Chapter Text
Love Scenario
“We met and became a memory that can’t be erased. It was a commendable melodrama. A pretty good ending, that’s all I need.”
[ 사랑을 했다 — iKON ]
1.01
PILOT
"But really, why do these invisible barriers even exist? What makes one race more superior than the other races?"
Ace clicks his tongue. He glances back and forth at his phone and at the stage far in front of him. Sabo is still doing his speech, but Ace knows that won't be for much longer. He remembers the speech's outline from Sabo's continuous practice last night. How can he not? His brother repeats his speech for so many times until it gets stuck inside Ace's head word by word. And according to his memory, they're already in the middle of the speech. Which, of course, brings Ace back to glare at his phone screen.
He presses the dial button once again. Ace waits impatiently until, finally, the line connects.
"Luffy!" Ace exclaims while trying his best to keep his voice down. "Get your ass over here immediately—"
"I'm already here! I'm already he—whoa, so crowded—"
Ace can hear the sound coming out of the megaphone Sabo is using from his call. That means Luffy has really arrived. He ends his call, puts his phone back to his pocket, and looks around to search for his brother. Once Ace spots Luffy's signature straw hat, he waves several times at Luffy's direction. Luckily, Luffy immediately sees him as well.
Luffy makes his way to Ace, muttering sheepish apologies to the people whose shoulders he bumps along the way. He exhales quite loudly, prompting several heads to turn disapprovingly at him. Ace elbows him instantly for that.
"You're late," Ace hisses then.
Luffy purses his lips. He starts arguing, "I told you, my Fundamentals of Design class' professor is—"
"Yes, yes. I understand. I just thought you wouldn't make it," Ace says.
Luffy grins this time. "Of course I would, duh. I ran as fast as I could from my building. Lucky that Sabo holds his speech near my faculty."
Ace sighs. Then, he starts smiling. Ace drapes his arm around Luffy's shoulder. "It's your first time watching him doing his side activity here, right?"
"Yeah!"
"We just evolved differently. The fishmen are what they are because they mostly live under the sea. The humans become like this because they live on land. And even then, where they live factors in the different features they each have—"
Sabo continues his speech, voice still going as strong as when he started it. Ace can see the fire burning in Sabo's eyes. So bright, so full with spirit. So clear even when they stand this further apart.
The wind blows on Sabo's blond hair gently. Seeing that, Ace can't help smiling.
"Some of the people here is already disagreeing with him, Ace. Even before Sabo's speech is finished," Luffy says, arms crossed in front of his chest. Ace turns his attention to his brother. He sighs.
"This is one of the most controversial topics here. Wait until it's time for the Celestial Dragon's speech," Ace says with a flat tone. He conveniently ignores the glares he receives from the people standing around him.
Luffy grins again. It looks dangerous, Ace thinks. What a rare occasion. But then again, they're quite protective with each other. It's been like this for almost ten years now. Well, Ace himself won't just stand still if people start badmouthing his brothers.
Then, Luffy says, "I'd like to be there for that."
"Yeah, same," Ace replies as he looks back at Sabo's direction.
"In conclusion: Who are we to discriminate against each other? Who are we to judge based on our physical appearances? Just because we have lighter skins, longer arms or legs, or nicer fins?"
Sabo puts his megaphone down. He looks around, blue eyes gazing seriously and determinedly to his audiences. Then, he finishes his speech with a firm tone, "Let us think about this as we go back to our respective activities: Who gives us the right to think that we're above each other? Who?"
Silence. Nobody speaks for a brief moment. It's the only thing that follows the end of Sabo's speech, before finally, a round of applause erupts from below. Sabo starts descending down the stage with a small smile on his face. Though, he can still hear the disagreeing noises from the crowd.
Sabo sighs. That can't be helped, truly. He can't please everybody. But that doesn't mean he will stop communicating his stance in the ever-present racism around this world he's currently living in.
Now, where are his stupid brothers....
"Oi, Sabo!" Luffy shouts as he runs towards Sabo. As soon as Luffy reaches Sabo, he jumps to hug his brother. "You did great!" Luffy says.
Sabo grins. "Thanks. You must've rushed your way to here, Lu," he says, arms circling around his brother's body.
A tap on Sabo's shoulder prompts Sabo to turn his head to his side. Next to Sabo, Ace is smiling proudly at him.
