Sabo
Sabo feels the adrenaline slowly fading from his blood, but he is still very much excited, or rather he's still brimming with the rush of the adventure.
Actually, it's not his thing to get involved. He's a journalist; he observes and then writes it up and publishes his stories in the paper and gets paid.
Normally, he keeps his distance, he doesn't care much about the people he writes about and more than once he has ruined someone's life because he found something out and published it. Some say he is ruthless in his way of digging out a big story, ruthless and cold-blooded.
However, he thinks that he is just the type of person; he doesn't regret and he doesn't look back and he never, ever, gets emotionally involved. And that's why he is so good at his job.
So this was his first time actually…well…becoming part of the story.
He was just fascinated by the raw courage and bravery from this boy, Luffy, so he climbed after him. And, in the end, it was a good decision. Otherwise, Luffy might be dead now.
He feels Ace's stares in his back, but he doesn't care. He much rather likes to talk to Luffy and his friends he just got introduced to.
Law is talking to the green-haired guy who helped save the girls. Apparently, the green-head, Zoro, knows Kidd. So they already got something or rather someone to talk about.
"By the way, is your hand ok?" Sabo asks Luffy. There aren't many guests left. He thinks he will leave soon, too. But he still has a bit of time.
"Nah, I'm good," Luffy waves aside and grins. Sabo smiles and then he lifts Luffy's right hand.
There is still blood underneath his broken nails. His hand is warm and calloused. He examines Luffy's hand, before he looks him in the eyes again. There is still a hint of a smile on his handsome face, but aside from that, he has his mimic under control. Sabo likes that. There are so many facets to this young man… He likes to explore them further…
"Thanks for the concern," Luffy says softly and pulls his hand away.
They look at each other and Sabo wonders about the smoothest way to ask for his number.
Suddenly the orange-haired girl comes up to Luffy: "Luffy, the cab is here."
"Ok. Be there in 2."
She nods and waves at Sabo. He nods gracefully.
"…Is it ok if I see you again?" Sabo finally asks and he studies the handsome face.
Luffy blinks. "Why?" he asks back.
"I'm a journalist. So would it be ok to interview you?". The old excuse.
Luffy blushes faintly and scratches the back of his neck.
"Yeah, maybe."
"Ok, how's this, I'll give you my number. And if you want to, you can text me?" Sabo offers.
Luffy shrugs and gives Sabo his phone and Sabo types in his number.
"Ok. Well then, hopefully see you soon," Sabo says and he hopes that Luffy gets the hint.
But no, he doesn't think he does.
Luffy just grins and nods: "Yeah, maybe! See ya, Sabo!". And then he runs outside to join his friends.
Sabo and his friends are the last ones left. Vivi has already said goodbye and disappeared upstairs.
"…Aren't you one sly fox, huh?" Ace whispers into Sabo's ear.
"Why?" Sabo asks back and turns to his friends as they slowly walk outside.
"He your new plaything?"
"No. I don't know. We'll see."
"Just don't make him cry," Law yawns and pats his shoulder.
"Not planning to…," Sabo mumbles. This was a weird night. He needs to sleep and think and write tomorrow.
But he certainly won't forget that he met a really interesting guy tonight… Oh yeah, and that he saved said guy's life.
Luffy
Luffy wakes up because there is a sneeze itching in his nose. He grimaces and slowly sits up. Oh yeah. He and his friends took a cab back from the party last night.
Oh yeah. And he saved a girl's life.
Luffy rubs his eyes and looks around sleepily. It's dim in his room; the only light source is the small window above the book shelf. He yawns and sneezes. Then he sees that his phone is dead. Yeah, he forgot to charge it when he got home. He plugs it in.
He lives alone since Sanji moved in with Zoro. He works as a waiter and together with the monthly allowance from both his grandfather and father, Luffy can afford living by himself. Which is nice, haha. All the space to himself, right? And...and when he wants to talk to someone, he can always call his friends…
The flat is small, but it was enough for two people. He has his bedroom, the living room, kitchen and a bathroom and there's still Sanji's old room.
Luffy is alright with this arrangement. Having a flatmate again would be nice, but well… try to find one whose food is as good as Sanji's.
Luffy stands up from his double-sized bed and walks to the kitchen to put on the coffee machine. His right arm hurts.
He's hungry, but he has no appetite. A weird combination. Like, his stomach is growling, but Luffy isn't in the mood for food. This doesn't happen often. But it usually happens when he's having a bad day. Which doesn't happen often, either.
But today already feels like it's not going to be a good day. And usually, Luffy is right with his assumptions.
His breakfast is coffee and he sits down in front of his Laptop, still feeling sluggish and kind of not in the mood for anything. He picks up his phone. Maybe he should call his father and tell him what happened.
