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Sabo tapped his pen on his desk; one, two, and then he would repeat it again. His blue eyes were trained on the clock, watching it tick on, and allowing the tapping of his pen to match the beat. It wasn't that the lecture was boring, far from it, but he couldn't find himself able to pay attention to the riveting explanation of King Louis XIV’s reign. His eyes then shifted from the clock, and rested right on his desk neighbor, grumbling to himself the moment he begrudgingly forced himself to be graced by his presence.
He was doing it again, wearing his uniform incorrectly, and per usual not a single teacher said a word about it. It was annoying, one of the few things he wouldn't miss once he grabbed his degree, and ran off to an Ivy league school. Sabo just rolled his eyes, and went back to his notes. He needed to stop worrying about what Izo was doing, and focus on his work.
If there was any way for Sabo to describe Izo it would be simply a menace! The guy struts around The Newgate Academy for boys like he owns it, and he might as well see how the staff tiptoes around him like he was some king! It was enough to make the blonde’s blood boil, and he wanted more than anything to just one day snap! Why did he think he could walk all over everyone just because he was one of the principal's sons!? It was insane, and none of principal Newgate’s other sons acted this way! Hell, he looked up to Marco, and Deuce was his biggest competitor for valedictorian! It was just Izo who was a thorn in his side!
“Ok class, for your final project before winter break we’ll be doing a powerpoint presentation on any major historical event on the list that is being passed out right now.” Sabo peeked his head so he could stare down the aisle, watching as crisp white papers were passed back by exhausted students that were stuck in the front row. When he finally got the rubric his eyes almost popped out of his head, excitement bubbling deep within as he carefully read through the extensive list.
Never had he gotten a project where he would have so much freedom! Any topic, with any type of media allowed as long as it was included in a PowerPoint!? It was music to his ears! He was already planning out every little thing he wanted to add, and how he was going to present it, when a bombshell was dropped right on him.
“And it's a group project!” It was like a record had screeched to a halt in his brain, and the glorious music that was just playing in his brain had turned into a terrible noise. Crap, he should have known there was a catch. Sabo looked around, noticing that everyone was already eyeing their potential project partners, and once again not a single person looked towards him. Sabo didn't have many friends here, finding himself hunched over a textbook instead of trying to befriend anyone, but he didn't mind that whatsoever. It would all be worth it in the end after all, at least he hoped so. He was prepared to raise his hand, practically beg the teacher to have the ability to work on the project alone, but he didn't get a chance to do so.
“Your partners will be the person next to you, so group up, and use the rest of your class time to plan.” The whole class erupted into groans, and roars of outrage until the teacher shut them up with a curt glare. “I won't listen to any complaints! You kids need to learn to work with people you don't know for once, it will prepare you for life.” Sabo just rolled his eyes. Sure, preparing them for life, or more accurately he just wanted to avoid group work drama. That's when it hit him, desk neighbor, his seat was at the end so his desk neighbor was…..he slowly turned only to meet a pair of unamused eyes.
“Well, looks like we’re partners for this.” Oh no, oh hell no! There was Izo, sitting there nonchalantly as his dark eyes fluttered across his form, and seeming to wait for the blonde to speak. He saw his eyes stop at his scar, and that was enough to send Sabo spiraling.
“Sir!” He raised his hand, eyes front as he gained the attention of everyone in the room. “I want to change partners!” He heard Izo’s voice scoff next to him, obviously insulted by sabo’s request, and he could practically feel the other teen’s glare on his neck. He didn't care if he hurt his feelings, he refused to work with some hooligan that had an ego bigger than his giant head, and if he didn't like that then so be it.
“Don't like you either, jackass.” He heard Izo whisper under his breath, and when Sabo sent him a sideways glance he saw him leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed over his chest. He sent him a glare in return, fuck him.
“No, you may not. No changing, trading, or dumping your partners! Sometimes you will work with people you don't like, and that's reality. So get to it.” Defeated, Sabo groaned, slouching in his seat as he wallowed in his anger. If he knew the day would be this bad then he would have just pretended he was sick, and stayed home.
