Chapter Text
“Remember to read the notes I gave you. I can't have this weekend going wrong, got it?” Sanji said as he put on his sleeping mask covering his eyes on the long-awaited flight.
“Don't worry, I have everything in my handy-dandy notebook,” Ace said, tapping the leather-bound cover of his iPad. “I know the deal, just relax. I'm a professional after all.”
“God, I wish I wasn't here,” Sanji complained as he got comfortable in his business-class seat, Wriggling and trying to get the seat to conform to his body. Ace wrapped the provided blanket over his waist turning on his iPad
Ace smirked as he reviewed his notes while the plane took off. He had gotten used to the rush of the plane, once it hit the air how the force hit you at first and then mellowed out as a plane took its course. He loved traveling he was an Adventure Seeker always had been but that lifestyle didn't come cheap. He looked down momentarily out the window as the Earth faded into a blur of greens and grays as lights battle showed how insignificant we are as people.
And though he was going for work he was still excited to visit the island nation of Cyprus. Now what would be the job that would land him going on a business class trip that he didn't have to pay for all the way across the world to a remote island? Well, all he had to do was become an alpha for rent.
In all honesty, it wasn't his idea it was just a situation that he had found himself in, in which he decided to monetize. It all started when he was a fresh 18-year-old in college he had originally decided to go for archeology. Though he wasn't the brightest man in the world he had worked hard to get into the University of his dreams. His blessing came that very first semester when on campus one of his fellow dorm mates had requested to use him as a shield for his Omega Pheromones. It honestly didn’t bother him, all he had to do was spray his friend with a little bit of his pheromones every morning. Eventually, he started paying a certain amount of cash every week. That way he would blend in and save himself from any annoyingly horny Alphas that might be around campus.
It was all fun and games until he started receiving requests for more than just pheromones by a lot of curious betas. To make a long story short he was an alpha for hire and that meant whatever the cash was willing to state. Of course, he kept his private life private and did not allow any kind of imprinting, that was one of the rules. But he loved what he did and the freedom it allowed him. He traveled freely and made a lot of money quite quickly. He felt quite blessed that he was never short on funds and as a very pansexual man, nothing particularly affected him. He saw his customers as just curious souls, who are very lonely people in need of relief. And with his free time, he traveled around, hiking, eating, and chilling out with any locals he could find.
It wasn't only that he was an alpha but he had to admit he was quite attractive, his Bright Smile was always one to make people feel at ease. And it was easy enough to attract people with sparse freckles running across his nose and cheeks and thick black hair that fell past his ears. That matched with his easy-going personality and propensity for psychology had made him a top-tier Alpha gigolo. But he was still selective as can be and chose to keep his life private, and now past that College age and now a professional high-earning gigolo his life was practically smooth sailing, one adventure after another.
He went through his notes now that were provided in the email after his first consultation with Sanji. Oddly enough he would not have paid too much attention to this particular request, he received hundreds of requests today from those in the know and had a good set of repeat customers, he wasn't in the market for somebody new wanting to start to settle himself.
But it was that photo that he received in the profile with the accompanying message, ‘Please I'm dying over here.’ That made him stop and at least glance through the request.
He found the request written in such an amusing way that he felt he had to at least hear the man out. He scheduled to meet up that very Friday, for an after-work drink in a bar by a very popular pub.
Ace had smiled when he first saw the lanky man approach. He was tall and slim, in a very prim and proper three-piece lapel violet suit. His blond hair contrasted beautifully in a scene of darkness; a strained expression eyes fixed upon him as he took a seat. Ace waited patiently as the man rubbed at his goatee, his eyebrows pinched together in deep contemplation.
That had made him wonder why he would need him, surely a man like him would have more options. Yet, he hadn’t wanted to judge, as he knew everyone had their reasons for wanting his services. And he was only here to listen at least for now.
“Well, I’m not too sure how to start this but I am sure you read my request,” Sanji said looking a little embarrassed, his gray eyes staring into his.
“Yes, I did. Also, as this is just a consultation I will not be charging until the job begins.” Ace said pushing his hair back and leaning in closer. Sanji nodded, blonde lashes flickering. Ace inhaled deeply and noticed immediately the smell of omega pheromones it was subtle almost undetectable, if he hadn’t been looking, he probably wouldn’t have noticed. He could have easily passed for a Betta, not like it bothered him. He’d been with omegas and bettas, even a few very curious alphas. “So, let me know if I got anything wrong; you want me to accompany you to your sisters' wedding in Cypress for a weekend and pretend to be your perfect boyfriend? Because your brothers and fathers are in your words Alpha duchebags.”
“Yeah, that's the crucks of the issue. I just don’t want to hear that I am a failure,” Sanji said leaning in, “of an Omega. And of course, all the life plans they will probably make up on the spot. ” He whispered the last words. Ace understood some people still had their stigmas on alphas and omegas as most people were betta.
A waiter came over and took their orders, they both ordered cocktails and resumed once the waiter was out of earshot.