Luffy lets it ring at least 15 times before he gives up. He shrugs. It's not really surprising; his dad hardly has time for ah… his only child. Luffy tries calling his grandfather. It goes straight to voicemail. How great.
He goes through his contact list and blinks when he sees an unfamiliar name.
"Blue Gentleman Sabo," he reads and a silly grin appears on his face. Oh yes, the handsome guy from last night, who saved him from falling off the roof. Blue Gentleman, huh… well, the blue shirt did suit him well…
Luffy thinks for a second, before he googles the name. And doesn't expect to find anything – but Jesus Christ, the guy has written a lot of articles! So he didn't lie.
He actually is a journalist.
The most recent one is from two days ago; it's a feature story about Water Seven mayor Iceberg. Luffy leans back and scrolls through the endless list of journalistic pieces he has published. And the by-line always says "Blue Gentleman Sabo".
Luffy can't actually believe that newspapers and websites let him have that kind of by-line. But apparently, they do. He can't find a single article with his real name. What an interesting guy…
Sabo
Sabo sits in front of his laptop. It's 3pm and he's working on an article about last night plus he still needs to transcribe his interview from yesterday morning, with soul singer Brook. He sips his coffee, as Ace's bedroom door swings open and he stumbles out, yawning and only clad in boxers and really low shorts.
Nothing new.
"Morning!" Ace says sleepily and helps himself with coffee.
"It's afternoon, sunshine."
"Whatever. Just remembered what happened yesterday."
Sabo raises his brow.
"Still talking about that? Looking back, it wasn't that exciting…," he replies with a shrug.
"No, I'm talking about the girl I planned to go home with, but no, my best fucking friend decides to play hero on the rooftop, nearly gives me a damn heart attack and then she was gone!".
That makes Sabo genuinely laugh.
"I'm sorry for the loss, man."
"Yeah, you should be sorry! Hell, she was perfect… did you see her body? Like a goddess…"
"I gotta admit you're not half as embarrassing when you're into a guy. You sound like a college frat boy."
Ace, just like Sabo, swings both ways. More people to play with, right?
"Shut up. What about you, going after the kid from the rooftop? Seriously?" Ace fires back.
"I'm not going after him."
"Oh, c'mon, we both know you will. You gave him your number."
"Yeah, so I can interview him."
"Bullshit. You wanna screw him."
Sabo rolls his eyes. "Would you just shut up about that?"
Ace crashes down on the sofa next to him and slings his arm around Sabo's shoulder. He's upper body is still naked and Sabo can feel the heat radiating from the skin, he can see his muscles flex and Ace's grin is intoxicating. His best friend has broken a lot of hearts already.
To be honest, they did fool around in the past. Yeah, he knows that body pretty well.
Sabo eyes his best friend.
Ace grins wickedly and then breathes into his ear: "He was cute, I give you that much. If you won't go after him, I will."
"Back off, Ace," Sabo sighs.
It takes more to rile him up. And he knows Ace far too well to get confused by him.
Suddenly Ace bites his neck. Not playfully – well yes, playful, but with the playfulness of a young male lion. Ace's teeth dig into his neck and Sabo winces, but he doesn't move, although his skin is starting to heat up and his heart starts beating faster, embracing the fact of having that familiar body once again so close…
God, Ace's jaw is strong and then he can feel the hot tongue lick forcefully over his skin and Sabo's had enough – a bit longer and he won't care anymore. He lifts his hand and digs his fingers into Ace's soft mane and pulls as hard as he can.
Ace lets out a surprised yelp and lets go off his neck.
"Playtime over." Sabo says with a closed-lipped smile. He glares at Ace.
Ace growls and doesn't move. Sabo lets go off his hair.
"You should really stop doing that. People will think that I am actually seeing someone," Sabo says and resumes typing.
"You mean hero-boy will think that you're seeing someone? And he won't kiss your feet anymore?"
"Oh screw you, asshole!"
Sabo jumps over the back of the sofa and chases Ace through their flat.
A couple hours later, Sabo gets out of the shower. His hair is still dripping wet and he sporadically wipes his body dry and wraps a towel around his lower body. He looks into the mirror and the hickey Ace gave him earlier is so obvious against his pale skin, it's annoying. He sighs. That idiot.
He walks out of the bathroom and sees Ace lounging on the sofa, talking on his phone. Sabo approaches him and is about to jump at him and dig his teeth into his neck in revenge, when he notices his phone blinking.
He bends forward over the back of the sofa to grab it and he can see Ace shudder and glaring at him from the corner of his eye. Sabo grins and makes extra sure to brush his damp arm against Ace's shoulder.
Sabo turns and reads the messages he got. Two from the office, one from Law, another one from his friend Koala and the last one…is from an unknown number.
He ignores the rest and opens the text. It's crispy short, but makes him smile triumphantly nevertheless. He knew it. He knew the boy would contact him.
