Hello everyone,
This is my very first acelu story! And surely won't be the last :D I absolutely love the pairing!
No worries, rating will go up next chapter!
Enjoy!
I don't own One Piece nor any of the characters.
Luffy
"Can I help somehow?"
Luffy startles and turns around, his head diving up from the glorious daydreams he's just been swimming through.
Which is funny, because in his daydream he was in an ocean, swimming together with dolphins and whales. In reality, he's standing in a book store in front of the gardening section, the ocean is far, far away and he can't even swim to save his life. Uncle Shanks always calls him Anchor, which is mean, but unfortunately a pretty good way to describe how naturally Luffy sinks like a rock as soon as he's in a water body larger than his bath tub.
"Huh?" Luffy makes.
The freckled sales assistant grins and clears his throat. "I just asked if there's anything I can help you with. You look like you're searching for a certain book."
And Luffy's eyes grow wide as he remembers his mission – find a birthday present for Robin! She celebrates next week, and he still needs a present!
Luffy nods eagerly, with sparkling eyes: "If you could help me, that'd be awesome! It's for my friend Robin's birthday, I wanna buy her a book! But I don't know which one!"
And the man now breaks a beautiful, amused smile and he nods, clearly pleased with his enthusiasm. The wild, untamed dark hair surrounding his face gives him a sense of adventure and audacity.
"Ok, great! Then let's find a good book together. Do you know what your friend normally likes to read? You're standing in the gardening section, so I assume that she likes gardening?"
"Uhm, yeah, well, I think she's also interested in history and the such, and she likes watching horror movies, too, she usually just laughs at them… Oh and she likes really long books! Like, a thousand pages or longer!" Luffy explains.
"Hm…ok, please follow me, I think I can help you," the man says with a smile and Luffy nods happily and follows him through the store.
Luffy doesn't want to, but he really can't help staring at the man's back. He is wearing loose, comfortable clothes for work, but still Luffy can tell that he's quite muscular. Broad shoulders, a narrow waist, hard defined biceps and triceps… Luffy bites his lower lip. The guy is so good-looking, and although there are lots of women in the book store, who look just as lost and overwhelmed as him, the man helps Luffy, of all people.
Luffy feels his heart jumping with joy. Something that hasn't really been happening lately.
Way too soon, the sales assistant stops walking and Luffy nearly runs into him. They've halted in front of a large, intimidating shelf full of hardcover novels, all of them at least 500 pages strong.
Luffy gulps.
So many stories in one place…
The freckled man takes one book out of the shelf.
"Ok, so this novel is pretty new, it's from a famous horror and thriller author. It's about…"
The man suggests three or four more books, and all of them are heavy and thick and intimidating and Luffy seriously can't decide which one he should choose. He also doesn't want to give Robin any book she's already read! Argh, why is this so hard…? He frowns.
"Are you ok?" the man suddenly asks and Luffy startles, before he smiles again.
"Yes, they all sound great! But I'm worried I'm giving her a book she has already read! Because she really reads a lot!"
The man's gentle expression turns thoughtful.
"Hm… yeah, I understand…" And then the playfulness returns to his handsome features as he suddenly winks at Luffy and a little mischief starts gleaming in his eyes. "I think I have another idea. Please follow me!"
And suddenly, a large, warm hand closes around Luffy's fingers and next thing he knows is how he's pulled out of the show room, through a half-hidden door by the stairs into the large stockroom of the book store.
Luffy forgets to breathe. Holy shit that is a lot of books! The bright wooden shelfs reach right underneath the high ceiling and they are packed so full they bend under the weight of all the knowledge and stories captured on paper, Luffy's mouth opens in quiet awe. That really…looks amazing. The stockroom is beautifully illuminated by star-shaped lamps and the walls are painted a warm, deep red and bright yellow. The floor is covered with carpet. Already standing here, it feels like coming home.
And his heart starts thundering as he realises that the shop assistant hasn't let go of his hand yet. The man grins at him and then puts a finger to his lips, signalling him to remain quiet.
"I have a great idea!" the man whispers and pulls him further down the aisles, past countless shelfs full of books, hardcovers and paperbacks, large atlases and dictionaries and maps and colouring books and comic books and manga – although Luffy doesn't really share Robin's passion for books, he has to admit he would've loved to explore the shelfs further, see what stories they hide, and stay here for a long time, just to study the beautiful covers of novels or read the gorgeously drawn graphic novels and manga.
They stop in front of a shelf with a large stack of books still wrapped in foil.
"So, these books are supposed to be released starting next week. Since you try so hard to find a book your friend hasn't read yet, how about I sell you one of those?" the man says in a low voice.
And Luffy's eyes grow wide. "Is that actually ok for you to do that?" Luffy asks back, his voice vibrating with excitement.
And the man laughs and winks at him, in that flirty yet kind way that has Luffy's heart leaping. "Not really, but I'll make an exception for you. Because I think you're the cutest customer I've ever had"
And Luffy's cheeks start burning at the compliment. He hasn't gotten a compliment in…yeah, well, forever.
"Uhm…thanks, you don't look too b-bad yourself," he stutters and the smile he receives as reply just melts his heart. So gorgeous…
"Well, if that's settled, let's go back to the salesroom? Shall I wrap it for you?" the man asks and Luffy nods.
"That'd be great!"
And way too soon for his tastes, they have to leave the beautiful stockroom of the book store and Luffy patiently waits on the other side of the cashier for the freckled man to wrap the book in colourful wrapping paper. Then he pays and as he reaches over to put the notes into the man's large hand, their fingers brush against each other and Luffy's feels a sudden heatwave washing through him like a tidal wave and his cheeks feel like they've caught fire and his fingers burn where they've touched and he sees how the man blinks, before he passes him a smile again and he hurries to give him the change.
"I hope your friend likes the book," the sales assistant says with a wink and Luffy gulps, suddenly fighting to get the words out of him.