“I am from the Vinsmoke family, as you know our family is known for breeding specifically alphas and occasionally Omegas.” Ace nodded knowing some families arranged marriages to produce genetically superior offspring. It was advantageous to produce Alphas as they were considered more dominant and often given more opportunities than most like athletes, politicians, and CEO’s. But even omegas had their benefits, great for creating models, and actors and arranging marriages as they were known for being enchanting and seductive. “I wasn’t born an Alpha like my brothers or sister. I was a betta for a long time, low-key a failure because I wasn’t even an Omega. I thought I was a perfectly ordinary betta and yes though I did have some hardship growing up I was cool with being tossed to the side.” Sanji abruptly stops talking as the waiter approached with their drinks, setting them on the table with a nod before leaving.
“Please continue,” Ace said grabbing his drink.
“So, to be honest nobody gave a fuck about me. I was able to enroll abroad and here I am.”
“But wait, then how are you an Omega?” Ace questioned before downing half his drink in one gulp.
“Ugh,” Sanji said taking a sip, then sighing heavily, his bland hair shifting to cover his right eye. “In college, I was settled with a prime Alpha, an ass named Zoro. They Place me with him because I was considered a beta and betas aren't normally affected by pheromones even some strong pheromones like a highly dominant Alpha. I guess my school just took the risk and placed me with a prime Alpha, and wouldn't you know it, it fucking backfired. I ended up having fevers mid-way through the semester and when I finally when to the hospital they explained that he had awakened my Omega pheromones basically making me a fucking recessive-omega. The crazy thing is it probably wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been confined to that asshole in such close quarters.” Ace raised a brow.
“Damn.”
Sanji sighed. “I know it's not his fault, there was a chance especially since my family are breeders for this type of shit. But it sucks you know?” Ace smiled sympathetically. “I had to be moved to a different dorm, and lucky for me I don't get heats’ because my Omega pheromones are so low and I left that place in time. I hide my new status from most people, but now I have no choice but to go to my sister's wedding. So, there's no more hiding.”
“Wow, you avoided them for all that time.” Sanji nodded. Ace felt a ping in his heart, family was always very important to him. He loved his brother to death and couldn’t imagine anything happening to him. Or just having to hide away from him. “Yes, I am still confused about why you need my services. Couldn't you just tell them that you're an Omega? I think it'll still be preferable to them versus you being just a regular betta.”
“Yeah, you think so but here's where the problem comes in; if I show up there a newly found Omega, I'm going to start quite a ruckus without even meaning to and it would be the perfect opportunity for my family to try and set me up with another Alpha family. It's the perfect opportunity for them to try and use me for an alliance. I can't have them guilting me into a marriage of convenience. Do you know how they will never let me hear the end of things? Or worse trying to shove arranged marriages left and right. Remember they only had Alpha kids.” Sanji visibly shuttered.
“Oh, okay I get it now. Trying to make me your buffer and protector. “
“Yes, our relationship would be the perfect cover for me.”
“Alright, I get things now. But you understand this is going to cost you.”
Sanji smiled wickedly. “I know. I also know I could have someone else do this but I can’t trust they won't slip up, or won't feel uncomfortable having to kiss or anything. Not that I plan on pursuing anything sexual, but we will have to sleep together and sometimes have the occasional affectionate moment to keep up the act.”
“Alright let's talk conditions and payment,” Ace said as he went over his terms of services emailing Sanji on the spot.
“I think $20,000 is a good price. I am a 3 Michelin star chief after all. I’ll pay for your ticket and accommodation any expenses shared will be reimbursed upon return. Also, upon prompt arrival at the airport, I will transfer a $5,000 deposit. Each day you will receive $5,000 at exactly 10 PM. Agreed?” Sanji offered his hand for a shake. Ace's black eyes looked at the long slim hand and grabbed it bringing the calcified hands to lips.
“Agreed.”
All the info had been sent to Ace, the ticket, the background info on his most important family members, and a list of Sanji's likes and dislikes. He laughed at how everything was, but it also demonstrated character. For some reason, Ace found himself highly motivated to play this role. Perhaps it was sympathy or morbid curiosity but he was interested in seeing how this 4-day weekend would pan out.
8 hours later and the plane had landed leaving them in a large terminal full of buildings and hotels. Ace hadn’t bothered with anything else but his small suitcase but did assist Sanji in carrying out his large weekend bag while he rolled around with his cheat print suitcase. Ace just followed behind as Sanji got into a cab.
Boyfriend mode activated Ace placed the suitcases in the trunk before joining.
Ace put on headphones leaving one ear exposed as the taxi driver drove them to their destination, he watched as the landscape whisked by. Even though it was 7 pm local time it seemed like people were just lounging about outside, he watched as people attempted to peer into the car. He laughed quietly at people’s audacious curiosity and marveled at the architecture. He was fascinated by the modern mix of classical Greco-Roman. As he went further from the city the Cypriot Gothic style, of stone and pointed arches gave a more colonial neo-Cypriot style that made him feel nostalgic for a time he never experienced.