-Hi, you still wanna interview me? L
Sabo's thumb hovers over the screen. He's about to type an answer, when he feels two hot arms come from behind him and wrap around his torso, tightly, and he feels Ace's hot, damp breath against his neck and his hot fingers tenderly wandering over his abs.
"…You in the mood?" Ace asks quietly and he nuzzles his nose into Sabo's hair. His voice has gone darker, a little raspy. A voice that makes people practically jump into his bed. Sabo breathes deeply as he feels the familiar lips pressing light kisses to his neck.
"Are you?" Sabo innocently asks back.
"Obviously, after what you just did. And after seeing you like this. Reminds me of good times."
Sabo grins. Ace's fingers move lower, but just a bit. He is still waiting for permission. Which Sabo won't give him. He would be in the mood…if it wasn't for the boy…
He gently captures Ace's fingers.
"Sorry. But not today."
And he hears Ace sigh, before the arms fall from around him and Ace steps away.
"I knew you would say that, asshole," Ace scoffs, in his normal voice again.
Sabo turns to look at him.
"That's why we're friends, right?" Sabo says amused.
Ace runs a hand through his hair and walks back to the sofa.
"You mad now?" Sabo asks with a raised eyebrow.
"No, dickhead. Just go fuck yourself."
Sabo chuckles and leaves his best friend sulking in the living room. He looks at his clock. It's half past six. Should he ask Luffy to meet him later? There's still plenty of time, the evening has just begun… Sabo throws himself onto his bed, still clad in the towel and he leans back in his pillows, satisfied with this turn of events. He has expected Luffy to text him, but still, being right gives him a feeling of superiority.
He thinks for a minute, before lifting the phone to his ear.
He'll just call him.
Luffy
He only left his flat to buy groceries. Aside from that, Luffy has been hiding away in his room, comfortably doing work in his bed, drinking coffee and eating cookies.
He hasn't felt like seeing anyone today. He's a Game Design major, so he has just continued working on a project that's due in a month. He has listened to music, he has downloaded the latest episode of the TV series 'Romance Dawn', and yes, it sounds like a sappy rom-com, and it is, basically, but it's the funnies thing he has ever seen, and Luffy has cuddled his plush lion Sunny, which is as old as he is, and he has, well, waited for his father or grandfather to call him. He has tried calling them the entire afternoon, but he has been quite unsuccessful.
It's half past six in the evening. Maybe they… have been busy, as they always are. Luffy scratches his forehead and pulls Sunny into his lap. He's about to check his mail when his phone buzzes with an incoming phone call. His heart jumps. It must be either his dad or grandfather! His friends usually prefer texting over calling, so it has to be either of them!
Delighted, he grabs it and answers immediately: "Hi dad! I can't believe you actually called!", only to be greeted back by an entirely different, and much more friendly voice saying: "Hey, ah, Luffy, this is Sabo. I'm sorry I'm calling so suddenly…"
Luffy's heartbeat almost runs away with embarrassment.
"Ah-oh, hi Sabo, sorry, I expected someone else," Luffy replies with burning cheeks and he punches his thigh. He should definitely learn to look at the screen before answering calls…
"Oh, if so, shall I just call later?" Sabo asks.
"No! I mean, no, it's fine. How're you doing?", Luffy asks, still feeling like an idiot.
However, he can hear Sabo laugh warmly. "I'm doing great, thanks, how about you?"
"Me too, I guess."
"See, I know that accident only happened last night, but do you think you would be up for an interview? Like, this evening?"
Luffy gaps and leans forward in disbelief, like he would in an actual conversation. Thank god Sabo didn't facetime him or something.
"Ah, this evening?"
"Yes, if you have time? I promise I won't take too long. So what do you say?"
Luffy shrugs and helplessly looks over at his plush lion Sunny, which he has thrown to the end of the bed when the call came in. What the hell is he supposed to do? He has never done an interview before! Plus, Sabo is a real professional…
"Luffy? You still there?"
"Yes! I mean yes, I am, and yes, I'm free tonight. So-so where do you want to meet?" Luffy replies hastily.
"How about at 7.30? In this café, it's called Zou. Do you know where that is?"
"Nah, but I'll google it."
"Ok, great! See you at 7.30, Luffy."
"Yes, see ya!".
Luffy hides his face in his hands. Why, seriously, why does he keep on getting himself in these kinds of situations? He has never given an interview before! Will Sabo use, like, a voice recorder or something? Oh god, what if Luffy accidentally starts swearing? Or uses the f-word? What if Sabo puts that into his article? What if Luffy stutters…? Luffy pulls at his hair in utter despair. He'll make a complete fool out of himself!
