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Snow was slowly falling to the ground, piling up as a thick blanket in the tiny front yard. Normally Sabo loved winter break, finding that it was rejuvenating after a semester of hard work. There was always so much joy laced within the Christmas season, and as the days passed he couldn't help but buzz in excitement at the thought of peppermint and bright lights.
Yet now that he was home he couldn't seem to find an inkling of joy like he used to. He was just filled with sadness, and the only thing he could pull himself out of bed for was to stare out of the window with a painful feeling deep within his chest. He wasn't sure how to describe it; loneliness? He had no idea, except that things just weren't the same now that he was away from school.
“Sabo! Come help with the gingerbread house!” He was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard the familiar cheeriness of his little brother. Luffy was always a ball of sunshine, and being home with him lit a happy light within his chest each time he saw his beaming smile. Now was no different, and with the welcoming voice came a happy little fondness that bubbled within his heart.
“I’m coming!” He pulled himself away from the plush window seat that resided in his old room, snuggling deeper into the large sweatshirt that enveloped his form as he did so. It still smelled so nice (just like Izou), and wearing the fabric always made him feel a lot warmer than with any of his other clothes. It was like a flowing, and comforting hug that was with him 24/7. It was as if Izou was with him, filling him with love as though they were still side by side under the large oak tree in the courtyard. Sabo’s head resting on his boyfriend’s shoulder, and just drifting off to the lovely sound of his voice as they enjoyed their lunch together; a precious memory he never wanted to let go of.
He smiled to himself, and then slowly shuffled down the creaky old stairs so he could briskly walk into the kitchen. It smelled familiarly of coffee beans, and a lingering smell of crock pot roast beef; lovely scents that Sabo had grown up with. He remembered the days of running inside after a hard day of play only to see the crock pot sitting on the counter, all three brothers gagging at the sight before they would all burst into giggles. Of course now he enjoyed his grandpa’s roast beef, and now one bite sent him into a nostalgic spiral filled with love.
“There you are, squirt!” The moment Garp spotted him he broke out into a large smile, and frantically waved him into the small kitchen with an almost ecstatic energy surrounding him. Sabo supposed that made sense though, he hasn't exactly been engaging in family time since he returned home from school. Of course he wasn't given a chance to walk in one his own accord, and was swiftly pulled inside by the older man.
“Come on now! It's gingerbread house time, kiddo!” Of course the kitchen table looked as though a bomb had gone off on top of it, resulting in a mess of frosting and candy that was spread all across the granite countertop. Sabo didn't need to ask who the culprit of such a mess was when he saw a certain slender hand reach down to snatch another gumdrop and toss it into his awaiting mouth. Oh yes, it seemed Luffy was hard at work filling his tummy.
Honestly though, the sight brought back many warm and fuzzy memories for the teenager. Images of him and his brothers as kids all gathered around one gingerbread house, drowning it in frosting, and nasty hard candies that none of them would eat once they dug into the sweet cookie home. Of course this led to an insane sugar rush that only resulted in belly aches, and a very exasperated grandfather. Those were good times, and one of the few memories that brought him joy on his darkest days.
“What's the occasion, Gramps? You haven't bought us one of these since we were eleven.” He allowed himself to smile, taking small pieces of gingerbread between his fingers so he could admire the destruction that had taken place in the hands of Luffy.
Garp just seemed flustered though, pursing his lips as he hid the embarrassment that was evident on his face. Just sputtering, and babbling as though the words he wanted to say had turned sour. Sabo knew Garp would never admit it, but he was quite the softie for the trio.
“What!? Can't buy a gingerbread house for my kids!?” He huffed, and then quickly turned on his heels so he could divert his attention to a pile of dishes that had collected in the sink. Sabo knew the man was just feeling sappy and nostalgic, but he’ll keep that to himself for now.
“It's really good, Sabo.” He was pulled away from his thoughts when he heard the familiar sing-song voice of his little brother. Of course Luffy was just happily munching away.
“I’m not doubting that. It's just that with Ace away it seemed odd.” This winter break was different from the others. As for the first time in years the eldest brother wouldn't be with the family for Christmas, and instead was snowed in states away. A hockey tournament now turned sleepover as the entire team was stuck waiting for a blizzard to roll past. It sucked, but Sabo reminded himself that there were always worse things that could happen.
“Excuse me for not wanting you moping in your room! You can always be my guest and head right back up!” Garp huffed, waving the blonde off as though he couldn't care less what he did. Yet Sabo knew better, he knew the old man would be extremely upset if he did in fact go back upstairs. He just rolled his eyes, a small smile making its way to his lips as he did so.
“Don't put words in my mouth. I’ll help you guys.” By help Sabo meant he was probably going to be cleaning up after the pair, but that was fine. Everyone in this crazy family had a part to play and this just happened to be his. Yet as he brushed gingerbread crumbs into the trash, and popped stray chocolates into his mouth he couldn't help but let his mind wander.