"That was one hell of a speech, Sabo. The amount of discomfort I saw around? Awesome. Eleven out of ten would like to see it again." Ace laughs afterwards.
Sabo shakes his head, amused with Ace's response. "You just want to see the world burns, Ace," he teases. Ace just laughs again.
"Hey, Luffy. Release him. I want to give your brother a hug as well," Ace says, elbow nudging Luffy's side. Luffy huffs, but eventually lets go of Sabo. Ace immediately gives Sabo a warm hug.
"You did great for your first speech as the new Chief of the Department of Strategic Studies and Action." Ace smiles and pats Sabo's back twice.
"Still a long way to go, Brother. But thanks," Sabo replies as Ace lets go of his hug.
"Anyway, Mom just texted me right before the start of your speech." Ace looks at both Sabo and Luffy. "She wanted to remind us for, you know, her anniversary with Dad."
"It's on this weekend, right?" Sabo asks. Both Luffy and Ace nod at the same time. "Have you guys bought the ticket?"
"Of course," Ace answers. "Mom would throw a fit if we forgot." He shivers, image of Rogue's silent threat fleeting across his mind.
"Okay, then." Sabo throws a wide smile at his brothers. "Thanks again for coming and supporting me. Are you guys going back to class after this or...?"
"Nah. No more class. I'm going to the canteen to eat after this," Luffy says.
Ace sighs next to him. "I have to go back to the lab. Guess we'll meet at home?" he asks.
"Yeah," Sabo answers. He waves goodbye at his brothers. Afterwards, he jogs over to where Koala and his department's staffs are standing.
Ace lets his gaze linger on Sabo's back for a few seconds. Then, he turns his body away and starts walking back to his faculty.
Surprisingly, Luffy follows.
"I thought you want to go to your faculty's canteen?" Ace asks.
Instead of answering, Luffy merely asks back, "Have you eaten yet?"
Ace smiles slightly. He stops on his track, lifts the straw hat on Luffy's head, and finally ruffles his brother's hair. "I have," he says. "Now go and have your lunch, Luffy."
Luffy waits until Ace finishes putting his straw hat back to his head. He holds it there as he sees Ace's back leaving him behind. Luffy looks up to the sky, blinding blue with only a few clouds floating across it. The sun is shining brightly.
Luffy sighs. "Too bright," he says.
"What do you think about the new chief, Law?"
Law shrugs. "His speech is good, but it means nothing if the Student Executive Board makes no real action to back it up," he says.
Shachi nods twice. "Gotta agree with you on that."
"Why are you even here? The dentistry students don't usually care about stuffs like this." Law raises a questioning eyebrow. Shachi only grins sheepishly at him.
"Getting some fresh air. All the recent exams cook my brain. Besides, I want to see beautiful girls from other faculties as well—"
"Shachi," Law drawls.
"Whaaat? I'm allowed to do that! And you don't usually attend the Executive Board's oration like this," Shachi protests.
Law sighs. "You're right. I guess all the block exams are starting to take a toll on me as well. I need some fresh air too," he says.
Shachi just shrugs. "Anyway, where's Peng?"
"Preparing for the practical exam. Nothing new," Law answers as he keeps walking side by side with Shachi towards their faculty's complex.
"Damn. He's got a different group for this block, huh?"
"Yep."
"Aaand, that's why students from other faculties hate us. Too antisocial, too occupied with our own business." Shachi lets out a long sigh.
"Nothing new," Law says once more.
"Why are you so nonchalant about this, Law? Don't you want to have a girlfriend?" Shachi grumbles. "Oh, please. Don't tell me you want to remain single for the rest of your life," he adds, horror apparent on his face.
Law rolls his eyes. "Not interested. Not now. And even if I remain on my own for the rest of my life, I don't see anything wrong with that," he replies.
"You're no fun, Law," Shachi complains.
"Well, I'm not your best pal Penguin," Law says with a flat tone.
Shachi scoffs. "He's not my best pal."
"Deny all you want, Shachi."
"He is not. But anyway, you're my best pal, too, Law," Shachi says, sighing by the end of his sentence. "Where's Bepo?" he asks later.
"On the same group with Peng," Law answers.
"No wonder you came here alone."
"Going back to class after this?" Law asks.
"Nope. Gotta wait for my cousin. He promises me he will deliver his molar. It's just recently fallen out. And you?"