"Y-yeah, I-I'm sure she'll like it. Uhm, thanks again s-so much, uhm…"
"Ace," the man says and suddenly he reaches his right hand across the cashier and Luffy thinks his heart is going to jump out if his chest as he shakes the man's hand and he feels a little piece of paper crackle between his shaking fingers.
"I-I'm Luffy," Luffy croaks like a frog, cheeks aflame.
And Ace nods happily, and with a last flirty wink he whispers: "Hope to see you again, Luffy."
And Luffy can only nod as he hurries outside with wobbly legs, his fingers clasped tightly around the piece of paper in his hand, the hand holding the book is slippery and hot and as he stands on the street again, the sunshine laughing into his heated face, he breaks the most beautiful, goofy grin because… today has just turned 1000 times better than he would've ever expected.
"Ace…," Luffy whispers, loving the ring of the name on his tongue. And he opens his hand and sees a phone number written on the small note.
And Luffy starts singing on his way back home.
He will definitely contact him for sure.
Ace
It's nearly 8pm when he gets home to the flat he shares with his best friend Kidd. He feels exhausted, like usual after a 7 hour shift at the book store, but unlike usually, there is a new giddy feeling spreading inside of him, and it makes his fingertips tingle and his chest burn in a warm, pleasant way.
Even the prospect of having to sit down in front of his books after dinner, to continue working on his master's thesis, doesn't manage to spoil his good mood.
And the best thing is: He knows exactly why he's in such a splendid mood. He can't wait to see the cute customer again, who so clearly seemed just as pleased to meet him as Ace has been.
He doesn't expect him to text or call tonight anymore – but Ace is pretty sure he will hear from him, soon. The boy was just… so cute and sweet and adorable and god, if Ace doesn't stop thinking about him, he will never even get through the door because his hands are just a useless as the rest of his lovestruck body and brain. With a dreamy sigh, he opens the door. "I'm home!" he yells down the hallway, but receives no reply. His eyes lower to the ground. Hm, Kidd's shoes are here…together with a pair that belongs to neither of them.
And Ace already knows what or rather who has his friend …occupied.
Kidd and Law have been together for quite a while now. So Ace is not at all surprised.
The thing about having a tall, dangerously handsome flatmate is that you have to be prepared to run into him at every stage possible there is between fully clothed and stark naked. And so, Ace walks into the living room only to see clothes scattered everywhere and hear suggestive moaning that leaves very little to his imagination.
He rolls his eyes as he spots said flatmate sitting on their sofa, with his broad, muscled back to him, and his boyfriend… well, apparently moving up and down on his cock.
Unfortunately, this is by far not the first time he's walked in on Kidd having sex with someone, so Ace hardly blinks at the spectacle in their shared living room.
He sighs and moves to the kitchen, turning on the kettle. Instant ramen is gonna be his dinner, but that's alright. As the water is boiling, he pours the steaming liquid into the cup and grabs a spoon.
"Jesus Christ, get a room you two!" Ace chides, as he returns to the living room, whereupon the two freeze and Kidd's handsome boyfriend Law lifts his face, a deep flush of arousal colouring his cheeks, and the man passes him a cheeky smirk.
"Had a good day, Ace?" the med student asks, but he doesn't hear Ace's reply because he throws his head back with a moan and suddenly the whole sofa jerks with the power of Kidd's thrusts. Damn, Kidd really is a beast. Literally every single part of him, his dick included, exceeds human expectation. Yeah well, after being friends for years, Ace has seen him naked a few too many times. Involuntarily, of course. Kidd's physique is that of a wild beast's, but he sure is gorgeous. No wonder the med student is head over heels for the engineering major.
"Kidd, if the sofa isn't clean by tomorrow morning I'll beat your ass, got it?" Ace growls and he can hear soft whispering and then Kidd replies, his voice dark and coated with lust: "Yeah yeah, now get out…talk to ya later…"
And Ace rolls his eyes and marches past them to his bedroom. These two…
Later that evening, there is a knock on his door. He looks up from his laptop.
"Yeah?"
The door opens and Kidd peaks into his room, now clothed again, his hair wet from the shower he doubtlessly took together with Law.
"I forgot to text you, Law brought food. Want some? He says you can't keep eating that instant shit," Kidd says with a grin and Ace glances at the time. Nearly 11pm. Yeah, actually, why not…
"Yeah, thanks! Be there in a minute," he says and Kidd nods, closing the door again.
He leans back and sighs. His eyes flicker to his phone. There are a few new messages. But none from an unknown number.
Stupid Ace… be patient…
"Hm, this looks pretty good," he says as he enters the kitchen where Kidd and Law are already sitting.
"Yeah, it's pasta salad and another bowl full of fried rice with fresh vegetables and chicken. I've seen your fridge and seriously – your diet is awful," Law says, handing him a plate and cutlery.
"Even mine?" Kidd protests.
"Yes, yours too. Both you and Ace have a terrible diet, I'm still wondering how the two of you can be so big, since you basically only eat pure rubbish," Law says dryly.
"Law!"
"Kidd, I've been telling you this since the first time I came here!"
Ace smiles at the bickering of the two. Although at first glance they seem about as similar as day and night, they actually make quite a good couple. And Ace has never seen Kidd happier than now that he's together with Law.
Law is a good guy, too. Ace is glad that Kidd chose a good man, after having had terrible experiences with his former lovers and his heart broken several times.
"Anyways, how're you, Ace? How's the paper going?" Law asks him.
"I think it's going fine…"
"How's the non-existent love life?" Kidd asks, as insensitive as ever. Law frowns at the redhead. Ace takes a big bite from the pasta salad. Damn, that question is so typically Kidd…
"Kidd! That's –," Law starts chiding.
"C'mon Ace, I'm not saying that to take the piss. How long have you been single now? You haven't even been on a date in ages! Your dick in hibernation or what?" Kidd continues, his gaze locked on Ace.
"Kidd!"
Ace rolls his eyes.