He reluctantly saves his work on his laptop, before shutting it down. He should get ready, brush his teeth and put on some decent clothes and think about what he might say to Sabo. He's sure the guy will think that he's the biggest idiot that runs around in Water Seven and that says a lot.
Luffy slowly stands up and walks to the bathroom. He wishes his dad would at least text him. But that happens roughly once a year. Because his father has always wanted Luffy to be independent.
And Luffy isn't lonely, right?
-Sanji, what do I put on for an interview?, he texts Sanji whilst he's standing in the bathroom, his toothbrush hanging in the side of his mouth.
-is it a job interview?
-no, a real interview. the blond guy from yesterday asked me
-seriously? anyways, go smart-casual, and clean your shoes
-I never clean my shoes
-you're an idiot. tell me how it went
Luffy smiles and tries to tame his messy hair. Smart-casual, huh? Well… He's standing in front of his wardrobe. It's not like he has a massive amount of clothes. It's a decent amount. So he only has to do laundry once a week.
He decides to put on light blue jeans and a red sweatshirt with a Galley-La Company logo. It's more casual than smart, but at least he feels comfortable.
Then he googles that café, Zou. He has heard of it, but never actually been there. Luffy rests his chin in his palm as he sits on the sofa and scrolls down his phone. It's a good 15 minute walk from here. He stands up. So he should get going now.
He strolls down the road and then turns right. There is music coming from a restaurant, there are many people outside, it's Saturday after all, he can hear laughter filling the warm August air, he can faintly hear the ocean far away or maybe it's just a feeling, he can hear birds chirping against the golden evening sky, thin clouds are dusted with the bright glorious red of the sun dipping it's bottom into the sea, he can see the big clock tower of the church two blocks away and when he turns his head and looks to the left, he can see the gigantic fountain, the trademark of Water Seven, pouring the crystal clear water into the largest basin people have ever seen. Luffy can't help but smile, despite his nervousness. It feels good to walk and it feels especially good to be here, in this town he knows so well.
Maybe, after all, this will turn out to be a good day.
As he approaches Zou, first thing he notices is the huge artificial elephant head hanging on the side of the building, above the entrance and terrace of the café. Luffy's eyes grow wide. Wow, this looks impressive! Then his eyes lower and he sees the familiar blond man standing in front of the entrance, a bag over his shoulder and looking at his phone.
Luffy swallows dryly and tries to stay calm. It's not like this is a job interview… Calm down, Luffy, keep it together…
He approaches Sabo and maybe Sabo has heard his footsteps, because he turns his gaze and Luffy can't help but grin a little sheepishly when he sees the beautiful smile again.
He clears his throat.
Showtime.
Sabo
Sabo slides his phone into his pocket and pleasantly lets his eyes wander down Luffy's body. The boy looks handsome, even though he's clad rather casually. When Luffy is close enough, Sabo stretches out his hand.
"Hey Luffy. Good to see you. And thanks again for coming," he says and he likes the small blush that appears on Luffy's face, but other than that, Luffy stays surprisingly cool, although Sabo is sure he is nervous. Because everyone is nervous on their first interview.
"Hi Sabo. How're you?" Luffy asks adorably shyly.
"Very good, thanks. How about you? Have you recovered from last night's events?"
"I guess so."
"That's great. How about we sit down inside?"
"Oh, uh, wait a sec, please…"
Sabo nods and waits. Luffy scratches the back of his head.
"You-you know, I'm new to this stuff… so I apologise in advance if I say something stupid or so, ok?"
Sabo tries to hide his amusement and smiles brightly instead: "Don't worry about that, I won't ask you anything weird, I promise. Just be yourself, it's going to be ok. Don't think about it too much."
Luffy smiles wearily, but before he can say anything else, Sabo steps ahead. "Let's go find a table!".
A waiter shows them to an empty table on the backyard terrace. It's quieter out here, lanterns hang above the tables and they have a fabulous view over downtown Water Seven and the port. Sabo can see the wonder in Luffy's eyes and he's glad he brought him here. Even though it's not a date. Yet.
Sabo usually doesn't invite interviewees to this location, because it's far too nice to show it everyone. But Luffy has saved a girl's life yesterday, so he's definitely shown that he's worthy of knowing Zou.
They sit down and Sabo takes out his notepad and pen out of his bag. Then he puts his phone next to them.
He can tell that Luffy is getting nervous. Man, everyone is so afraid of journalists nowadays. But c'mon, if you haven't done anything bad, there's no need to be nervous. He smiles at Luffy. He'll distract him a bit, make him feel comfortable and order something. Then he'll start his interview.
"Do you like it here?"
"Yes! It looks amazing!"
"Haha, I'm glad you like it. I discovered this gem a few years ago, totally by chance, and I love it. Best cappuccino and hot chocolate you can find in Water Seven."