"I guess I'll go back to see how Bepo and Penguin are do—uh—"
Law staggers to the side, Shachi holding Law's shoulder quickly in response. A black-haired man just bumps past him, hard enough to topple Law's balance. The man quickly apologizes, saying Sorry thrice as he looks for any damage he may have caused. Law steadies himself and stands upright again.
"It's okay, I'm fine," Law says. The man sighs in relief and gives Law a thin smile.
"Well, then, excuse me," he says as he continues to walk, leaving Law and Shachi behind.
Shachi lets Law's shoulder go. "That was—"
"Portgas D. Ace, yes," Law cuts him off.
"No wonder he looks familiar," Shachi comments.
"His face is featured for so many times in one of the huge banners our university always puts on near the main entrance to the campus. Of course he looks familiar," Law remarks.
"He's one year above us, right?"
"Yeah. And I'm quite bored seeing his face over and over again," Law says. Shachi laughs hearing this.
"Heard his youngest brother is joining the Faculty of Art and Design this year."
Law nods. "Yeah. I think I saw him with Portgas when they approached the chief after he stepped down from the stage."
"He was on the news. Just a small column. I caught a glimpse of that."
Law frowns. "Since when do you read the newspaper?"
"Hey! You just hurt my feelings, Law. But, well. I was helping my aunt search for my cousin's name. You know, entrance exam stuff," Shachi explains. Law looks confused for a brief seconds.
"But you can easily search it on its webpage," he says.
"I know. Apparently, my cousin's family want to frame it." Shachi groans seeing the face Law makes. "I know! I'm just as weirded out as you."
"I'm not here to judge," Law says. "I saw the news as well, actually. The boy with the highest score for the skills exam. Quite impressive, I should say."
"It has nothing to do with us, though," Shachi replies. Law hums in agreement. After that, Law parts his way with Shachi and goes back to the Faculty of Medicine.
On Friday night, Ace is left alone at home. Luffy will be sleeping in his campus because of his group project and Sabo will come home late because his department is having a meeting right now. It totally sucks.
He has just finished packing his stuffs for the flight back to Goa tomorrow morning. Ace sees Sabo's backpack when he takes a peek inside Sabo's room. Of course his diligent brother has prepared everything already. Ace hasn't seen Luffy's backpack, though. That can't be good.
As if the universe can read his mind, Ace's phone vibrates inside his pocket. He swipes open his phone and sees a new notification from his KYOUDAI!!! group.
Sabo: Luffy, have you packed your stuffs?
Luffy: He, heheheheh....
Luffy: Sorryyyyy (/__\)
Sabo: :/
Sabo: And you won't be home tonight. Sigh. I'll be home late as welll, probably too tired to help you pack.
Sabo: Ace, I know you're reading this. :)
Ace groans. Damn. He shouldn't have opened his phone.
Ace: Yeah, I am.
Ace: I know what you're thinking right now, Sabo.
Ace: The answer is no. -_-)
Sabo: Ace, Brother. Please. :(
Luffy: PLEAAASEEE :((((((((
Ace rubs his face. He lies horizontally on the living room's couch. "What even is my life," he mutters as he stares at the ceiling above him. Ace inhales and exhales thrice before he finally picks up his phone and starts typing.
Ace: Fine. I'll help you pack, Luffy. But you owe me lots of ice cream. And you too, Sabo.
Luffy: THAAAANKSSSSS~~~~~~~
Sabo: Thanks, Ace. :D
Sabo: Okay, I've got to go back to my meeting. Koala will talk my ears off. Bye!
Ace sighs. He puts his phone on the table in front of the couch. Ace spends several minutes in silent, just lying and doing nothing. Then, finally, he sits down and gets up from the couch. Ace walks towards Luffy's room and starts packing his brother's stuffs. He tries so hard not to step on Luffy's assignments and art supplies.
"This dumbass really needs to tidy his things. Sabo will have a heart attack if he sees how disorganized your room is, Lu," Ace mutters.
After he finishes packing Luffy's things, Ace leaves Luffy's room. He's just about to enter his own room when his phone rings. Ace immediately goes back to the living room to pick up his phone and answers the incoming call. His face brightens when he sees who is calling him.
"Thatch?"
"Ace! My friend!" Thatch answers. Ace smiles hearing the voice from across the line.