"No, tsk, Kidd, first of all, fuck you. And I gave someone my number today!" Ace replies heatedly. He's used to Kidd being about as sensitive as a flying brick, but sometimes, he does get annoyed. Because yes, Ace is indeed happy that his friend has found a great boyfriend. But… Kidd doesn't always have to remind Ace just how bloody lonely he is.
He's more than aware of that too, thank you very much.
The couple changes a glance.
"Have you just made that up?" Kidd asks, a mocking grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"How did you meet him or her?" Law asks, as polite as usual, but there's also surprise in his voice.
"No I didn't make it up, man! He was a costumer in the book store today and I helped him find a birthday present for a friend of his. And then I gave him my number," Ace says, and he feels his cheeks warming up as he once again remembers every single detail about the boy from the book store.
Luffy was the name.
A good name, really fitting for his cute looks and adorable smile.
"Oh damn, that boy got to you, didn't he?" Kidd says, his voice both amused and amazed. "You look like struck by a fucking lightning!"
"What?! No!"
"You do, Ace. But that's great, finally you are interested in someone," Law says with a knowing wink and Ace rolls his eyes again, stuffing his fork full.
"Alright, gimme details. What does he look like? What's his name? He a student? Rich? Or look like a loser?" Kidd starts bombarding him with questions and Ace, although he tries hard to stop himself, immediately lists all the beautiful, amazing things he's noticed about Luffy and just how damn cute he is and –
Yeah, well, Ace basically acts like a lovestruck teenager.
So him and his two friends talk until the clock says 12:30am and Law yawns, standing up. They've already put the dirty dishes away. It's a Thursday night, so one more working day until Ace has weekend. He sighs when he thinks about having to start work at 8am tomorrow again, and he has lectures at 3pm. He'll be dead tired once he is finally home tomorrow evening.
"Alright, I really need to sleep now," Law yawns, looking at his boyfriend. "You coming?"
"Yeah, just a minute. You go ahead, babe," Kidd replies.
"Ok. Good night, Ace."
Law pats him on the shoulder, before he disappears in the bathroom.
And Ace finds himself in a comfortable silence with his best friend. He catches Kidd's smug smile.
"What?" he asks, but amused himself.
"Nothing. Just hoping for you that it works out. Really, I do," Kidd says, although he's saying it rather cheerfully, a rare seriousness is ringing in his words.
"Kidd…"
"Yeah, just don't go all sentimental on me. But the thing is… I've never been fucking happier than I am with Law right now. And I wish you could, you know… experience that too, for once."
And Ace blinks, before he smiles, deeply touched by his friend's words. Kidd may be rude, inconsiderate and ignorant on the outside – but he has his moments, where he shows his true feelings in his own rough, crass way.
Makes Ace appreciate it even more.
"Thanks, Kidd," he says softly and Kidd blushes slightly, clearing his throat.
"Yeah, well, anyways, Imma crash now, too. Night."
"Good night."
And with that, the red-haired man leaves him alone in the kitchen, the warm, bubbly feeling once again settling in his chest, even stronger than before. He smiles quietly to himself. Today was a good day. The best day in a long time.
Just because he got to know a beautiful, wonderful person he can't wait to meet again.
Luffy
His hand around his phone is so slippery with cold sweat that he nearly drops his phone. His heart is thundering so hard inside his chest he believes he can't breathe anymore. His legs feel weak and shaky and he isn't even sure he still has enough strength left to actually walk into the café where he and Ace have agreed to meet for a cup of coffee. Luffy gulps. It's a quite chilly early February afternoon. It's a Saturday, and the city is buzzing with tourists. The sun keeps on hiding behind greyish, stormy looking clouds. Looks like it's about to rain soon.
Dear Lord, why did he agree to this, his nerves are not strong enough f-for a d-date with…with Ace…
The beautiful sales assistant…
Luffy's heart flutters at the memory.
He's spend two hours in front of his closet, until him and Sanji have found a nice-looking outfit out of light grey skinny jeans that apparently "highlight your legs and ass" as Sanji said, and a plain white-button down. Underneath his coat, he feels uncomfortably hot. If he sweats even more, he'll be able to wring out his shirt by the time Ace gets here.
He glances at the time. Luffy has been ten minutes early, terrified of turning up too late and giving Ace a terrible impression of him. So now he has yet to wait two agonizing minutes more. His fingers shake as he searches through his contacts.
The last text from Ace was a few minutes ago, stating he was on his way.
Luffy bites his lower lip and opens his and Sanji's chat.
-I can't do this sanji
-Calm down, it's just coffee, luffy, Sanji immediately replies.
-i will throw up in front of him and he'll hate me
-luffy, it's gonna be fine, trust me
-was it the same between you and zoro?
-even worse, believe me. you'll have a nice couple hours, I'm sure of it
-but what if I mess up?
-you won't
-but what if I do?!
-then you apologise. jfc it's gonna be fine, luffy, now relax
-I think this was a mistake, I wanna go home, this sucks
-fucking nO, DON'T YOU DARE CALL IT OFF NOW YOU HAVE TO STOP FUCKING THINKING ABOUT HIM! IF YOU LEAVE NOW I'LL KICK YOUR FUCKING ASS!
And Luffy's heart clenches painfully at the mention of him – and he's about to type a really angry response, when he notices movement in front of him and his neck starts to prickle and his vision zeroes in.
Luffy looks up quickly enough to see Ace approaching with a bright smile and with burning cheeks Luffy stuffs his phone into his pocket. He'll deal with Sanji later.
There's no turning back now.
Ace looks…just gorgeous in black jeans, a white button down, blue jacket and long red scarf that give him a cosy look. He looks… so unbelievably attractive in such a sympathetic and cheerful way, Luffy holds his breath, because Ace, despite being dressed so nicely, he smiles at him in the kindest way possible, and the smile alone calms Luffy's raging nerves and he's able to breathe as Ace halts in front of him.
"Hey," Ace says, his dark eyes locked with Luffy's.
"H-Hey," Luffy replies and god is his voice actually shaking that much?
"I hope you didn't have to wait for too long," Ace says politely.
"N-no, i-it was fine," Luffy replies hastily.