“Someones pissy he can't be a control freak.” He snapped his head to the side, sending a death glare to the other teen as he saw him just smugly smirk. He even waved him off like Sabo was an annoying fly, and spoke with such confidence that it was disgusting. “Can't get angry at what’s true, Sabo.” God, he was steaming with anger now, but he made sure to keep his composure.
“Say whatever you want, and let's just get this over with.” He could do this, all he had to do was carry the entire project on his back, nothing he hasn't done before. “Ok, so we’re doing the project on the French Revolution, and-” He didn't get a chance to finish, as Izo had interrupted with a barrage of bewildered looks, and a multitude of “waits” that increased in volume with time.
“You can't just decide we’re doing our project on the French Revolution! What if I want to do it on something else, or several people take that topic. We should do it on the Edo period, a lot of people won't do that one, and it would be more interesting than your topic.” He sneered, seeming to feel he was victorious after his “comeback”, and was proudly sitting there as he soaked up the glory. What a jackass.
“Unlike you, I know how to get an A on a project. The Edo period wouldnt have enough sources in the library, so we’re doing the French Revolution.” He began to gather up his things, deciding right then that he was calling it a day, and going as far away from Izo as he possibly could. The teen next to him had other plans.
"Are you kidding me!? I'm literally at the same level as you, and we're both honor roll students!" Sabo knew this, everyone knew who the top performing students were after all, but he was too pissed off at the teen to care. He at first chose to not respond, ignoring the irate Izo as he continued to throw papers into his bag, and this seemed to piss him off more. "Rich from the guy who almost failed art, knows how to pass a project my ass." Sabo stopped what he was doing, face turning bright red as kids around them began to snicker, and Izo once again showed his stupid smug smile. How did he know about that!? No one was supposed to know about that! He growled, snapping his head right to Izo, and meeting his gaze with his own ferocity.
"Well damn Izo, if only all of us had a dad to buy our straight A's instead of having to work for it like peasants." The words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop it, but he didn't care, he was more than happy to say his peace. He couldn't help but proudly wear his own smirk when Izo's smile was wiped right off his face.
"What the hell did you just say?" His voice was low, and it reminded Sabo of how there was a calm before every storm. He didn't heed its warning though.
"I said your daddy buys all your gra-!" He didn't get a chance to finish, as a fist had collided with his cheek, sending him flying back into another row of desks. They had an audience now, and things quickly escalated from there. All of the sudden the classroom turned into a war zone, punching and kicking one another as the entire classroom watched.
"H-Hey! Break it up!" A teacher had pulled them apart, holding them away from one another as they continued to try and get hits in. Sabo wasn't really able to get a look at Izo as they were fighting, but now that they were apart he could see the damage he had done. Bruised eye, busted lip, and scratches all over his skin; damn, looks like he still knew how to fight from all those years being feral with his brothers.
"Ok you two, straight to the principal's office!" Before either boy could say a word they were dragged off by a teacher, flailing around to catch their balance as the hallways passed by them like a blur, and time seemed to jump until they were right at the principal's door. At that moment Sabo’s heart dropped into his stomach, everything had become real then, and with that came the panic.
Shit shit shit! He had never been in trouble before, at least, not since he started attending the Newgate Academy! The moment he was entered on a scholarship he shaped himself into gear, and made sure to not get himself into any trouble! He knew one wrong move and he would be booted out, and knowing everything him and his family sacrificed to get him this opportunity made it pertinent that he didn't fuck up! Yet here he was, he fucked up.
"Sit." The teacher had pushed them into a pair of seats outside the office, seeming to trust they wouldn't fight again for some reason. Izo had turned his body away from him, crossing his arms over his chest, and refusing to even acknowledge Sabo's existence. Whatever, Sabo didn't want to look at his ugly mug anyway!
