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Ace's old 1948 Ford F-1's engine sputters to a halt as her driver turns the key to its off position. Ace waits in agonizing silence. He hates silence. His tanned, calloused fingers tap the leather covered steering wheel. Sanji told him to meet him after sundown outside his house. He said he had to wait until his old man took his evening medication and went to bed. Its not that Sanji was afraid of old Zeff. Its more he'd rather avoid the embarrassing conversation he'd have to have with the old fart if he found out he was seeing a boy. Not that Zeff would care that its a boy he's seeing. No sir. Zeff was just one of those overprotective parent types. He didn't like thinking about the fact that his little eggplant wasn't little anymore and was old enough to date boys in vintage, flame painted, hot rod red pick up trucks. Boys like Portgas D. Ace. And on a week night no less. If only old Zeff knew.
If only he knew his little eggplant was climbing out of his second floor window, long gorgeous legs bare in little white shorts and a blue cropped sweater as he jumped to a nearby branch and climbed to the ground. If only he knew the brat was smiling wide as he ran across the darkened lawn towards Ol' Red.
Oh but old Zeff was no fool. He did know. He conveniently “forgot” to take his evening pill that would put him to sleep for the evening. He could smell something was up with the eggplant all afternoon. He knows his boy. He knows he doesn't usually gaze longingly out the window while doing dishes. He knows he doesn't usually glance nervously at the wall clock like he's waiting on something important. So when Zeff hears the soft rustle of a tree, he knows Sanji has snuck out his window. By the time he gets to the front door and opens it, Sanji is running out across the lawn. Toward a pickup truck.
“Eggplant! What do you think you're doin'!?” The deep, thunderous voice makes Sanji stop in his tracks, Just short of Ol' Red. Shit. The geezer was supposed to be asleep! Zeff hobbles on his prosthetic leg down the porch steps, shaking his fist. “Boy, you have work in the mornin'! Who is that in my yard?”
Sanji looks humiliated, his face red as he gives Ace an apologetic look. He turns to his old man, looking like he wants to say something. But then he runs to Ol' Red and quickly gets in, slamming the door.
“Drive!” He tells the freckled boy, who looks at him wide eyed but turns his engine on and shifts the emergency break off. They speed off, leaving Zeff yelling after them in the yard.
“This might get you in trouble with yer old man later.” Ace drawls in his sweet as honey accent, straightening his signature hat. It was rare to see him without his hat. It was as much part of him as his tattoos.
Sanji laughs, and to Ace, it's like a symphony. His head tilts back in that endearing way. He digs his pack of cigarettes out of his shorts pocket and takes one out with his lips before lighting it with one of Ace's lighters. He takes a drag and blows it out of soft looking pink lips. It seems Sanji's wearing tinted balm today. His elegant fingers lazily holds the cigarette as he speaks.”I'm 19. He can't ground me anymore. The worst he can do is fire me and the old coot knows he cant run the place without me. Don't worry about little old me, hotshot.”
Ace gives him a soft smile as he drives into the night. “You look gorgeous, darlin'.” He gives Sanji a quick once over, careful not to keep his eyes off the road for more than a second. It's not like anyone's out driving this late anyway. Sanji smiles through his cigarette as he takes another huff.
“You promised me a dance, hotshot.”
“That I did, Blondie. I wore my best boots.” He gives that charming, dimpled grin, making Sanji laugh. Sanji scoots closer to the middle seat so he can lean his head on Ace's arm, smoking the rest of his cigarette in comfortable silence as they make their way to the bar.
Once they arrive, they can tell the place is pretty lively. Music blasting from inside, lights on full display, some people gathered and sharing drinks in front of the entrance. Sanji goes to open his door.
“Ah. Don't you dare.” Ace hurries out the drivers side to jog around the front of the truck and open Sanji's door, bowing dramatically. “My darlin'~” Sanji pretends to be embarrassed as he slides out. He playfully smacks Ace's chest with a huff.
“You big goof. You didn't have to.” But he doesn't pull away as Ace's arms circle his small waist, holding him close for a sweet, innocent kiss. In fact, he melts into it. He's been waiting all day for that kiss. He even shaved today so his scruff wouldn't prickle Ace's skin. Ace lets out a low sounding hum.
“Cherry vanilla?” Sanji blinks up at him before it clicks that he's talking about his lip balm flavor. He flushes, looking away in embarrassment.