"Ok. A-and you look good," Ace says, now the faintest red dusting his freckles and Luffy's heart jumps at the compliment.
"Th-th-thank you. Y-you t-too," he stutters like an utter idiot, but apparently Ace has a thing for idiots, because he laughs and then nods toward the entrance of the café.
"Shall we go inside?"
"Y-yes!"
"Alright, after you."
They've sat down at a table near the windows, with a nice smelling little bouquet of flowers standing at the centre. They've both ordered and exchanged a few meaningless words of politeness.
And now Luffy can hardly look at the man for longer than a few seconds, because every time their gazes meet, he feels his head spinning, dizzy from the unbelievable heat spreading through him and his heart beats so fast he believes at least three ribs are cracked and his palms are sweaty and he has them firmly clasped in his lap because he doesn't know what to do with himself, this was a mistake, he's not ready for a date, especially not with someone as frighteningly handsome and seemingly perfect as Ace, he's surely just making fun of Luffy and Ace's friends are somewhere sitting in the café, filming them or some shit –
"Uhm, Luffy… are you ok? H-Have I said something to upset you?" he hears Ace say like through a wall.
Luffy's eyes widen and he snaps his face upward and he almost yells: "No! No, t-this is me, ok, I'm so-so…look, I'm sorry, I-I'm…"
"Nervous? Yeah, me…me too," Ace interrupts him, his voice gentle, although insecurity lacing his words.
And Luffy stares at him, mouth agape. Ace – nervous? Why? He looks like someone who…who goes on dates all the time…
"Really?" Luffy asks in a whisper.
And Ace nods, smiling warmly again: "Yeah."
And Luffy takes a shaky breath, before he smiles back: "Ok"
"Well…how was your day?"
"It was good! Uhm, I still go to uni, so I was busy doing a bit of work, but mostly I just watched TV. A-and how about you?" he says, trying really hard to sound braver than he currently feels like.
"Well, I'm also still at uni, but I'm doing my master's degree now. Have been trying to work on that a bit, but I couldn't really focus," Ace says and winks at him. "Because I was thinking about our date."
And Luffy's cheeks are so hot, he's just downright dizzy and he bites his lower lip to stop himself from smiling like a complete idiot helplessly in love, and he mutters as reply: "S-same f-for me…"
But he looks up quickly enough to see Ace smile happily and Luffy's heart feels like it's started to sing in utter bliss.
"What are you studying?" Ace asks him.
"Film and Media. And how about you?" Luffy asks a little shyly. So Ace already does his Master's degree… How much older is he than Luffy?
"I did my undergrad degree in Geophysics, and now I do my MA in Astrophysics, " Ace says breezily, and Luffy, although he's impressed that Ace does such a cool course – he feels a little…intimidated, or daunted, because…
"Y-you must be really smart, huh? I could never do such a course," he mumbles, with his eyes downcast.
Compared to Ace, Luffy is just…
Yeah, well… average might be the right word.
Definitely nothing special, because a ton of people study Media and Film. And he's not even the best in his course, actually far from it.
This is just like…with…him…
"Hey, Luffy? You ok?" Ace asks and Luffy blinks.
"Uhm, yes, sorry! But Astrophysics that sounds so cool, what do you actually write about? About planets and aliens and the sort? When are you gonna be finished?" Luffy asks with bright, glowing eyes, but his smile is a little forced after all.
And Ace – he must be too perfect for this world – he smiles, but shakes his head and then he reaches across the table to lightly tap Luffy's fingers:
"Media and Film sounds cool, too! How about you tell me first? It sounds really interesting, what kinda modules do you have? Believe me, Astrophysics sounds much cooler than it is," he says with a wink and Luffy takes a deep breath, before he brushes his own fingertips against Ace's knuckles, just casually, and he starts talking.
And the entire time, Ace listens, his eyes locked with Luffy's, a smile sitting on his perfect lips, his whole body is held in such a way that Luffy just feels that all his attention is on Luffy right now, and it makes Luffy so incredibly happy that that gorgeous man gives him his undivided attention, because Luffy really is nothing special, especially not compared to said man, and yet…
Ace listens to him, and he asks smart questions, he never interrupts him and he asks when he didn't understand a thing and by the time Luffy halts, his body is tingling because… because Ace was so interested and that is just…
So unlike any guy ever is when Luffy tells them what he studies and pours his heart blood into.
Luffy hasn't even noticed how their orders have arrived. Suddenly there's a big mug full of steaming hot chocolate sitting in front of him on the table and he takes a shy sip.
"It is good?" Ace asks.
"Yes!"
"Can I try?" Ace then asks with a wink and with Luffy's cheeks once again heating up so much he thinks he will melt, Luffy nods, unable to form words. And Ace takes the mug and – and he places his lips right where Luffy's have been and when he sits the cup down, he licks his lips and Luffy actually bites his lower lip.
God, he's just…too…
Too damn sexy and perfect and sweet and –
"It's good," the freckled man says softly.
"Y-yeah…"
"Can I get some more? Just a bit?" Ace asks mischievously and Luffy's heart does a leap so hard and loud he's sure the entire café must've heard it, they all must've heard just how quickly and how deep he's falling for the man who sits opposite of him, the beautiful, beautiful man who studies astrophysics and works in a book store and who has the kindest smile the world has ever seen.
And the afternoon and early evening pass within the blink of an eye and suddenly it's nearly 9pm and it's gotten dark outside. The street lights turned on a while ago, illuminating the wet cobblestone with a warm, golden light. It has stopped raining, but the air still smells fresh, salty and cold. Luffy didn't think time would pass so quickly. And a large part of him wishes, they could've sat there even longer… The entire night until the next morning, and it still would've felt like a single, quickened heartbeat.
They stand outside the café, much closer than Luffy would stand with his friends. He isn't quite touching Ace, but he stands close enough to feel the comforting warmth radiating from his large body. Oh how much Luffy would love to hug him… Share the magnificent heat he can feel and smell…
"So, where do you live?" Ace asks him.