"You're insane, you know that right?" His face stung as he spoke, sending a few glances the brunettes way, but refusing to actually acknowledge him. Izo just angrily snorted.
"I'm insane!? You're the one running around saying people's dads buy their grades! The fuck is wrong with you!" The secretary sent them a look, warning them to be quiet or face the consequences. Izo began to whisper after that. "You're fucked, you know that." Sabo just rolled his eyes. Oh please, it wasn't like he was in the wrong here.
"Might as well be true. You run around like you own the place, breaking the rules, wearing your uniform wrong, and a single teacher won't call you out on your bullshit because you're one of the principal's sons. Sorry if I'm the first to give you that reality check, but not my problem." Izo's body then pivoted to face him, moving as fast as lightning, and with his long hair sticking up all over the place as he burned with anger.
"I am no-" He didn't get a chance to finish, as the door slammed open to reveal the teacher. His face set in a serious expression as he glared at the two boys in front of him.
"The principal will see you now." The teacher was pissed, Sabo could tell, and after his gruff response he practically herded the two teens into the office. Once inside Sabo was frozen in fear, never had he been this close to the principal, and even sitting at his desk he loomed over his form. His expression was unreadable as well, hands neatly folded in his lap, and his moustache twitching every so often being the only indicators of his mood. When he looked next to him he saw that Izo was frightened as well.
"H-Hi Pops." Izo shakily waved, and the color drained from the teens face when the man only grew more displeased as a response.
"Boys, take a seat." Sabo did not like the sound of that, but hearing the serious tone in the man’s voice made him obey, and he quickly shuffled to one of the open seats in front of the desk. "Good, we can get started." The man then began to put on his glasses, and read through a paper that had been sitting at his desk with a painfully slow pace. Holy shit, was he doing it on purpose!? Sabo swore he was doing it to make them scared!
"So, I heard you two got into a fight." Sabo jumped when he heard that booming voice again, and he looked up just in time to see Principal Newgate sending a disappointed look Izo's way. "I was told you threw the first punch, and I must say I'm very disappointed in you, my son. I thought I taught you better than to start needless fights." The other teen’s face burned with a blush at that, eyes trained on his shoes as he was scolded by his father.
"B-But, Pops, he-" He wasn't allowed to finish, and all the man had to do was raise one finger to get him to pause his words. He didn't look angry, but his actions showed that deep within the older man was filled with fury.
"Let me finish. I don't care who said what, I don't tolerate fighting of any kind." He never once raised his voice, but honestly Sabo wished he did, he rather be yelled at then whatever this is. "I am disappointed in both of you, as Newgate Academy boys you took a pledge to uphold the rules when you enrolled in this school, and breaking them holds great consequences." Oh god, Sabo was getting expelled, and when he realized that he couldn't help but grow angry. He bet Izo wouldn't get expelled, oh no, he would probably get a million second chances just because he's shit face Izo!
"Now I have decided to not expel either of you." Wait, what!? Both teens couldn't help but look up in shock, feelings of relief, and happiness washing over them as they processed those amazing words. Izo even looked close to tears.
"Pops, thank you." Maybe Sabo should have expected this, the principal would never expel one of his own, and he can't only expel the scholarship kid without causing some sort of uproar. Yeah, that had to be it, nothing but nepotism.
"I'm not doing this for your sake Izo, I'm doing this so it may become a learning opportunity for you two. Now, don't think you're getting away without any punishment." Again, Sabo should have known, and he couldn't help but lean back in his chair with a sigh. This only got the attention of Izo.
"You have no right to act annoyed! You started this!" He poked at his arm, glaring daggers into him with his black eye, and almost looking as if he was ready for another round. Sabo was about to poke back, but never got the chance to do so.
"Enough! Start a fight in my office and you will regret the day you did so." That was enough to snap them out of their slouching, and make them pay attention as if they were good little soldiers. "Thank you, now, you both will be serving detention for a month; maybe cleaning the school together every afternoon will teach you how to be friends." Sabo had to resist the urge to groan. He couldn't believe he had to spend a month with this guy! He could barely stand sharing a class with him, so he couldn't imagine what it would be like when they were alone!