"Really? To be honest the gigantic elephant head looks super weird at first, but totally cool!" Luffy replies with big eyes and an even wider grin.
"It's part of the unique charm, isn't it?" Sabo say with a wink.
"By the way, I googled you."
Sabo leans forward and rests his forearms on the table. "Did you find my articles?"
"Yeah. Blue Gentleman, huh? You're a true professional, hm?" Luffy asks playfully.
"More or less. I just get lucky a lot, I suppose."
"I liked the one about the Rocket Man and the Puffing Tom. Oh, and the one about the Sea Bulls," Luffy says and Sabo genuinely smiles now. He's impressed that Luffy has read some of his pieces.
"The sea trains were super interesting! I wrote it a few months ago, they even let me into the one they're building right now, the Puffing Ice!" Sabo says and he can feel the thrill again he already felt back then. That was indeed one of his favourite bits of his job so far. Reminds him again why he is a reporter.
Luffy laughs. "To be honest, at first I was really nervous about meeting you, Sabo, but you're super chill to hang out with!" he says with a wide grin.
"Thanks, likewise. And I mean it. People can be real nasty, too," Sabo says.
A waiter comes to their table and they order. Luffy goes for hot chocolate, Sabo orders cappucchino.
"Why nasty?" Luffy asks and looks at him. There's still a smile on his face.
"Well, because they think I'm the bad guy when I write about them. They're afraid I might make them appear in a bad light."
"Do you?"
Sabo meets Luffy's intrigued gaze and smiles with closed-lips. "If there is reason to, then yes."
Luffy turns his head a little but he lets the topic slide. "If you say so. Oh, by the way, do you only work for the Daily Grand Line?"
"No, I've already published articles at the Alabasta Tribune, the Dressrosa Gazette, the Jaya Mail, the Daily Fishman, the San Faldo Prophet..."
"Oh, wow, ok, that's a lot!"
Sabo grins. "You think you'll be famous after I write the story?"
He laughs at the blush that appears on Luffy's face yet again.
"No! That's not why I asked and I don't want to be famous anyways!" Luffy says loudly.
"Haha, sorry, I just wanted to take the piss – but honestly, if you don't want to do this, I won't force you to."
Luffy scratches his nose and he's about to reply as the waiter reappears and serves them their orders.
Luffy sniffs at the hot chocolate. "I hope it's going to be as good as you say," he says with a wink. "If not, you have to buy me ice cream."
Sabo grins from behind his cappucchino. "Alright, deal."
"Well then, tell me how this works? You're gonna ask me questions and I answer, right? Will you record it?" Luffy asks.
"Yes, that's basically what's going to happen. You don't mind the voice recording, do you?"
"Not necessarily… But please don't put in any - any quotes where I swear, ok?" Luffy asks.
"No, I won't," Sabo replies with a nod and Luffy sighs.
"Ok, then let's start…"
Luffy
The first questions are easy. Sabo casually asks him how old he is (20), what his occupation is (student at University of Water Seven) and where he works (waiter at WindMill café).
Then Sabo kind of asks him questions that reconstruct last night. For example, what time he got to the party and with whom and why he was at the top floor and how he noticed the two girls on the roof and why he decided to climb after them.
"Ah, well, I was actually opening a window to look outside and because Sanji wanted to smoke and he was too lazy to walk downstairs, so I opened the window, yeah, just that, and then I could hear them and I turned my head and I could see them sitting next to the chimney, right? And I could smell the weed, and no, I don't usually do weed, ok? And then they noticed me and I think they were already high as kites and then the tiles came loose and yeah, that's basically what happened," Luffy babbles.
Sabo nods and scribbles a few notes on his note pad.
"So you decided to climb after them – weren't you scared? Did you think about what kind of danger you put yourself in?" Sabo asks earnestly.
"Uhm… to be honest, I didn't really think about anything, I guess… I just wanted to help them and yes, I was scared, but it got kind of pushed to the back of my head, my only thought was that I wanted to help them," Luffy says with a shrug.
Sabo nods again and he reads something on his note pad and writes some more and Luffy has time to breathe and collect his thoughts. Because good Lord, it's hard to concentrate on what he's saying when Sabo stares at him this intently and Luffy has to say that the guy looks exceptionally handsome. He's wearing dark jeans, a white shirt and his grey jacket is hanging over the back of his chair.
He looks so good; it even distracts Luffy from the voice recorder. He has also noticed the massive hickey the guy has on his neck. He wonders if it has been there last night already.
"Did you talk to your parents? What did they say? Do they think you're a hero?"
Luffy blinks and his smile is about to cave in, but he pulls himself together. "I ah, I haven't talked to them. I mean I haven't talked to my dad."
He sees that something shifts in Sabo's intense gaze; however the reporter doesn't dwell on his response.
"Have you talked to the girls today? Have you heard that they got released from the hospital this morning?"