Sabo wondered what Izou was doing. Was he enjoying his time with his family? He knew he was definitely enjoying the break from classes since that was what a good majority of the texts the other boy would send him said. Yet, there was another part of him that couldn't help but go to a dark place. What if Izou forgot about him? What if he found someone better in his hometown and decided a relationship with Sabo wasn't worth it? Quickly he shook his head, throwing away those thoughts like trash. No, there was no way that would happen. Sure, Izou hasn't texted him in a bit, but he seemed happy. He would have told him something was wrong, right?
Slowly he played with the drawstrings of the oversized sweatshirt, watching as the braided fabric listened to his every whim. The sweatshirt was proof. Proof that there was something between them, and maybe it wasn't love just yet, but it was something. He leaned down, taking a deep whiff of the familiar scent that he spent all semester long savoring. Sea salt and citrus shampoo. How those two smells became so nostalgic in such a short amount of time he still had no idea.
“Who the hell is stupid enough to drive in this weather?” Sabo was snapped out of his thoughts by Garp’s gruff voice. The man staring out the window with a raised eyebrow and an unreadable glint in his eyes.
“Maybe an essential worker? Like a nurse, or firefighter.” The blonde didn't even look up from his task, making quick work in wiping down the counter. No stain was a match for Sabo after all!
“I would agree if it didn't look like a kid.” A kid? Instantly Sabo stopped mid wipe, freezing in place as he slowly turned towards his grandfather. Even Luffy seemed confused, choosing to stop stuffing his cheeks in favor of watching out the window.
“Wow! He’s gonna freeze!” Despite his words Luffy was anything but concerned, which only made Sabo concerned.
“Let me see.” Quickly he made his way over, leaning forward in order to find a space in between the other two bodies. Yet the moment Sabo did he regretted it, finding that he wished he just stayed in his room. “Oh no.” The words trailed off his lips, barely registering to the teen as he was entranced with the scene outside.
There, standing out in the blizzard was Izou. The teen was wearing a coat not apt for the weather, and shaking in his boots because of it. Face a bright shade of red as he could only watch as his car remained stuck in a particularly bad ditch that had been previously masked by snow. Sabo could only wince at the sight, knowing full well that many cars had been taken prisoner in their yard for the same reason.
“Who lets their kid drive in a blizzard?” Sabo was snapped out of his thoughts by Garp, the man sounding more and more confused by the second. Crap, he may have never mentioned to the man that he sort of got a boyfriend. This was going to go swimmingly.
“I, uh, lemme go talk to him.” Despite the odd looks he got Sabo rushed out; a thick winter coat in one hand, and a scarf in the other. The entire time his mind raced, wondering what the hell this idiot was doing at his doorstep! Yet, at the same time, he was also overwhelmed with joy.
“Izou! You idiot!” The moment the other boy turned to look at Sabo he was tackled into a hug. Both boys were flung into the snow, tumbling into one another's embrace until they were side by side. Sabo so badly wanted to kiss him, but he also wanted to slap his arm for being so stupid. He chose the second one.
“What were you thinking!? Is this why you haven't texted me!? You were driving in a blizzard!?” The blonde didn't waste a second before he sat up, staring down at the other boy as he continued to scold him. He just couldn't believe Izou would just show up at his place! States away, during a snowstorm! Sabo knew he wasn't the brightest but come on! Yet, despite it all, the brunette just smiled at him.
“Nice to see you too.” God, Izou was so dorky. Covered in snow and smiling as if he had just won the lottery. Yet it was also very cute.
“Yeah yeah. Glad to see you.” Thank god it was cold because Sabo wasn't sure if he could come up with an excuse for the blush he was definitely sporting. Soon joy overwhelmed worry, as slowly he found his face lowering. Lips meeting lips so a passionate kiss could be shared. It was almost like Sabo couldn't control his body, yet you wouldn't see him complaining. It was magic, more than magic, and as their fire reignited there was a question of how much they could control themselves.
“YOU FREAK! GET OFF MY KID!” Right…..Garp…..
Sabo pulled away, an annoyed expression on his features as he watched the old man lose his mind in the middle of the porch. Maybe he didn't think this through as well as he thought.
“Whose that?” Izou had decided to sit up, shifting enough in order to wipe away piles of snow that made themselves at home on his legs and arms. It was obvious he was annoyed as well, practically growling as fingers traced his lips lovingly.
“My grandpa.” Sabo laughed as he watched his boyfriend’s expression go from nonchalance to horror in a few seconds flat. Obviously he also didn't think things through. “It's fine. I’ll explain, and hopefully he won't kill you.” There was a very strong emphasis on hopefully.
“You think he's going to kill me!?” For the first time since arriving Izou looked like he regretted all his life choices, debating if he should just make a run for it now or risk a meeting. Sabo just took his hand, giving it a loving squeeze in order to bring some confidence and warmth back to him.
“Don't worry, I won't let him do anything.” The pair sat there, allowing the snow to fall on top of them as they just took in one another with lovestruck gazes. “I-I’m really happy you're here.” The words escaped him before he could stop himself, yet with how Izou smiled he was glad his defenses were down.
“Me too.”