"B-But, Pops! I can't be with this guy! He's a psychopath!" One glare was all that was needed to shut him up. "Ok, understood sir." It was almost funny how mousy he became, but Sabo would have been the same if in his shoes.
"It's either this, or you can be expelled. Which is it?" For the first time the entire meeting the man cracked a little smirk, sitting there like the cat who caught the canary, and almost begging the two teens to try and challenge him. Of course, neither of them did.
"I'll take detention!" Sabo stammered out, eyes wide with panic at the mere mention of being expelled.
"M-Me too!" Izo followed suit, and that seemed to please the man as he began to slowly nod.
"Good choice, now I expect you two to check into this room right when your last class finishes, and it's in your best interest to not be late as your detention starts today. Now, back to class, interrupting your learning is the last thing we want to do." The man was back to smiles, and jokes like how Sabo remembered from every ceremony. Barely picking up on the panic and dread they both felt as he handed them each a paper, and then corralled them out the door like a pair of cattle. It happened so fast, and Sabo couldn't help but stop to catch his breath after it was all said and done. What just happened?
"See you in detention I guess." He was snapped out of his thoughts by Izo, the other teen glaring at him, and then sluggishly made his way back to class. Sabo though was still left gobsmacked.
Holy shit, he didn't get expelled? He didn't get expelled! Weirdly enough he wanted to jump, and cheer in that moment, counting all his lucky stars as he did so. His celebration was short lived, and soon he was grumbling to himself as he remembered that detention was not a long way away. He obviously deserved his punishment, he will admit that, but that didn't mean he had to enjoy it.
“What the hell did you get yourself into Sabo?” He grumbled to himself, speaking freely for the first time since the meeting started. He couldn't get a word in while in the presence of Principal Newgate, and to be honest he was ashamed of himself for that. When he was young he had so much spunk, causing hell with his brothers all over the town, and fighting anyone who thought they could take him on. He was feral back then, but he shoved that old version of himself down into the depths of his heart the moment he stepped through the gates of the historical school.
You should of told the guy to go fuck himself! You had no issue telling off that priss, so let's pick a fight with the big man himself!
He quickly shook those thoughts away, no, he couldn't do that. He was a model student now, and he had a bright future ahead of him so no fucking it up. He remembered his grandfather's words, hearing him rant about his potential, and how he could be something big one day as long as he applied himself. The man’s tears when he was accepted into the prestigious school were still fresh in his mind as well, giving him motivation to keep working hard.
Sabo unfolded the paper in his hands, carefully looking over the room number before gently tucking it into his pant pocket. He should just get back to class, and focus on his work before his detention. It would be a nice way to forget about it all at least.
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It was only ten minutes in and Sabo already wanted to stab Izo’s eyes out.
For their first detention they were tasked with cleaning one of the giant lecture halls; sweeping, mopping, and picking at dried gum that was stuck under the chairs and tables. It was a lot harder work than Sabo expected, but he didn't have a right to complain.
What he did have a right to complain about was the annoying humming coming from the teen next to him, and grating on his nerves slowly with each passing second. God, he was even wearing his uniform wrong again! His blazer was tied around his waist, necktie hanging loosely on his neck, and bright yellow converse sneakers squeaking against the floor as he mopped. It made him a giant eyesore, and Sabo couldn't help but let the anger inside him fester.
“Could you-!?” He stopped when the teacher watching them gave him a dirty look, and Sabo made sure to keep his head down, whispering instead. “Can you please stop humming? It's annoying, and sounds like nails on a chalkboard.” He hissed out, glaring at Izo as the teen in question seemed to internally debate whether he should say something back. He went between the fine line of starting a fight, and walking away before he just let out a long sigh.