"It's unusual for you to call me at this hour," Ace says.
"Yeah, I know. By any chance, are you free tonight? I'm sorry if I disturb you from studying or whatever it is you're doing right now."
Ace shrugs, even though he knows Thatch can't see him. "Yeah, I'm free with nothing to do tonight. What's up?"
"I just got promoted as the new sous chef at my restaurant. My friends decided to throw me a congratulatory party all of a sudden," Thatch says with a laugh at the end of his explanation.
Ace is starting to grin. "So, as a good friend, you call me as an invitation?" he asks.
"Of course. Shakky's Rip-off Bar, as usual. I'll meet you there!"
Ace is still grinning widely even after Thatch ended the call. He hurriedly goes to his room to change. There's nobody at home anyway. And Ace certainly doesn't want to pass up this occasion.
Ace takes one last glance at the frame next to the living room's television. There's a picture of him, Sabo, and Luffy laughing together in front of the house they're currently living in Sabaody. This is the former house of his Gramps. The picture was taken on the day Luffy officially became the resident of this house.
A small smile works its way to Ace's face. Then, he goes to the front door and locks it before leaving the house behind.
Accepting Thatch's invitation, it turns out, is a terrible, terrible mistake.
Ace forgets how many glass of alcohol he's had. Probably too many, because Thatch stops him from getting any more glass. Also because Ace feels light-headed now. He's not usually one to be intoxicated with a few glasses only. That means, he's taken more than his usual fill.
"I—"
"No, Ace," Thatch says. Ace sighs. He folds his arms on top of the bar table and buries his head there.
"I think you should drive me home later, Thatch," Ace says. Beside him, Thatch nods.
"Stressed? You drink a lot more than usual, Ace," Thatch comments.
"I guess? Too many lab reports. Also, the house is too often empty nowadays," Ace complains.
Thatch hums. "Your brother becomes the chief of his department, huh?"
"Yeah, Sabo does. And Luffy is currently having so many group projects," Ace mumbles.
"Busy," Thatch concludes.
"Yep. But anyway, at least I got to see him doing his speech today. Sooooo awesome." Ace grins a little.
"Who? Sabo?" Thatch asks.
"Yes. Although tonight my brothers leave me behind, today is a great day. You know, the wind, ugh. Best. It blows on Sabo's hair gently. I totally love his current hair. Have I told you about how surprised I was when I saw him again after a year of not meeting him at all? Like, whoaaa. He changed his appearance. He's still the same Sabo I know and love, though. My precious brother. Along with Luffy, of course, but I'm in the mood of talking about Sabo now. And Sabo feels ... freer. Probably because he's finally in the place where he really wants. I'm truly happy for him. And, oh! The sky. It's so clear and blue. Bright, beautiful, just like Sabo's eyes."
Thatch blinks several times. He stares closely at Ace, at the dreamy look Ace is making and his flushed cheeks. Thatch knows that they're not merely caused by the alcohol Ace drank earlier.
"Ace, hey," Thatch starts.
"Huh?" Ace turns his attention towards Thatch.
"You really love Sabo, huh." Thatch chuckles.
"Of course I do," Ace says defensively.
"As a brother? Familial love?"
Ace frowns first, but still he answers, "Yes."
This time, Thatch smiles. "How about, say, romantically?"
Ace blinks once, twice. Thrice. Several times. His cheeks flush even redder and he knows clearly it's not because of the alcohol.
"Romantically...?" he repeats.
Thatch answers calmly, "Yeah. Romantic love. Towards Sabo."
Ace falls silent. He turns his gaze down, playing with his bracelets. Inside his mind, Sabo's images fleet across his mind. Sabo's always there throughout his childhood, his school days, until his college days. And then there's this recent image, where Sabo stood proudly and bravely on the stage, delivering his opinion fiercely. So admirable, so handsome—
Ace groans loudly. "Oh, shit," he mutters as he buries his face against his palms.
Thatch pats Ace's shoulder several times. "Oh yeah, my friend. Oh yeah."
"But, ugh. He's so busy with his academics and activities outside that. I just don't want to add his burdens," Ace says quietly. Coupled with the loud and blaring music of the bar, that makes Thatch almost miss what Ace says.
He squeezes Ace's shoulder, prompting Ace to look at him. "Ace. Love is not a burden," Thatch says firmly.