"Well, my friends texted me that they got released, but I haven't talked to them. And to be honest, Zoro, my friend, is the actual hero. I just grabbed her, but he was the one who brought them both back to the window," Luffy says.
"That's very humble of you."
"Is it? It's just how it happened, right? I don't want to take credit when I haven't really done anything. Zoro is the hero, not me. Well, Zoro and you, since you saved me" Luffy says and he has the feeling he has said everything necessary.
He breathes out and he's slightly exhausted and he feels weirdly exposed to this man he only met last night but who already seems to known so much about him. Luffy doesn't know if he's all that thrilled about this. Not only because Sabo got to know so much about him, but rather because he hasn't learned anything at all about Sabo.
"…Ok," Sabo mutters. He lifts his phone and saves the audio recording, before he turns his gaze back to Luffy. He flashes him a smile.
"Was it that bad? Are you ok?" Sabo asks him friendly.
Luffy nods. "Yes, I think that was alright. Did you get everything you need? I'm sorry if I, uh, haven't said anything useful…"
"No! Don't worry about that, you were great, I promise," says Sabo and again, the wink.
"Well… when are you going to publish it?"
"I'll send it in tomorrow afternoon, so I think it's going to appear either Monday or Tuesday."
"Ok…"
Luffy is unsure of how this…meeting will proceed. Should he get up now, pay and leave?
He looks at Sabo, who puts his note pad, pen and phone away. Then the man leans forward again and grins at him.
"So, as the business part is over… mind if I buy you a drink?"
Luffy blinks. "Eh…? A drink?"
"Yes. A drink in date-wise. If that's ok with you?"
And Luffy actually gasps. So uncool but he can't help it. How the hell did he manoeuvre himself in this situation now?!
"I… I don't know what to say…"
"You can decline, of course. But if it's ok with you… let's talk like this was a date and not an interview. Luffy, I'm genuinely interested. I mean: in you."
And Luffy's heart is beating so fast he believes it's going to break is ribcage. Goodness, how, just how did this happen? Why?
This handsome man asking him... Why?
Luffy bites his lower lip, before he slowly shakes his head.
"Sorry, but… I don't think that would be a good idea, Sabo. Not tonight"
Sabo is still smiling, but now his smile does look a tiny bit forced. "I won't say I'm not disappointed, but I accept your answer. But let me at least walk you out? Please?"
Luffy shrugs and they wave the waiter and pay separately.
Then they stand in front of the Zou again. It's almost 9pm. It's a lovely night, there are couples everywhere and Luffy feels the sudden urge to wince and vomit.
Love is… kind of disgusting. Foolish. Boring. Embarrassing. And expensive.
And it hurts.
Sabo scratches the back of his neck.
"Well, I certainly hoped for a different answer but it was fun anyways, Luffy. And I hope the hickey wasn't what put you off. Ace, you met him yesterday, right? We're flatmates and he gave me it."
Luffy blushes, but he does laugh a little at that. Ace kinda seemed like the hot-blooded type.
"Ace sure is fierce… but yes, it was fun. And I hope you can actually use my quotes," Luffy replies.
"May I ask another question?"
"Eh, yeah, spill"
"I hope I'm not being invasive but you said "Not tonight". Does that mean I can ask you out on a real date another time?"
Luffy sighs. "I'm flattered, Sabo, I really am. But… you know, I don't do that…thing."
Sabo looks at him. "Do you mean dating?"
"No, yeah, I mean I don't do love or relationships or dating or fucking. That's not me."
And Luffy is sure he has scared Sabo away for good, when a wide smile appears on the man's handsome features again.
"Alright. Then how about we meet – as friends? How's that? Let's be friends?"
And Luffy stares at him. Is he serious? He hasn't heard that question since elementary school.
"Are you... making fun of me?"
"No, I'm serious. Look, I am interested in you, ok? And I think we would be great friends! So what do you say?"
Sabo
He waits for Luffy's reply and Sabo's heart beats fast, way too fast. This is not how he does things usually. This is new. And it's thrilling!
Then, after the longest time, Luffy grins. "Alright, let's be friends. I hope you like video games and laser tag."
"I'll kick your butt at Mario Kart," Sabo grins. This isn't what he planned, but he likes the course where this is going.
"Pff, just watch out!" Luffy laughs. "Anyways, I need to get going now. It was fun, Sabo, really."
"Yeah. You got my number?"
"Yes!"
"Ok, then get home safely. I'll see you around."
"See ya!". And with that, Luffy turns around, hands in his pockets and walks down the road and soon disappears around a corner.
Sabo sighs. He's about to get going, as well, when a woman walks up to him. She has long legs and dirty blond hair and glasses. She's hot and most likely the type that would let you do anything in bed. So basically the type Sabo avoids under all circumstances.