“Who cares, not like it's affecting your life.” With that he turned, and kept on humming as he continued to try and clean a specifically bad stain on the floor. Was Sabo upset he wouldn't engage? No, absolutely not! He totally did not care, and he definitely wasn't disappointed!
He couldn't help but grumble to himself in disappointment, realizing quite quickly that he actually did want Izo to argue with him. He wasn't sure why, but when he got under someone's skin it felt weirdly good? He wasn't sure, but he loved the way his heart would pound, and the thrill he felt when he would argue with someone. It reminded him of when he was young, and free. Able to do as he pleased, and causing trouble alongside his loving brothers. He missed them, and being far away from them had caused something he couldn't name to become bottled up within him, threatening to burst at any second.
He was snapped out of his thoughts when Izo began to hum again, and Sabo could feel it starting to grate against his head as the tune continued on. He turned, getting ready to tell him off for humming again, but then he stopped. He recognized that tune, listening to it a little longer, and getting lost within the beat. Before he could stop himself he spoke, words tumbling out like a waterfall.
“That's Ghost by Mystery Skulls, right?” Izo snapped his head towards him, eyes wide with shock as he stopped what he was doing just so he could stare at the blonde.
“Wait, you know Mystery Skulls?” He kept his voice to a whisper, leaning against his mop handle so he could watch the blonde with pleading eyes. Sabo couldn't tell if that was excitement, or doubt sparkling within those dark pools. He just shrugged, and continued scraping gum off the chair.
“Yeah, they have good music, my favorite is Magic though.” He liked music, but never had the time to really enjoy it. Most of the time he would put on a playlist when he was studying, or doing homework. Mystery Skulls was always his favorite though, and had become a source of comfort for him since he first went away from home. He jumped back all of the sudden when Izo plopped down right in front of him, expression magically changing to one of pure endearment as he stared into him.
“Have you heard Disconnected by Pegboard Nerds?” When Sabo shook his head he huffed, incredulous expression on his face as he seemed to be unable to believe such a thing. “You should give it a listen, really good stuff.” He looked towards the teacher, checking to make sure the teacher was distracted, and then pulled out his phone, shoving it in his face the moment he found what he was looking for. “See! I have a whole playlist of good music!” he sure did, and Sabo was forced to look at it as it was right there in front of him.
“O-Oh, I see.” Honestly, he was a little confused about the spur of the moment kindness from Izo. He had expected the teen to still hate him, maybe butt heads with him again, but here they were talking about music.
“Hey! Your detention isn't over you two!” Both teens jumped, and began to feverishly clean the classroom once again. Unable to ask Izo about the question that had been burning within his mind, and beginning to poke at him in an annoying manner.
He was used to the kids at the academy not liking him, he was the kid who chose to be a recluse, and study all day after all. So getting into verbal fights wasnt new for him, or even shocking, but this behavior was odd. This strange kindness, and friendliness Izo was showing him was something he hadn't experienced at the extremely competitive school in all three years. He was absolutely, and positively confused.
“Hey, Sabo.” He heard Izo whisper, pulling his attention right to him. He seemed annoyed again, pouting to himself, and straining himself to speak. “Look, I don't like you, and you dont like me.” No shit, Sabo could have said that himself. “But I shouldn't have punched you, so I'm sorry.” It honestly seemed like he didn't want to say those words, but did so anyway with meaning. Sabo was shocked about it, and he could only stand there bewildered as Izo got more and more irritated.
“So? Your turn?” His turn? Sabo was confused, and his blank stare only pissed off Izo more. “Your apology! You said some pretty hurtful things, you know! I want an apology!” He huffed, and angrily slammed the mop into its bucket, waiting impatiently for Sabo to speak.
Did Sabo need to apologize? I mean, maybe he was a little rough, but he felt the brat deserved it. He was spoiled rotten, and needed someone to put him in his place. Though seeing his angry face made the teen change his tune, he quickly gathered up an apology, and spoke.
"Sorry." That was it, all he could say, and to him he thought that was good enough. Though to Izo it obviously wasn't, and he shit a sideways glance his way.