Ace says nothing. Thatch sighs and puts his hand down.
"Well, what will you do if he finds someone else who's not you? Before you even tell him your real feelings."
"I—" Ace looks conflicted for a brief seconds. Then, his face turns neutral again. "I will be happy for him. As long as he's happy."
Thatch frowns. "You're not seriously saying that, right, Portgas D. Ace?"
Ace merely shrugs. Thatch lets out a long sigh afterwards.
"If you want a piece of advice, I'll say that you tell him your feelings. You'll never know if he likes you back or not if you never tell him," Thatch says.
Ace gives no response. He just slumps against his chair, gaze directed faraway. Next to him, Thatch doesn't open his mouth again, only patting Ace's forearms softly several times.
After a while, finally, Ace mutters, "He's so handsome...."
Thatch snorts. "I'll drive you home after this, Ace," he says with a final tone.
When Ace arrives at home, he notices that Sabo's shoes are sitting on the shoe rack. Ace's face heats up remembering what has just transpired inside the bar. He massages his throbbing head.
"Damn it."
Ace places his shoes on the shoe rack. He lets his feet bring him not towards his own room, but to Sabo's room instead. He just—he just wants to see Sabo one more time before he sleeps off the overwhelming feelings currently occupying his heart and mind. During the drive home, Ace can't help reliving all his precious memories with his brothers, with Sabo, especially, inside his head. Even now, when Ace is opening Sabo's doorknob as quiet as possible, he can still feel his heart racing madly.
Ace steps his foot inside Sabo's room. He walks silently until he is standing next to Sabo's bed. As Ace thought, Sabo has fallen asleep. It's past midnight already anyway.
Sabo looks so peaceful in his sleep. And still so damn handsome.
Love is not a burden.
Ace rubs his temple. Damn. Thatch's words echo in his mind again.
What will you do if he finds someone else who's not you? Before you even tell him your real feelings.
Ace balls his fist. And before he knows it, his face is now only inches apart from Sabo's.
"Maybe ... maybe one day I'll tell you. But not now," he whispers. The next second, his lips touch Sabo's lips for a brief seconds. Ace separates himself quickly. He turns his back from Sabo and starts walking towards Sabo's door. Ace is about to open the door when, suddenly, the silence breaks:
"Ace...?"
Right at that moment, Ace feels his blood run cold. His hands start to shake lightly. Ace tries to hide it as much as possible.
"How long have you been here?" Sabo asks. He slowly sits up on his bed.
Ace faces Sabo with a tight smile on his face. "Not that long. I was just about to go back to my room, by the way," he says.
Sabo blinks. He stares closely at his brother. "I felt ... your lips on mine," he says slowly. "Did you—did you just kiss me, Ace?"
Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. But Ace tries to appear as calm as possible. What to say—ah! That.
"Uh, yes?" Ace grins sheepishly. "Oh, shit. I must've been soooo drunk. Actually, I just got home from the bar. Thatch even drove me home because I was too drunk to go home on my own," he rambles quickly.
"Ah," Sabo responds.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to go and grab a glass of water, Sabo," Ace says. Sabo nods slowly.
"Yeah! Yeah, I don't mind."
"Great! Have a nice sleep! And I'm so sorry for that. Sorry again, Sabo!"
Ace turns his heels as fast as possible. He leaves Sabo's room immediately, heart racing crazily. As soon as he closes Sabo's door, Ace balls his fist tightly.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid." Ace grits his teeth as he walks to the bathroom. He needs to wash his face and drinks a lot of water. Hopefully, the water will wash down all of his shame.
And guilt.
What was he even thinking? Kissing his brother like that when he's asleep. Sabo waking up is certainly the karma that comes to bite his ass immediately.
Fuck. So stupid.
Ace just hopes that Sabo will forget all about it in the morning. Or, at the very least, never bring this issue up again.
Minutes after Ace left his room, Sabo is still sitting on his bed. He touches his lips slowly for the fourth time. He might be on the verge of sleep earlier, but he is one hundred percent sure Ace has just kissed him.
Ace's lips were soft, but chapped. His brother really needs to drink more water.
Sabo can't help smiling a little. Because of that thought. And because he finds that, in truth, he doesn't really mind Ace's kiss.
"Huh, strange," Sabo says quietly to himself.