"You lonely, handsome?" she asks him with a sultry smile.
"Ah, no, not really, sorry, gotta go…," Sabo replies and hurries to get away from her. Ah man, he has indeed hoped for a different outcome of the meeting with Luffy… but there is definitely still hope…
When he gets home, he can hear that Ace hasn't left for the night yet. His best friend is sitting in front of his laptop, but turns around when he hears the front door closing.
"Ah, pretty boy got rejected?" Ace sneers.
"No," Sabo replies and puts his bag in his room.
"Then why you looking so gloom? And why are you back already? Alone?"
"We agreed to be…friends…"
"What, you mean fuck buddies?"
"No, Ace, I mean genuine friends," Sabo sighs and sits down at the other end of the sofa.
"The hell? How old are you, ten?".
"There's more to this world than just sex."
"Yeah, when you're old and wrinkly. What the hell, Sabo?"
"Just leave it, alright? I got a plan."
"What? To properly woo him? So old-fashioned!" Ace grins.
"Not really. We'll start as friends and he'll get used to me and he'll start to like me and boom – I got him. Easy," Sabo explains smugly.
"I'll believe that when I see it. Anyways, you going anywhere tonight?" Ace asks.
"Nah, staying home. How about you?"
"Law and me are going out for a drink. Wanna come?"
"To listen to his bitching about Kidd? No way," Sabo says with a yawn.
"Fine, stay here, old fart."
"Jerk."
"But seriously? Why don't you go out and have fun? No need to stay faithful to a guy you're friends with, right?" Ace asks with raised eyebrows.
"It's not that. I got work to do and I'm not in the mood. Just go and have fun, alright?"
Ace stares at him, but then he shrugs. Sabo runs a hand through his messy hair. What a day…
Hours later, Sabo can't sleep. His thoughts keep on drifting back to is meeting with Luffy.
The boy looked handsome. The skinny jeans had let him have a splendid view on that tight little ass. The slender thighs were simply a work of art and that handsome face he could've looked at for hours and the dark eyes that would stand his intense gaze…
Most people look away.
But not Luffy.
Sabo bites his lower lip and his right hand wanders further down his abs, toward the waistband of his shorts. When he thinks back to those delicate, tanned hands. Calloused, yes, but not ugly, his hands were actually quite soft, to be honest. Clean. The perfect lips that pull into that radiant smile. Those lips… he wonders what it's like to kiss them, to feel them press against his, he imagines Luffy being a shy kisser, kind of reluctant, but Sabo would kiss him with all the skill he has, and Luffy's lips would open and let him in and a hot, wet tongue would welcome him…
Sabo's hand is on his cock now, he slowly runs his hand over his stiffening member, his eyes slide close in his pitch black room and he imagines it's Luffy's hand that rubs gently, it's Luffy's body heat embracing him, and Sabo's mouth falls open with a silent, longing sigh.
Oh god, and Luffy would smile and he would lean down and those glorious, soft lips, the lips Sabo just kissed, would kiss the tip of his cock and Sabo feels himself pulsing with the image and his hand goes faster, and faster, and Luffy's lips are merciless, they open and his tongue would come out, shy and reluctant, he would lick the tip and the already leaking slit and Sabo imagines the boy licking his lips because yeah, he likes the taste, and Luffy would lick the base of his shaft, his hands would wander over his abs and then Luffy would look up at him and he would open his mouth and take in the head and Sabo would have his fingers in the soft dark hair, he would try to guide him, teach him gently how to do it.
Luffy would hum in the back of his throat and it would vibrate in his cock and Luffy would give him another tentative suck, he would hollow his cheeks and Sabo's feet wander over the duvet, his toes curl up, and he would imagine Luffy trying to catch his breath, the boy would be so so careful not to scratch him with his teeth, and the saliva would be dripping down his chin and Luffy would try and take him deeper and Sabo would let him have it the way he wanted, he would have Luffy suck his cock the way the boy wanted, he would be patient although the want would burn in his veins, he's two seconds from slamming his stiff cock into Luffy's mouth and make him cry, he's so so close and Luffy sucks so good…
"C'mon babe, make me cum," Sabo breathes into the silent heat of his room.
Luffy would grin against his cock and then suck on the swollen head, he would draw it out because he's a little tease, he would play and lick it so slowly Sabo is about to cum and then he would take it in again, deeper down, and tears would start in his eyes and he'll breathe heavily through his nose and Sabo's fingers would grab his hair a little tighter and yes, oh god yes, and he would hold Luffy's head and he feels Luffy trying to pull away, but he wouldn't let him, because Luffy liked his cum so much, he'll drink it all, he feels Luffy's throat contracting and then he's empty…
Sabo sighs, he blindly grabs the box of tissues on his night stand and wipes away the liquid from his fingers, but his vivid fantasy continues, he would let go of Luffy's hair and Luffy would pull away and Sabo would rest his thumb against Luffy's lips and Luffy would swallow and then Sabo would pull him up onto his lap and stroke the hard cock that's still hiding in those tight blue jeans and Sabo would kiss his swollen lips and this time Luffy wouldn't hesitate to let him in, Luffy would smile and he would welcome his tongue with a little moan and move even closer to him…
Sabo sighs again and runs a hand through his hair. Alright, he should stop right there, otherwise he'll never be able to sleep.