"About 30 minutes from here. Goa Avenue, you know that? I live in a flat share, with my friends Usopp and Nami."
"That sounds like fun!"
"Shishi, yeah, they're really cool to live with. And where do you live?" Luffy asks intrigued.
"East Blue Lane, you know that?"
"No, where is that?"
"You know where the old cinema is? Further down the road and then to the left, near the port," Ace explains and Luffy now vaguely knows where he means, although he's never been there.
In any case, they live in opposite directions and his heart sinks. He doesn't want to say goodbye yet.
They look at each for a minute, before Ace, suddenly flustered, lifts a hand to run his fingers through his dark hair, making him look like a smug, golden-hearted rogue, taken straight out of an adventure novel. But then he smiles, his dark eyes becoming even a tone softer as he clears his throat: "May I…walk you home? It's pretty dark, and I wouldn't want you to walk by yourself. I-I mean if that is ok with you."
And Luffy almost leaps into the air because his small body isn't even able to contain all that joy and excitement and surprise and adoration he feels, his body is tingling, his blood is rushing through him, just as eager as he feels, and gods he – it's been such an unbelievably long time since he's felt such a rush, such an overwhelming sense of being alive –
And all thanks to him, Ace, the man who now stands in front of him, so close Luffy could touch, touch his hands, lace their fingers together…
"Y-Yeah, that'd be awesome," he chirps and Ace laughs, before he nods and then he does a small, playful bow.
"Please lead the way!" he says, humour glowing in his gorgeous eyes and Luffy giggles and they start walking, fingers brushing together again and again as they continue their conversation, and not once does Luffy feel like he is wasting time or breath, no, actually he feels that this is…doing him good, in so many ways, like a wound inside him… was starting to heal, simply because Ace is talking to him, sharing his thoughts with him, and that alone, the marvel and joy, is enough to heal so many of the old wounds in Luffy's heart. The wounds he barely remembered having.
Sawing the old wounds close, to never open again.
At some point, when they're already close to Luffy's place, Ace intertwines his fingers together with Luffy's and Luffy feels his stomach filling with a thousand little butterflies, and his heart beats to fast he's afraid he'll start flying at any second and his cheeks are so hot he's sure they'll catch fire and his head is spinning in the most perfect way and he looks up to see Ace questioningly smiling at him, his shy, insecure expression – that stands in such a contrast to his muscled build and adventurous looks – that timid, soft expression on his face is so genuine, so adorable in every way possible, Luffy even feels tears itching in his eyes, because why is he, Luffy, so lucky, to have someone like Ace, the most perfect man ever, why is Ace looking at him like he was seeing the world's greatest treasure, because he's just silly old Luffy, and Ace is –
"That ok?" Ace whispers, squeezing Luffy's hand and Luffy can only nod, afraid if he opens his mouth now, he'd start crying.
"Ok," Ace says and they walk like this, and Luffy feels Ace's quick heartbeat underneath his fingers, and he couldn't be happier knowing that the man who turns his whole world upside down – that the man is just as excited as him.
Again, way too soon for Luffy's liking, they reach the front door of the four-storey building Luffy lives in and they halt. Luffy looks up into Ace's flawless face and Ace meets his gaze with a warm, happy smile.
"…I liked tonight. Very much," Ace says softly.
"Me too…," Luffy breathes, shyly lowering his gaze again. He doesn't want to let go of Ace's hand. He doesn't want to let go of Ace's presence. He wants him to stay closer, longer, he wants to hear more about his life, his stories, he wants to see more of his smiles, he wants to feel more of his warmth –
Simply put, Luffy wants him to stay.
But it's… not the right time.
"So… C-Can I see you again?" Ace asks, his hot breath ghosting over Luffy's face.
And he looks up once again and replies: "Yes. Yes, d-definitely."
Ace smiles, and then his free hand comes up to gently brush Luffy's cheek. Despite the cold, clammy air, his hand is so warm and welcoming…. The unspoken question is hanging in the air, so clearly –
And Luffy smiles and nods and Ace understands and he leans down, toward him, and Luffy leans forward, closing his eyes, and then –
It's… the best kiss, the best feeling he's ever felt, Ace's lips softly pressing against his, in the faintest, most gentle manner, so softly it nearly hurts and at the same time goosebumps cover Luffy's body and his breath hitches and it's like a wild beast is unleashed inside him, demanding more, demanding deeper.
And Luffy kisses back, it's been a long time since he's last kissed someone, and for a second his heart sinks because he thinks he must be awful, but then Ace's hand moves to his nape, gently urging him closer, and they deepen the kiss, warm, sweet lips moving together like they were made for each other, and Luffy's head is spinning, this is too much, too much luck and bliss and joy and heat and Ace's tongue gently licks over his lips and within a heartbeat Luffy opens his and lets him in, and their tongues meet each other, slide and touch in the most ancient dance and Luffy thinks he could keep kissing the man from now on until the end of time…
That's how perfect and mesmerising and enchanting it is, all at once.
But at some time, they have to break the contact and with cheeks flushed, lips red from the kiss, they look at each other.
"I-I…," Luffy starts, his voice raspy from the arousal cursing through him like a wild current.
And he sees how Ace swallows hard. And then the man lifts Luffy's hand to gently kiss his knuckles.
"When can I see you again?" Ace asks, his voice just as hoarse.
"H-How about… Wednesday?" Luffy asks, not really trusting his words.
"Ok, Wednesday sounds good. 7pm?" Ace asks, his other arm slowly coming around Luffy's waist and he's pulled forward into an embrace so good he never wants to leave again.
"Ok," Luffy whispers and their lips meet again, for a sweet, adoring kiss, and then they step away, clearly reluctant to let the other go.
If this goes on, neither will be able to…to leave.
"Have a good night. And see you Wednesday, Luffy," Ace says, his eyes, although still gentle, are now darker, and a different heat shining within them.
"Yeah," Luffy says, his heart still thundering painfully inside him.
"We'll text?"