"I hang up my pride, give a heartfelt apology, and that's all you say?" When Sabo didn't respond he groaned. "Whatever, better than nothing." Sabo didn't know how to respond to that, and though the little voice in his consciousness was begging him to fight back he didn't do so. He was already on thin ice, and school came first; it always came first.
"Whatever.” He repeated the word, giving a snide tone as he shot a glare at the teen, and to him this was the closest way for him to fight back. He had to admit, he was jealous of Izo. He got to run around all day, flying around freely like a bird, and getting to do whatever he wanted. Sabo would kill to live like he used to; running around the woods, beating up animals, and just acting like a bunch of hooligans with his brothers. Yet here he was, slaving away over school work in hopes of a future, and even then there was still uncertainty that scared him.
“You know, this is why people don't like you.” Izo’s words stabbed into Sabo, digging deep into his heart, and hurting him deeply. “You have such a stick up your ass, and you're mean to everyone. It's no wonder you have no friends.” The blonde was gripping the scraper like a lifeline now, holding back tears as those words repeated in his brain, and hating how true they all were.
“You know, I sometimes wonder if you're some ice prince that pretends to be human.” Izo was smiling, and giggling to himself as he laughed; acting as though this was the funniest thing he had ever said. “Sabo the ice prince, it's funny how much that sui-” He stopped when he got a look at the blonde, face morphing to confusion, and before Izo could say a word Sabo snapped.
“You know not all of us can wear our uniform wrong, or slack off at school! Some of us have to work our asses off just to move an inch! Sorry I seem like a dick to you, but I don't get the pleasure of having fun anymore!” He was angrily shushed by the teacher, but it didn't matter, he said his peace; his whole body shaking as he was overwhelmed by emotions.
Izo was quiet, taking in the scene in front of him with a blank expression. He probably thought he was insane, snapping like a twig, and allowing the crazy part of himself to make itself known after being locked away for so long. The brunette waited a little longer, and then he went back to sitting next to him. This time he was wearing a kinder, and gentler expression on his face, which only shocked Sabo more than he already was.
“Let me guess, lots of pressure on your shoulders?” His big blue eyes went wide, his burn scar now visible for the other teen to see, and framing the confusion that must have been written all over his face. He wasn't sure what he was feeling though; sadness, anger, or maybe he was just having a mental breakdown after years of bottling up his feelings.
“Y-Yeah.” Shit, he croaked out the single word, sadness spilling out as he did so, and that was all that was needed to make Izo jump into action. He didn't hesitate, and reached a hand out to rub his back as Sabo could only silently whimper. He felt so stupid, crying in front of a guy he hated (though he wondered if that word actually fit now) like a baby.
“Hey, it's ok. Sorry, I was kind of cruel there. I normally joke with my friends like that, but I failed to realize you probably would not see it that way.” He awkwardly laughed, trying his best to smile as he comforted the blonde. “Seems like we keep butting heads though.” He muttered under his breath, but it was loud enough for Sabo to hear, and he couldn't have agreed more.
“I guess so, maybe it's just oil and water.” He knew sometimes there would be people he wouldn't get along with, and that was just the reality of life. Though it didn't seem Izo agreed.
“Not necessarily, I bet we could be friends if we tried. You see, I knew what you were going through because I have been going through the same thing.” Sabo couldn't help but quickly turn, and stare at him like he had just grown two heads. There was no way he understood what he was feeling, he had an easy ride into the academy, and had more opportunities than him. How could he understand?
“I’m sure you know my brothers; Marco, and Deuce?” He could only nod, still holding back a few tears as his body felt heavy. I mean, how could anyone not know Marco and Deuce!? They were model students, with full ride to colleges already, and placed on a pedestal for all to see. Izo seemed to know exactly what he was thinking, and his expression grew sour as he withdrew into himself. “Yeah, they're perfect, unlike me. I work hard, but I can never catch up to them. It's like I'm constantly running at full speed, my hand outstretched as I desperately try to be the same as them, but I'm not the same.” He let out a deep sigh, and then seemed to just shrug off the hurt he was feeling just a few seconds ago.