Well, this has been a very nice fantasy, but Sabo is smart enough to know that it's not likely to happen in the near future. At some point, possibly, but not soon… He closes his eyes.
Time to get some sleep before the next images jump at him again…
Luffy
About a week later, Luffy has the late shift at the WindMill again. Sanji left already. It's a Friday, so he's the one closing tonight. He has locked the front door already and he's done counting the cash. He just needs to swipe the floor and kitchen and then he can leave.
He's tired. He hasn't been sleeping well the past night and today a lot of families haven been at the café. He doesn't mind babies and toddlers, but it's exhausting when there are twenty of them in the same room, screaming and pooping and throwing their food at costumers and waiters.
Luffy rubs his eyes and yawns. He needs to sleep.
He's almost done sweeping when his phone in his back pocket starts buzzing. He smiles sleepily when he sees that it's Sabo. They've been texting back and forth the past couple days and Luffy has to say that he's already used to getting his random texts or links.
Sabo is funny and he has the exact same humour as Luffy. Oh, and his article was amazing. Luffy actually cut it out and put it in a folder in his desk. Sabo really is a good journalist.
Luffy takes the call and traps his phone between shoulder and ear.
"Hey Sabo," he greets the elder happily.
"Hey, you on your way home yet?". Luffy told him earlier that he has to work this evening.
"No, I'll leave in a bit, why?" Luffy asks with a yawn.
"My editor wants me to write about the illegal yagara bull races at the port. I'm going tonight, wanna come, too?"
Luffy's eyes widen and he halts the broom. "Really? You going? Isn't that dangerous?"
"Sure it is. So what do you say? A bit of company could be fun," Sabo replies and Luffy can practically see the mischievous grinon the handsome face.
"Hell yeah! Gimme 15 minutes to finish."
"Gotcha. I'll pick you up from the café."
"Alright! See ya in a bit."
15 minutes later, Luffy is waiting outside the café. He doesn't bother going home to change. This is going to be exciting.
He looks to his left and sees Sabo approaching. The guy already looks like he's up to something thrillingly bad. He's wearing dark jeans with holes at the knees, dirty converse, and a dark blue, worn sweater and black fingerless gloves and the smug grin and the scar make him look like – well, either a criminal or a street fighter. Probably both.
"Hey," Luffy greets him.
"Good evening," Sabo replies with a wink and his wonderfully eloquent way of speaking doesn't fit his appearance at all.
"You know where we need to go?"
Sabo lifts his phone. "A contact person gave me the location. I gotta say, I'm excited. You sure you wanna come with me?"
"Hell yeah, it sounds like fun!"
"You able to handle yourself in a fight?"
Luffy's grin widens and darkens at the same time. "Definitely. You?"
"Obviously, otherwise I would be dead by now. Then let's get going," Sabo says.
Apparently, the yagara bull races take place in an underground water tunnel at Dock 6. It's an area of Water Seven which civilized people try to avoid under all circumstances. A lot of drug deals are going down there, there are prostitutes waiting for prey at every corner, it's filthy, and people are being injured or even shot here on an almost daily basis.
Luffy has been here only a couple of times; only with a group of friends and in broad daylight. His heart is beating quickly and he can't help but feel the delicious rush of an adventure, he can't stop grinning like an idiot, his skin prickles with excitement at doing something forbidden and dangerous. He bites his lower lip and catches Sabo's gaze. The guy seems to be as excited as him.
"We gotta go down this way…Watch out." Sabo's voice has become darker, a little raspy, and he's talking quietly now. They climb down a rusty metal ladder and they find themselves on a narrow path next to the pier and it's close to the water. The path ends almost at the meter-high city walls. From here, they have to jump over a couple of rocks in the water. Luffy can see a hole in the city wall. It's pitch black. Sabo in front of him suddenly stops moving and Luffy crashes into his back and would've fallen into the water if the taller guy didn't catch his arm.
"Shhht… Alright, just follow me," Sabo whispers and Luffy's heart does a leap.
"It's completely dark," Luffy replies and regains his balance.
"I'm sure there's gonna be a crowd further down the tunnel. Ok, you really sure you wanna do this?"
"Definitely."
Even in the darkness, he can see Sabo smile.
"Well then…"