"Yeah!"
"Ok. See you then. Take care," Ace says and he presses one last kiss to Luffy's lips before he disappears in the darkness.
Ace
"Well, don't you look awfully happy," Kidd comments as Ace comes home, humming and with a blissful, silly smile glued to his face that wouldn't come off, no matter how hard he tries.
"Because I had a great date," Ace sighs dreamily as he walks into the kitchen, his head still floating above clouds, and his lips still burning softly, remembering the touch of Luffy's lips…
"Details?" Kidd asks with a smirk as he leans against the work top opposite of him, and Ace starts talking like he's just waited for it, which he has, to be honest, because he thinks if he doesn't get that crazy whirlwind of sappy, romantic, happy feelings out of him he will explode in a rain of rainbow droplets.
No, but really, his head is still spinning and his heart has yet to calm down, and his blood is still rushing through him, and he can't remember the last time he's felt so good, so incredibly happy and content with himself and the world.
Like… talking to Luffy, joking with him – it let time fly by, without him noticing, hearing his stories made him ant more and more, not once was he bored, quite the opposite: The more he larned about Luffy, the more he wanted to know, as though an addiction was forming, and he was more than happy to feed it.
He would've bombarded the boy with even more questions, but the boy seemed a bit shy at times, so Ace pulled himself together and let him ask questions, too. And the questions! Luffy… he is unlike most people, he actually asks smartly, with a certain wit to it, because most times, when Ace tells people he studies Astrophysics, they think it's a total bore and quickly retire from the conversation.
Not Luffy.
He was interested beyond belief, and so intrigued, and the radiant light in his eyes once again reminded Ace so strongly why he loves his course in the first place. Because planets and space and stars, those are things that are so very, very dear to him, they have a huge part in his life, and to discover someone, who shares the same passion…
It's like seeing the sun again, after weeks and months of stumbling through the dark.
And now, Ace can't wait to see him again. He wants to talk to him more, spend more time wth him…
Kiss him again, even more, pull him closer…
"Oi, Ace! Shit man, you're almost drooling," Kidd snickers and Ace snaps out of his daydreams.
"Piss off!" he replies with a grin and he turns around to fix himself a cup of tea to fix his nerves before going to bed.
"So when you seeing him again?"
"Next Wednesday. Maybe I'll take him to the movies or so."
"Great, so I got the flat to myself?" Kidd asks and Ace doesn't even need to ask what his friend is planning.
"No sex in my room, you got it?" Ace sighs and Kidd only laughs, his expression basically screaming all kinds of Kamasutra shit he'll do with Law, and Ace just rolls his eyes, but he still can't stop grinning like a fool.
Who would've known…. That the cute little customer with that innocent, a little lost expression on his face as he stood in the book store – that now he already plays such a big role in Ace's life, it's unbelievable and incredible in every way.
"But, Ace, seriously, I'm happy for you," comes from Kidd and Ace raises his brows in surprise.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. You've been single for way too damn long. Was time for you to find someone again," Kidd says with a shrug. "Oh, and in case you forgot, sex feels great, too –."
"Oh just fucking get out," Ace yells and Kidd barks a laugh before he disappears in the living room.
And Ace dreamily sips his tea, clearly remembering just how lovely and sweet Luffy's lips have been, so soft and warm against his own lips, and gods, does he want to kiss him again…
Soon, soon…
"May I help you somehow?" Ace asks in his usual polite sales assistant tone. He has the afternoon shift on Tuesday, and although it's a slow day, he's in a fairly good mood that has nothing to do with his work and everything with the date he has tomorrow evening.
The thought of seeing Luffy again, the cute handsome Film and Media student makes his heart flutter with excitement and he wonders what he should put on… a-and should he, like, bring flowers or so? At least a little present? Maybe something to eat? Chocolate? Or…
"Ah yes, see, my friend celebrates her birthday on Saturday. She's a true bookworm of the best kind, and I wanna give her something she'll love and that she hasn't read yet," the blond, tall man says with a friendly smile that spikes Ace's interest.
The man is as tall as him, so ace, despite usually rather towering over most people, so Ace doesn't have to slightly lean down to make customers feel less intimidated. The man is handsome, Ace admits, but his looks, although being friendly and warm, give him a slight creep. A large burn scar covers the left side of his face. He is still handsome, for sure, but the scar gives Ace a slight chill. It's a strange spot to have such a large scar.
"Of course. Do you know what kind of books she usually reads?" Ace asks with a nod.
"Everything where people are killed and there's a lot of blood," the customer replies with a laugh, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth. "No, I mean, she doesn't like war stories. But she has a lot of thrillers and crime stories standing in her shelves at home."
Ace blinks, but doesn't question it any further. Maybe it's just a coincidence.
"Ok, let's see… Please follow me, I might have an idea…"
"Oh, and do you have bookmarks? Ideally with flower designs?" the man asks behind him.
"Yes, we do! I'll show them to you," Ace replies.
The customer, despite his weirdly handsome-creepy looks, is actually rather patient and easy to talk to, and Ace feels himself growing more and more interested. The man looks like someone who reads books in general, so Ace is fairly surprised that he has never seen him around before, because he would definitely remember that scar. But maybe he's from another town and just came over for his friend's birthday? Perhaps.
"Ah, thanks so much for the help, uhm…," the blond man says politely as they stand at the cashier.
"Ace. And you're welcome. I'm happy I was able to help," Ace replies. "I hope your friend likes the book and bookmark!"
"Ok, thank you then, Ace! I'm Sabo! And I'm sure she will like it. Anyways, thanks again, have a nice evening," the man, Sabo, says with a bright smile.
"Thank you, you too, Sabo," Ace replies and the man leaves with a nod, walking toward the front of the shop where a woman is standing, apparently waiting for him.
Ace watches how they kiss each other hello. So even with that large scar, you're able to find someone.