“Shut up.” But soon he cant stop himself from smiling, making Ace chuckle and nuzzle his soft blond hair. Sanji's hair was getting longer. Almost long enough to tie up. Ace thought it looked good on him. But Ace thought Sanji was the most gorgeous boy in the world anyway.
“Lets go dance, cowboy.” Sanji takes Aces hand and leads the way. The thing about Sanji was... he was his best self with Ace. Before they met, Sanji struggled a lot with who he was as a person. It took a while to come to terms with his identity and how he presented himself. He leans more into an androgynous style now. Not entirely feminine, he still liked to wear suits, but sometimes he felt like being pretty. Especially on a night out with Ace.
As the two get closer to the entrance of the bar, hand in hand, they suddenly hear a loud and happy, yet familiar, voice burst through the sound of partying and music. “AAAACEEEE!!” Followed by a blur of colors as a skinny figure launches themselves at the dark haired young man. Their arms wrap around Ace's neck, the force of the attack knocking his beloved hat off. Ace cant see who it is, but he doesn't have to. He knows its his kid brother. The brat. Ace laughs heartily, trying to pry Luffy off of him. A broad, tanned man with green hair catches up to his partner, looking amused and slightly exasperated.
“Luffy, what have I told you about throwing yourself at people? You could have hurt someone, idiot.”
' “It's alright. I don't mind, Zoro. It's nice to see ya'll.” Ace grins as Luffy finally lets himself down. Luffy seems to turn his attention towards his brothers date.
“Sanji! Wow, you look so pretty! Got any leftovers for me?” Luffy gives the taller boy a hug, which Sanji rewards with a fond head pat.
“Afraid not tonight, Luffy. Had to sneak out so I didn't have time. But you'll live.” Luffy seems to pout briefly before shrugging.
“Hey, Ace! Where's your hat?”
“You knocked it off, you dingbat!” Ace ruffles Luffy's hair as he tries to bat his hand away. The two brothers bond over teasing each other.
Sanji goes to join Zoro in fondly watching their idiot boyfriends. “Good to see you, Moss.” he says softly. It's strange to think Zoro and Sanji were on such good terms now. When they first met in high school, they couldn't stand each other. They argued about everything. Even got into some pretty serious fist fights. They only spent time together because Luffy was their mutual friend. That was before Luffy and Zoro started dating and Sanji started seeing Luffy's older brother.
One day Sanji came to Zoro's training dojo in a fit. He told Zoro he wanted to speak with him that afternoon about something serious. Then they had a long, and very emotional heart to heart about a lot of misunderstandings. Zoro was the first one Sanji came out to. Because he knew, since Zoro has been out since practically middle school, that if anyone in this nowhere town understood what its like discovering yourself without judgment, it would be Zoro. They've been close ever since. They still bicker, still spar when they feel up to it, but there's no venom. No bite behind their insults. Sanji calls Zoro a block-headed mosshead. Zoro calls Sanji a spoiled curlybrow. But they do so with teasing smiles and playful shoves.
“Nice to see you out of that prissy suit.” Zoro smirks, thumping Sanji on the back.
“Nice to see you actually washed your clothes. Or did you just buy new ones and throw those old rags away?” Sanji teases back with a light punch to Zoro's side. “But seriously, you actually look nice. Dare I say, handsome even.”
“You're so full of shit, Cook.” Zoro laughs with a snort. Sanji eyes Luffy with a mischievous grin. “Oh no. Don't you do it, curly.” He tries to cover Sanji's mouth as quick as he can. But the bastard is slippery. Having been raised by a former champion kick-boxer.
“Loof! Mosshead- Ha! Missed me! Moss just told me he doesn't think he's handsome!” This makes Luffy gasp and immediately stop his and Ace's wrestling match.
“Take it back!” He puffs out his cheeks as he marches up to Zoro. He stands on his toes to reach Zoros tanned cheeks, pulling his face down so they're eye level. Sanji slips away, back to Ace's side. “You are handsome! Say it!” He looks serious.
“But, the Cook-”
“Nuh uh. I wanna hear you say it. And I'm not letting you go until you do.”
“Alright, alright.” Zoro sighs. He can never argue with Luffy. Not only was it impossible to, but Zoro would literally do anything for Luffy. “I'm handsome. Happy? I hate it when the Cook wins.”
Ace wraps his arm around Sanjis hips. “Are yall gonna stay? Or are you headin' home?”