“It took me a long time, but I have come to terms with not being like them. I’m me, and that's good enough. It's why I modify my uniform, and do things my way; it makes me happier than constantly pretending I'm someone I'm not.” Someone youre not? Honestly, Sabo didn't realize how hard that would punch him in the face until it did.
“Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.” Sabo leaned back against one of the chairs, making sure the teacher couldn't see him as he did so. “Before the academy I used to run around all day, beating up wild animals, and causing trouble with my brothers. I cherish those days, and I miss them so much, but I have to keep working hard. My grandpa sacrificed a lot to give me this opportunity since I’m the most book smart of my brothers, and I have a scholarship to keep up that lets me stay here in the first place. It's a lot on my shoulders, and sometimes I feel chained, you know?” He wasn't sure why he was saying all of this, but once he started he couldn't stop. For years he hasn't told a soul about this, and now that someone was willing to listen he couldn't hold himself back. Izo thankfully listened kindly, nodding his head, and paying close attention to each word.
“Yeah, that makes a lot more sense. I admit, I'm privileged, since I don't have to worry about tuition because I get in for free. You shouldn't have to work yourself to exhaustion though, it's not healthy.” Weirdly enough he seemed actually concerned. “Hey, how about you eat lunch with me and my friends tomorrow? I think you could use a little break from studying, and worrying about all that stress. I know it isn't as easy as that, but maybe give it a shot?” Sabo had no idea what to think, and a part of him felt like he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
“Why? I thought you hated me?” To be honest he didn't even hate Izo at this point, and he kind of liked their conversation so far. The other teen seemed shocked by his words, and then he just let it roll off his back.
“Nah, I did at first, but we’re getting along now. We also still have that damn project, so might as well understand one another.” he had a point, but his words made something warm and fuzzy appear within his chest.
“Thanks.” He didn't know what else to say, and he was caught off guard when all of the sudden Izo roughly patted his back. When Sabo looked up he was shocked to see him smiling from ear to ear, and seeming just so happy.
“No problem! Now let's finish up this detention!” They had busied themselves with their work after that, smiling as they did so. Sabo couldn't have been happier to be honest, he didn't expect them to have a heart to heart, but he didn't hate it. Is this how you made friends? Did he just make a friend? He wasn't sure, but he was excited to see.
Things after that hit Sabo like a whirlwind. Izo had absolutely meant it when he had asked him to spend lunch with him the next day, literally grabbing him the moment the bell rang, and pulling him to the dining hall where a group of his brothers/friends were waiting.
“Guys, this is Sabo, and Sabo this is everyone.” They accepted him well enough, but they definitely thought it was odd that they had become friends right after they were seen literally beating each other to a pulp. Sabo felt awkward with them; he hasn't interacted with other people his age since he moved into his dorm, and he felt dumb for being clueless. He wanted to bury his nose in a textbook, study for a quiz coming up, but the moment he tried izo had pushed the book right back down.
“Hey, Sabo, what type of food do you like?” Each time he tried to withdraw Izo would ask him a question, get him involved with the group, and soon he was warming up to them. It only took him a few days to start being a little more like himself, and for once he was having fun. He got to laugh, and joke around with a group of people again!
One of his favorite days of his entire high school experience was when Izo, and his friends, took him bowling. There was one near the school that gave discounts, and despite its rundown appearance it was the best place ever. His face was covered in nacho cheese as he had to hang onto Izo for support from all the laughing he was doing, and the way the other teen held his hand just felt right. When Sabo got his first strike he ran cheering right to Izo, and the brunette picked him up right by the waist to spin him around, falling over after they had become dizzy and laughing together on the floor like fools.