He sighs. He doesn't even have a scar…and yet, up till now, it never worked out for him. He's been alone for quite a while, if he's quite honest with himself – actually, his entire life. Never been in love, never had a crush, not even when he was young. And now he's 23. And yet… He's had sex, yes. But with people as fleeting as the wind, and there was never any feeling behind it, never any emotion that exceeds friendship and respect.
But…
Now there is someone. Someone who makes him feel all these weird, bubbly feelings he's never known and suddenly there are inside him, filling every pore and cell of him, and it's nothing but wonderful and also slightly frightening.
He smiles, thinking about Luffy.
Tomorrow evening he'll see him again.
He can't wait.
As they have found out, they have a very similar taste in movies. That is namely action movies. Action-packed movies with a great suspense and soundtrack and a happy ending, that's the stuff Ace likes to see when he goes to the movies. And apparently, Luffy agrees with him, so in that regard, they fit together like two sides of the same coin.
He's dressed in dark jeans and a grey sweater and red scarf, since he's now fairly sure if he isn't dressed formally, Luffy won't hate him or think he's a loser. Plus, he likes to be comfortable in the movie theatre. Both for himself, and for Luffy who he hopes will cuddle up to him at some point.
Because, Ace, as sly as ever, hasn't booked the regular seats, but a couple's chair. So him and Luffy could cuddle all they want while watching the film.
His cheeks warm up at the more than pleasant thought. Luffy fits into his hug so perfectly, he's the perfect height to embrace and put his arms around and Ace loves how cute and small he is, how terribly adorable when he lifts his chin to look him in the eyes and how god damn cute it is when he stands on his tiptoes to kiss him…
"Hmmm….," Ace sighs dreamily. They're supposed to meet in about five minutes. The cold wind drives little icy crystals into his face and the strong draft from the sea tugs at his clothes. But still, not even the uncomfortable weather is able to reduce the glowing red fire inside his chest that warms him to his fingertips and toes.
All because of one person.
His heart jumps and then starts beating like crazy inside his chest when he spots him walking up to the front of the cinema. He looks so cute in his blue skinny jeans and black hoodie with a colourful print at the front. His hair is tousled from the relentless wind and his cheeks are flushed from the cold. Ace takes in that adorable sight and for a long moment he stops breathing and as Luffy stands in front of him, he barely gets a "Hello, beautiful" out, because he is still so in awe.
Luffy doesn't even know how many heads he turns. And yet… the boy only has eyes for Ace…
Like…how did Ace get to be this lucky?
Luffy laughs and grins: "Hey Ace!" and Ace smiles, lifting his hands to gently cup Luffy's cold face.
They kiss sweetly, and their cool lips quickly warm up from the touch and they kiss a little longer than they should have, but who cares about the gazes and glances they get, all that matters to Ace is Luffy…
"You could've waited inside, you know?" Luffy says, cheeks flushed, but not from the cold any longer.
"Yeah. But I thought if I stand outside you'd see me a few seconds earlier, and I get a few more seconds with you," Ace says as the incredible sap he is. Kidd would probably puke when he'd hear him talk like that, because his best friend is about as romantic as a coloscopy.
And they lace their fingers together and Ace holds the door open for his cute little date and Luffy giggles again and goes inside before him.
They are going to watch that new film, Captain America: Civil War. Ace has a big thing for movies based on comicbooks, so he's fairly excited. And Luffy loves those films too, so it's perfect. He booked the seats already and paid online, so all they have to do is pick them up from the cashier.
"I'll give you back the money!" Luffy pouts, and Ace fights the urge to kiss his pout away.
"It's ok, just buy us popcorn and we're even?" Ace asks and Luffy nods happily.
"Ok! And what size?"
"Hm, let's both get medium?"
"Ok!"
"And soda?"
"Ok! Be back in a minute!" And he dashes off to get popcorn and soda, leaving Ace grinning like the lovestruck idiot he is, his head floating on clouds.
He glances at his phone when he notices people walking past in front of him and suddenly he hears a rather familiar voice say: "Wait – Ace, you? The cool sales assistant?" And he looks up to see the blond man from yesterday, the man with the scar on his face, who Ace helped at the book store.
"Oh – Sabo! Nice to see you again!" Ace says, and he actually means it, because customers aren't always as friendly and polite as Luffy and Sabo.
"How are you doing?" Sabo asks brightly.
"I'm here with someone – how about you? Date night?" Ace grins, winking at the girl at Sabo's side. They're holding hands, so he assumes it's his girlfriend, the woman he saw yesterday.
"So he's the guy you told me about?" the woman asks Sabo. She's pretty, although not Ace's type. She has brown hair at shoulder length and a friendly face.
"Ah, yes, Koala, this is Ace, who helped me find a book for Robin yesterday. Ace, this is my girlfriend Koala."
"Nice to meet you," Ace says and he and Koala shake hands.
"You should've heard him when he got out of the store. I think he wants to marry you now," Koala giggles and Sabo rolls his eyes, although he smiles at Ace: "Well, your service was perfect. I'll definitely buy at the store more."
And Ace laughs softly: "I'm glad. You were a pretty good customer, too, Sabo."
And Sabo grins, glancing at the time. "Alright, I think we'll go take our seats then. Which movie are you gonna see?"
"Civil War, and you?"
"Same! Alright, then I'll see you afterward! Don't throw popcorn at us," Sabo says playfully. And they wave at him, before walking away and disappearing in screen 6.
Not even a heartbeat later, Luffy walks over to him, his arms full with popcorn and soda, a wide grin on his handsome face, his dark eyes glowing with joy and Ace smiles back and hurries to help him with the stuff.
"Urgh, these are buckets! I love it!" Ace proclaims. "Thanks for the popcorn, babe."
And Luffy only giggles at the new nickname and stuffs a handful into his mouth. "Shall we go inside?" the boy asks happily and Ace nods, taking the tickets out of his pocket.
"Alright, it's the last row, all the way to the left."
"The left? Why are we not sitting at the centre of the row?" Luffy pouts and Ace only winks at him.
"You'll see."