Zoro is the one who answers him, Luffy now hugging him relentlessly, “You know Makinos rules. No Luffys after 10. Little shits been complaining that he's hungry anyway. Might pick up a pizza on the way back. But you two kids have fun.”
Sanji huffs. “We're the same age, grass-for-brains. And Ace is older than you.”
“Ya'll enjoy your night. I got a pretty little chef to spoil.” Ace dips his head to kiss Sanjis neck, making Sanji laugh and playfully push him off.
Zoro snorts. “Gross. Come on Loof.”
“Pizza?”
“Pizza. And breadsticks if I'm feeling nice.” The two start to walk hand in hand away from the lively bar. Ace feels like being a menace. He scoops up Sanji, who starts immediately protesting with laughter, and spins them around. Sanji's arms link around Ace's neck to keep him from falling.
“Y-you ass! Put me down!” He giggles. Eventually Ace does let his boyfriend down, both flushed and bubbling with laughter. The tall freckled boy's smile falls though, eyes roaming Sanji's moonlit face, smiling up at him, his arms around his neck. In this moment, he thinks, 'Man... I sure do love this crazy little firecracker. I think I wanna be with him for the rest of my life.' Sanji notices his silence and cocks his head in a questioning manner. Ace answers it by surprising him with a kiss. Soft and sweet noises of contented pleasure come from the chefs parted lips. Ace's warm hands trail up Sanji's exposed back, his cropped sweater rising up to show more skin. They part slowly, Sanji's elegant hand playing with the tips of Ace's long hair. Sharp blue eyes look up into warm brown.
“You know I love you, don't you, blondie'?” The freckled boy drawls in a low, lovesick tone.
“I do. But I do so love hearing you say it.” Comes the teasing response in just as lovesick a tone. “I love you too, hotshot. Now... the night won't last forever. I believe you owe me a dance, cowboy.” Sanji stands on his toes to kiss Ace's freckled nose before dropping his arms from around his neck. The chef gives him a look of mischief over his shoulder as he takes Ace's hand and leads him away. Ace's heart pounds at that look. He sure was a goner. Absolutely and hopelessly smitten,
Once they get inside, they're greeted by lively voices and music thumping. See, this wasn't an ordinary bar. Makino's joint, Party's Bar, was an age friendly place where queer youths could feel safe, having fun and letting go. The bar, although called a bar, sold mostly non alcoholic drinks. It did have a downstairs lounge for adults that sold booze, but most people that visited preferred the upstairs club. All kinds of people came here, no matter the age. It was a safe place. No matter who you are, Makino welcomed all who stepped through her doors.
“Well, if it isn't Whitebeard's boy! And his lovely chef!” Makino served a customer a chilled mojito and wiped her hands on a towel as she greets the two. Sanji beams, holding his arms out dramatically.
“Miss Makino, my flower~ Oh how I missed your gorgeous face!” The blond then blows her a kiss, which she playfully catches and blows back. “Has Nami-swan been in tonight with her lovely Vivi?”
“Afraid not, Casanova. They were in a few days ago though. She hasn't come see you at the restaurant?” Ace leads his boyfriend to a couple of empty stools so they can sit and talk with Makino.
Sanji sighs dramatically, his hand over his chest. “If she has, I must have missed her. With her and Vivi's classes and my work schedule, it's hard to see each other like we did in high school. I miss those two dearly.” Ace comfortingly rubs the blonds back.
“Your next day off, we'll go drop by their dorm, darlin.”
“Makino, aren't I just the luckiest guy in the world?” Sanji nearly swoons as he leans into Ace, making both Ace and Makino chuckle. “Handsome, and a heart of gold, can you believe it?”
“Watching you two is almost as adorably gross and watching Shanks and Buggy chase each other for 20 years.” Makino teases as she dries a glass. “Can I get you two lovebirds anything?”
“Nothin' for me. Blondie'?” Ace looks to the blond chef in question.
“A hurricane, my dear flower. You know how I like it.”
“With a little umbrella and a cherry? Coming right up, Casanova.” Makino smiles before turning to make Sanji's drink.
Once Sanji gets his drink, he sips it through a straw happily, looking at Ace with a loving gaze. Ace leans on his hand, looking back at him with a soft smile. After a few sips, Sanji sets it down. He lifts the cherry by it's stem and pops the whole thing in his mouth, stem and all. He knows exactly what he's doing as he holds his boyfriends gaze with a slight smirk. A few movements of his tongue and he takes out the stem of the cherry, tied in a knot. Holy hell, does Ace enjoy seeing that.
