait," he whispered, trying to get them both back to Earth. "We can't go that far now, n-no," Ace stopped stroking her waist, now gently breaking his hold on him; and he touched his shoulder gingerly.
The freckled pouted, "I know, I know," and sighed in defeat.
"We can wait until tonight," Sabo suggested in a sweet, playful tone, which made Ace's face light up.
Sharing Christmas dinner with the family always made him feel very happy.
The noise of cutlery and their pleasant conversations, some laughter, or some pause to listen carefully to every detail of what whoever was speaking was saying. Sabo was very lucky to have found such a family, complete with craziness. He wouldn't trade it for anything.
When it was time for the toast, Garp surprised them all with warm and affectionate words; showing the three of them how much he loved them and how much he wished them success in whatever they set out to do. "You have turned out to be strong, very brave and capable boys," Grandpa's eyes filled with tears, "I know I needed to be there for you more, but I am proud to see what you have become, and I hope for the best." For each one and the path they take, for you, for my beloved grandchildren, merry Christmas!
"Cheers!"
They all took a sip, Luffy made a sour face; since he didn't really like the taste of alcohol. They thanked Grandpa and reached out to hug and pat him. Then it was Ace's turn to toast.
"I am very happy because we are all reunited, family!" Ace raised his glass, and they all followed suit. "Here's to all of us! Cheers and merry Christmas! SaboIloveyou," he exclaimed, rushing the ending because he was a little embarrassed.
It wasn't the end of the year yet, but Sabo thought that Ace would surely waste his love on words on New Year's Eve, because he always encouraged himself with three or more drinks before the toast and on more than one occasion he was about to seriously confess to the blond, in front of everyone. So, it was the turn of our beloved protagonist.
Sabo stood up and cleared his throat, bracing himself. "Family, I am pleased to be all together sharing a delicious dinner in which we all collaborate," he began by saying. Luffy, Ace and Garp were happy, because the decoration of the table was beautiful and the food came out delicious and without major mishaps. "I love you all, cheers!"
They toasted, and said Merry Christmas again. Sabo sat down, and it was now the turn of the youngest of the family.
"Guys," as usual, Luffy started laughing.
"I am very happy to share this moment! The food is always very good thanks to Sabo, but today was great because we all helped! And I am happy to eat all together! I love you! Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"Luffy is so cute! Look at my ototou such a good boy!"
"Yes, the table was perfect, Lu. But most of all your help with the pie in the morning was amazing too. Look at those cheeks, so squishy!"
Both Ace and Sabo were exploding with love and pampering the younger D. Garp also slapped him a few times and ruffled Luffy's hair.
The night was perfect.
"It's time to open the presents!"
Or it had been until then, because Luffy had already gotten too excited, infecting Ace. Both boys flailed and broke free of their seats, running into the room.
"But... But it's until tomorrow morning!"
Sabo knew that they could never hold out until morning, not since Luffy found out that Santa Claus didn't exist. But not for that he did not stop reminding them.
"Leave them, Sabo, let the children open their presents," Garp said, laughing.
Ace opened his present, which was from Sabo, and was greatly surprised and delighted by the expensive branded jacket the freckled had previously had his eye on. Meanwhile, Luffy opened the gift that seemed to be from Garp, taking out a protective climbing gear; referring to the taste that Luffy had for doing parkour and that; until then, Garp had disagreed.
Yes. The night was more than perfect.
And the night took a different course, alone with Ace.
"Oh my God, are you serious? Are we really doing this?"
Sabo was extremely embarrassed, blushing, seeing Ace in front of him. And it wasn't like the other times, no. Well now Ace was half dressed in his firefighter uniform.
"I told you I had another surprise for you, besides those new headphones," the freckled man answered.
Ace fingered the edge of his uniform pants, from the front, while his jacket was missing and he was only in a T-shirt. On one of the dressers was his case, which he put on. The brunette's muscles were now more marked by the habit of always being active and alert in his work. Sabo felt drool run down his mouth.
"I heard there was a bad boy around here, have you seen him?" Ace changed the tone of his voice a bit, getting into the role. He removed his helmet, tucking it under his arm. "No? I only see a good boy here, don't I?" The blackhaired man approached the bed, he had a soft dom attitude that made Sabo tremble with emotion.
"I-I..."
"Good boys follow orders, are you going to obey my orders, pretty Sabo?" Ace turned his head to the side, giving him the most heart-stealing smile possible. If he wasn't already, Sabo would have fallen in love with him right then and there. "I didn't hear you, baby."
"Y-Yes, Ace."
"That's how I like it," he smiled, but walked away. "Now, you're going to play a song from your phone, whatever it is, and you'll see me dance. I want you to hold on as long as you can, it's not okay to play, just watch, understand?"
Sabo agreed. They still lacked practice, but Ace gave him enough confidence to follow him in his scenes. And he felt great.
Seeing how Ace danced to Sam Tinnesz's Play with Fire, how he slowly moved his hips and played with his uniform belt, Sabo didn't know whether to stop watching or not. That smile so sexy and sure of himself that the freckled man was wearing was driving him crazy.
He couldn't get close or touch him, but his pants were being tightened. Maybe...?
"Ah-ah-ah," Ace shook his head. "You can't touch yourself either, honey," he told him. That sultry, soft voice made it worse. Sabo stifled a moan deep in his throat.
"Ace..."
"Let's have some more fun~"
Maybe Ace and Sabo were slow to realize their feelings. And maybe they had some teen drama or angst before they knew it.
But the truth was that, now, they had a whole future ahead of them. Because they loved each other, they loved each other.
Wherever, together, they would achieve everything. They would meet their challenges and get through them with each other's support.
Although they were still fools at times, they had each other and that was what mattered most.
Forever and ever... Two - happy - idiots in love.