“Ace,” Sanji said softly catching his attention.
“Hm.”
“Thanks for accepting this,” Sanji said, his eyes looking down at his hand.
“Hmm, there’s no need for thanks. I am your man for the weekend baby.” Ace said with a wholehearted smile, causing Sanji to blush.
“I see why you’re so highly ranked,” Sanji muttered looking flush. Aced reached over to lightly touch his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“There’s no need to get nervous. There’s no one more important to me than you.”
Sanji swallowed.
The taxi came to a slow stop in front of a giant white stone villa, with large columns depicting intricate carvings on both the top and bottom.
“Thank you,” Sanji said handing over cash as Ace got the bag and stared off into the villa. even though he was someone who traveled often he wasn't someone who enjoyed Staying in overly lavish hotels or rentals he felt like it took away a lot of the experience of traveling. if you wanted to pamper himself, he would just stay home but as this was a work deal, he tried his best to shake off the feeling of disappointment.
He wasn't going to lie, he kind of enjoyed the size of the pool, it looked big enough to fit around 50 people comfortably and the nice outdoor patio set matched the decor of the outside of the house. He was excited that it was a brisk walk to Kermia Beach and a little more than a mile toward the nationally protected forest. He'd hopefully have a little bit of time to just go for a small hike he'd probably try to invite Sanji on his way if he was down for that. Luggage in hand Ace turned to Sanji only to be silenced by the look of sadness that paled his face. He swallowed harshly, then licked his lips as he thought of something to say. after a minute he took a deep breath, “it's all going to be alright,” Ace said comfortingly. “And if anything, we could always run away to the forest.”
Sanji shook his head but he couldn't hide the smile. all of a sudden, a very broad man appeared at the front glass door.
the family resemblance was uncanny the only difference is that Sanji was slim, his face a little bit more effeminate with a body that resembled more of a graceful dancer. the man who stood at the door was more akin to that of a wrestler but shared the same shade of blonde hair and very similar expression. But the man who stood at the door was clearly broader and harsher in features with a very predominant chin, and quite an arrogant air about him. He clearly wasn't one to hide his pheromones which reeked even for an alpha. He was definitely trying to portray himself as the leader of the pack but that didn't really bother Ace, he knew who he was and this man wasn't going to intimidate him. He held back his own pheromones choosing not to get into a competition, if this was who he thought he was this is going to be quite a tough job.
“And here we go,” Sanji grumbled, his eyes narrowing and anger. Yep, Ace thought, judge vin smoke Sanji's father. “Sup Dad.” Sanji said nonchalantly taking a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it. Inwardly Ace nodded, it was a smart idea to block out the smell of the man's pheromones with smoke.
“Sanji my boy, it's been such a long time,” The father yelled, causing Ace to almost take a step back. “Who's your little friend?” he said, eyeing him up and down. When 3 other men appeared behind the father. Ace immediately knew them all Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji, they all looked very similar except for their interesting choices in hair dye.
Without meaning to Aces nostrils flared in disgust. Does no one understand pheromone suppression in this bitch?
“Well, everyone this is My boyfriend Portgas Ace. He is an archeologist and we meet in college. Do yourselves the favor and don’t go hassling him. Also, chill out with your Alpha male bullshit, he is also an Alpha and he understands how to fucking act.”
“Ooha an alpha?” Niji mocked.
“Yeah, so alpha he doesn’t even give off any pheromones,” Ichiji added wrapping an arm around Niji.
“That's because unlike you savages some of us know how to act in polite society.” Sanji clapped back without missing a beat. Ace accidentally snickered.
“What would you know about that Betta-boy?” Yonji accused. “Sorry, we can’t all join you and the masses with your pheromones-less utopia. Some of us are just born better than others.”
Ace’s jaw clenched he fucking hated that Alpha-supremacy mentality. It was the same stupid rhetoric that oppressed Omegas, downplaying the continuations of different groups and justifying horrific actions all in the name of an idiotic caste system that seemed so stupid and useless in the modern world.
“Clearly,” Ace interjected. “Being an alpha didn’t allow you to learn how to be a decent host if this is how you act towards a fellow Alpha and his mate. It's been all of 5 minutes and I have received zero hospitality. If this is how you boost about your family, I can understand why my mate would not bother to think twice about this family.”
That seemed to shut everyone up. But of course, it wasn’t for a good reason, he was more than sure these so-called alphas were going to take any opportunity to crush him.
“Oh my,” A feminine voice came from the side entrance. Ace followed Sanji's line of vision seeing a mature woman in a white kaftan make her way to the front door. “My son, it's been far too long.” The woman spread her arms and Sanji went to her, wrapping his arms around her in a warm embrace.
Ace's expression softens for a moment watching the beautiful scene before him. The mother had tears rolling down her soft round cheeks. But he couldn’t enjoy the moment for long as he felt the eyes of Sanji's brothers burning a hole in his head.