“You're killin' me, blondie..” Ace's cheeks are bright with blush as he tried to hide it by covering his face with his hat. Sanji just chuckles, pleased with himself. He places the stem on a napkin and continues drinking his cocktail, a playful smile around his straw. When most of it is gone, Sanji slips off of his seat.
“Dance with me, Hotshot.” He pulls Ace off of his own seat and leads him to the crowd. Ace is like putty in Sanji's perfectly manicured hands. Immediately, they fall into a rhythm of each other, the taller mans hands lightly on the chefs hips, moving with him. Sanji's back is to Ace, pressed close, his hand sweetly carding through Ace's long, wavy hair. He smells so nice tonight. Must be wearing cologne. But not that cheap overpowering stuff. Something...spiced. Sanji's wearing something flowery with a hint of musk. They dance together as if they're the only ones in the room. Because to them, they are. They're the only ones that matter in this moment. The world is cruel. Unfair. They both have been through enough to know that. They both grew up forgotten children. Until they found their family. And then they found each other. Two sides of the same coin. Two fools in love.
They don't leave the bar until around midnight, laughing in each others arms and stealing kisses.
“I can't believe you hit that guy, Hotshot!”
“Hey, that was justified! He tried to grab your ass.”
“I wanted to hit him myself, though!”
Ace opens the passenger door for his boyfriend. “I'll let you get the next one, promise. I know you don't need me to fight for you.” Sanji climbs into the truck with a nod. He reaches for a cigarette.
“Damn right, cowboy. Although it was sweet of you. I'm glad Miss Makino tossed that jerk out. I doubt he'll be allowed back.” Sanji lifts the cigarette to his lips and lights it.
Ace goes around to the drivers side. “There are minors that go to that place. She ain't gonna put up with anyone who makes people feel unsafe. But I would worry about whats gonna happen when she tells Shanks about that fella.”
Sanji huffs out a bit of smoke as he laughs. “Tell me about it, hotshot. Might hear about it on the news. Local Creep Goes Missing, more at 5.”
Ace puts his hand on the keys to turn them. Then he pauses. He's quiet for a moment, his face unreadable.
“Ace..?” Sanji brings the cigarette away from his lips as he watches Ace's moonlit face.
“Lets go one more place tonight. Before I bring you home. How about it, Blondie?”
Sanji's lips curl in amusement and affection. “I'd follow you anywhere, cowboy. Where are we going?”
Ace starts up Ol' Reds engine. “Somewhere special to me. You'll like it.” He backs out of his parking spot and they drive off away from the bar and her welcoming warmth, into the starry night.
Two cigarettes later, because Sanji is a chain smoking fiend, Ace parks on the side of the road near a patch of woods. Sanji opens his door and looks around in confusion. Why would Ace want to come here and why would it be special to Ace? Ace steps out of the car and breathes in deep.
“Smells the same... Loof, Sabo and I used to play in these woods as kids. Just up the road is the foster home we met in. Before Pops adopted me. Come with me, will you Blondie? I wanna show you somethin'.” He offers his hand with a dimpled smile, asking Sanji to trust him. And of course, Sanji takes it. He trusts him. Ace has always lead him to adventure. Even when he gets into trouble, Sanji has never felt unsafe around Ace. Because he knows Ace would never harm him or put him in harms way.
“Alright, Portgas. But I'm not dressed for any forest frolicking.”
“You wont chip a nail, I promise.” Ace teases.
“My hands are my craft, you know that, hotshot.” Sanji pouts as his freckled love leads him further away from Ol' Red and further into the dark woods. They use Ace's lighter to find their way, but the taller boy knows this path by heart. He remembers the log Luffy got stuck in looking for bugs. He remembers the tree he and Sabo dared each other to climb and Sabo got his first broken arm falling out of.
He wonders if its even still there. If someone had tore it down, or its rotted away over time. As he passes each landmark he remembers from long days past, he starts to get more worried. He doesn't see it yet. He doesn't remember it being this far out.
“Sweetheart, if you tell me what we're out here for, maybe I can help find it.” Sanji ducks to just barely miss a low branch as he follows Ace, holding his hand. He swats bugs and long grass from his legs with his free hand.