The project was going really well too. They settled on doing the Cold War, and things went smoothly from there. It was actually a lot of fun, and for once a project wasn't stressing Sabo out. They would sit so close together, cheeks almost pressing, and feeling cozy as they whispered their ideas to one another. Soon they had a piece they were proud of, and Sabo wondered if Izo was sad about not meeting up in the library anymore.
Detention was fun too, the pair would clean, and quietly whisper jokes to one another to make the other laugh. It became a good time for them, and because of that their punishment ended early. It seemed principal Newgate had noticed their friendship, and with a large smile he decided they had exceeded his expectations. He even sent Sabo a wink, and said he hoped to see him again more often around the Newgate household. Whatever that meant.
It was a few months later, time flying by fast, and leaving sabo with the sad fact that winter break was upon them. One more semester, and he will graduate. Except this thought no longer made him happy, and instead he was scared that he wouldn't see Izo again when all was said and done. Thankfully he wouldn't have to worry for long.
“Hey, Sabo, can we talk?” Sabo ran into Izo while walking to his next class, his breathing was hard, and he wondered if the other teen was running around looking for him. Odd, they normally would wait until lunch to talk.
“Oh, yeah, sure. What's up?” They moved into an empty classroom, giving them some privacy so they could talk. Some of their friends would absolutely jump in with the sole purpose of interrupting them, and Sabo wanted to avoid that. Though when he looked towards Izo he was shocked to see he looked nervous, and his face was bright pink.
“I, um, know you're going back home for the break; so I wanted to ask if maybe I could come visit?” Sabo watched as he swallowed back fear, and his voice hitched from nerves. Why was he so nervous though, he wasn't asking anything crazy?
“Yeah, of course. Deuce, and Marco are wel-” he was interrupted when all of the sudden Izo burst forward, grabbing both his hands with his own so he could stare him in the eye. His dark eyes gave off more emotion than any words ever could.
“N-No, I meant just me. Just us. Like, I don't know, a couple?” It was Sabo’s turn to break out into a blush, staring into those dark pools for any sign of deception, but finding nothing.
“D-Do you mean like dating? Boyfriends?” He never one thought about dating before, but now that the option was right there he couldn't help but be happy. He felt happy with Izo, and wanted to just be with him. Knowing that Izo felt the same meant the absolute world to him! His heart fluttered with joy when he saw the other teen nod.
“Y-Yeah, only if you want though. I, um, have liked you since that first detention. I know, its dumb, but I cant hide it any longer; even if I get my heart broken.” holy shit, he's liked him for that long? His heart felt like it would burst out of his chest, and he broke out into a large smile.
“Of course! I would be happy to be with you.” His words were doft, but filled with love, and soon it had invited Izo to his lips. The other teen slowly leaning in, and as cheesy as it sounds Sabo felt like he was in a romance movie. The moment their lips connected it felt like fireworks had gone off, and everything fell into place.
“You do know you're late for class, right?” The two instantly broke apart at the sound of the foreign voice, and when they turned they saw Marco. He was smirking at them, an all knowing smile, and with some mischief in his blue eyes. “I guess I'll see you at family dinner during the break, Sabo.” He waved, and then left them there blushing like mad, and standing rigid like statues.
“Stupid Marco, ruining everything.” Izo was irked, but once the shock wore off Sabo couldn't help but find it to be funny.
“It's fine, we should get to class anyway.” He tried to walk off, but had his wrist grabbed by Izo. When he turned he saw Izo wearing a worried expression, but he quickly whipped it away so he could collect himself.
“Sorry, I just, really wanted to say how happy you have made me.” He gently took his hand, and kissed the top of it. It was a little stilted, but it was the thought that counted. “Let's have a good day, ok?” Sabo smiled, and gave a happy nod.
He never would have expected to get something so good out of the annoying boy who sat next to him in history class, but here he was. He had the most amazing boyfriend ever, and had a life he could happily say was his. For once, he was proud to be himself, and especially proud of letting Izo march into his life. It was perfect, they were perfect, and he couldn't ask for anything more.