Luffy
That is actually super cheesy and happens to be exactly what Luffy has been hoping for when Ace said he'd book the seats. The couple's chair – a perfect opportunity to cuddle up to Ace during the film and hold hands and snuggle and steal small kisses…
"You ok with this?" Ace asks, although sounding slightly worried now, and Luffy grins, throwing himself into the seat first.
"I love these! I've never been in them before!" he says excitedly and Ace grins, clearly relieved, and he sits down next to him.
"Same. I always thought they were kinda silly, but," and now he comfortably puts his right arm around Luffy's shoulder and pulls him even closer into his magnificent heat, "But now I'm starting to like them."
And Luffy's face burns as he is suddenly so close to Ace and to hide his flush he basically dips his head into the popcorn and Ace only laughs, his whole body vibrates with that beautiful sound and Luffy's heart does a hard leap.
God, their date has barely begun, and already now he isn't sure he's able to take all that happiness inside him, he will surely burst into rainbows in the middle of the film!
"You ok?" Ace asks him as he doesn't say anything for a few moments and Luffy nods. They kiss sweetly and soon after, the lights go out and the screen lights up.
"Argh, I loved it!" Luffy sighs as the credits roll.
"It was good. Definitely worth it," Ace agrees and Luffy turns his head and they lean forward, meeting in a cute little kiss that quickly escalates into a popcorn-sweet tongue dance that leaves Luffy dizzy and breathless and his hands tangled in Ace's clothes and gods does he want to just stay here…till the next morning or so…
Ace laughs against his lips, his dark eyes matching his smile, and he whispers: "Let's get out of here… I wanna be alone with you…"
And Luffy nods, unable to say a word and Ace pulls him up from the seat and after dumping their rubbish in the rubbish tins, they intertwine their fingers again, chatting contently about the movie.
Luffy is so lost in the conversation that he's surprised when Ace suddenly stops walking.
"And I thought that – Ace?"
"Ah, yeah, I met a cool customer yesterday, and he was in the film, too! Wait, I'll introduce you," Ace says and they turn around and Luffy smiles, excited to see who Ace is talking about – when his heart shatters once again in his chest and he feels the sudden urge to vomit and break down in tears as he sees him again, after three painfully long years of silence and regret and shame and hatred and lo–
"L-Luffy?"
And hearing his voice, his beautiful, beautiful voice that's been echoing through Luffy's consciousness every day for the past three years, hearing him say his name breaks something inside him, he can feel it, something…inside him… is falling apart and the pain, reawakened, is so…god, so all-consuming and absolute and terrifying he feels the tears itching in his eyes and his tongue is frozen and all he can do is stare at Sabo, an angel walking among humans, and his face is as flawless as Luffy remembers, his blue eyes as kind and gentle, shining with love and worry, but worry for him and love solely for someone else, the woman beside him whose hand he is holding tightly.
Said woman blinks, catching up on the tense atmosphere and she mumbles: "Luffy…," and then, with her eyes widening, she clasps a hand to her mouth and she stares at Luffy, eyes big and dark and pitiful: "You…you are…"
"Luffy –," Sabo starts, but Ace interrupts him.
"Wait, you two know each other? What a coincidence, the world is small, isn't it?" Ace says, smiling at Luffy, oblivious of Luffy's inner turmoil, and Luffy can't take it, he can't –
"I-I need…air…," he whispers and he turns on his heel and runs outside, the pain in his chest so unbearable he should die from it.
He stops outside, clutching his chest and he's surprised not to see blood coating his fingers, because it feels like his heart is being stabbed, again and again, and…it's so…so…
Of all people, why Sabo… why now…?
And now the tears are falling without restraint, hot, thick tears blur his sight as he crouches down, he clutches his hoodie and sobs like the pitiful, miserable idiot he is, because after all this time…
He laughs at his own stupidity; he laughs and sobs because he is…
Haha, he is so silly, because after all this time, a part of him still thinks that Sabo will change his mind and that the man will tell him what he's wanted to hear all this time, and an even larger part of him hurts because he knows it will never happen, Sabo has someone he loves, someone he loves very much, someone he's happy with, and that someone is not Luffy, and never will be, no matter how hard he wishes and prays, it will never happen – and he's not able to accept that, he can't, and that's why…
After all this time, it still hurts like the very moment three years ago.
He doesn't even notice the hand resting on his shoulder and only when he hears Ace's soft voice asking: "Luffy…what's going on? Can I help somehow?" he lifts his head to see the man crouch in front of him, his face a grimace of worry and fear and Luffy bites his lower lip.
Scolding himself for hoping it would've been…someone else…
"S-sorry, Ace…for r-ruining our date," Luffy smiles through his tears and Ace just shakes his head, pulling him into a tight hug that makes Luffy sob even harder.
"I-It's ok, but p-please tell me…c-can I help somehow…? Please, I feel so helpless and I'm worried about you," Ace whispers into his ear and Luffy closes his eyes, the answer burning on his tongue, and instead of telling Ace the truth he lets himself be hugged even tighter and they stay like this until the tears have stopped, although the pain has not.
At some point, they stand up and Ace silently hands Luffy a handkerchief to clean his face. Even the tissue is warm.
"Sorry," Luffy croaks, throat hurting from his violent crying.
"It's ok, don't worry. J-Just tell me, shall I call you a cab, o-or shall I take you home, or…?"
"No!" Luffy protests, his reddish eyes looking up into Ace's face. "I-I wanna stay with you, can I, please? Or are you mad now?"
And despair once again squeezes his heart so tightly he thinks he will suffocate but then Ace pulls him back into a hug and he feels how the man presses a kiss to his forehead.
"Shhh, it's ok, of course you can stay with me. Then let's walk a bit and you can calm down? Shall we go to my place?"
And Luffy nods and Ace takes his hand, squeezes it reassuringly, and although Luffy … is happy Ace is so understanding and sweet despite the trouble Luffy caused – his heart is still bleeding, his chest still hurting and again and again he sees him in front of him, blue eyes shocked and wide…and no love left for him.
To be continued.
Thank you for reading.