“When we were kids... we built this- Holy shit! There it is!” Ace breaks through a small clearing and there she was. A tree house. A paradise for little Ace and his brothers. The troublesome trio. She was very obviously handmade, and designed by a child. With her crooked windows, her partially unfinished roof, and her old rope ladder. But she was still standing. Ace laughs with joy as he excitedly pulls Sanji to the base of the tree. “Luffy, Sabo and I made this when we were kids! I can't believe it. I'm gonna go up.”
“Darling, I'm all for taking risks in the name of adventure, but this thing is at least a decade old. Be careful.”
“Come with me.” Ace is already halfway up the rope ladder and grinning like a child on Christmas day. When he gets to the top, he realizes that everything was a lot bigger when he was a child. He pushes open the door, which was now barely tall enough to fit him, and a closed paint can smacks him in the stomach. Sanji hears a thud, followed by a deep grunt and then a laugh as he climbs up the ladder to follow Ace.
“Ace? Are you hurt?”
“Nah. I just forgot we booby trapped the place. I can't believe we thought this would keep anyone out. Barely felt it.”
Ace pokes out the door to reach down and help his cook up onto the deck. “We thought we were pirates protecting our treasure from bandits. Kids do stupid things.” He laughs.
Sanji looks around as soon as he crosses the door. The place was definitely the home of several ten year old boys. Old toys, makeshift weapons, and little cups and plates were scattered around. Pillows on the floor next to a cardboard box assumingly used as a table, a few old rugs layered among the floor, and candles. Even a bookshelf made from several boards nailed to the wall. Must be Sabos books. He cant see young Ace or Luffy being interested in reading. Ace starts lighting a few candles so they can see more.
“The legendary brothers secret hideaway huh? What kind of treasure were you protecting?” Sanji peaks behind a hanging curtain, noticing three very old and kind of damp child sized sleeping bags in a small room. The brothers must have spent a number of nights here.
“Oh! Maybe its still here..” Ace starts looking for something. He seems to have found it when he gasps loudly, moving a piece of wood away to reveal a secret hole in the tree itself. “I'll be damned... Baby, come see!” Sanji follows his voice in the dim light to find his boyfriend crouching on a large branch holding a tin box. Sanji digs out his lighter and holds it so the two of them can see inside the box.
Sanji doesnt know what hes expecting, but its not three old faded baseball cards, a pack of bubblegum from god knows how long, a gold metal from Luffys karate tournament, a folded test with an A+, and an alligator tooth. “Wow... No wonder bandits wanted to steal your treasure.” Sanji teases, but he's actually very endeared by the things he sees. These may seem like tiny useless things to anyone else, but they were important enough to young Ace, Sabo and Luffy to want to hide them and keep them safe.
“Right?” Ace laughs, closing the box. He doesnt put it back. He's taking it home with him. Maybe show Luffy. Maybe give Sabo a call and tell him he found their old treasure. “We thought we were kings in our own little world. A world grown ups didnt exist.” Ace sits on the branch with his legs hanging down. Sanji quietly sits next to him, close enough to touch shoulders.
“I wish I was a part of your little kingdom. Tiny me would have loved playing pretend and collecting treasure.” Sanji looks up at the stars, remembering lonely days and bruised arms. His childhood was a gilded cage until age 8 when he ran away and was found by Zeff. He never had friends to play pirate with. Nor treasures to keep safe.
“Ya know... there is a way you could be part of my kingdom..” Ace looks off into the distance, eyes soft. Sanji hums in question as he looks at him. “You could marry the king. Then my treasure is yours.”
Sanjis breath stops as his eyes grow wide and unbelieving. “Ace....Do you know what youre saying? You want to marry me? Me?” he points to himself.
Ace chuckles, looking at him now. “Yes, you. Sanji Black. Theres no one else I'd want to share my life with. You dont have to say yes now. I'd want to get you a nice ring, maybe do somethin' romantic and ask you nice and proper. But I'm tellin' you right now thats what I want.” Sanji makes a choked noise as he covers his mouth. Then he smacks Ace's arm.
“You ass, now I know its coming! It wont be a surprise!” Ace laughs, putting his arm around Sanji and holding him close as he pouts grumpily.
“My bad, blondie. I guess I got ahead of myself. I'll make sure to wait a few years so you forget.”
“I'll kill you if you do.”
“Sure you will, darlin'.”