“Guess I’ll have to figure out how to top this when yours rolls around.”

and carefully sliced into the cake. He placed a generous slice onto a plate and slid it toward Law, his grin widening.

“Thanks, really. For making my birthday this special…” Ace hesitated for a second, as if trying to find the right words, before adding with a playful lilt, +

A moment like this wasn’t something he’d take lightly.

He smiled softly, meeting Law’s gaze. “I’ll read this later... Not just because I don't want to make you uncomfortable, but… I think I’d probably get a little too emotional to keep teasing you.”

With his free hand, Ace picked up the knife +

Reaching for the black envelope, Ace cradled it carefully in his fingers, his touch reverent. His heart thudded a little faster in his chest, curiosity gnawing at him as he wondered what Law had written inside. But he knew Law "well"—knew how reserved he could be. +

stumbled through an old birthday song. How could someone make something so simple feel so extraordinary?

Ace swallowed hard, his gaze softening. “You know,” he said, his voice filled with a mix of awe and affection, “I don’t think anyone’s ever made me feel this way before."

+

He remained silent as Law’s voice echoed softly, filling the space between them. His chest tightened with an unfamiliar warmth, and for a moment, all he could do was watch him. Everything about Law was captivating—the way he moved, the way his voice carried that quiet intensity, even now, as he +

With a soft exhale, he blows out the candle, the small flame snuffed into smoke curling into the air.

into quiet reflection as he takes in the small flame. He closes his eyes, letting his thoughts settle on the wish forming in his mind. It’s not grand or material—it’s tied to the people he loves, the fleeting moments he wishes to hold on to forever.

+

warmth spreading through his chest.

"This is..." He pauses, swallowing hard against the lump in his throat. His usual grin takes over, though it’s softer, more genuine this time. "You didn’t have to go through all this... but I’m really glad you did."

Leaning forward, Ace’s grin fades +

Ace's eyes widen slightly as Law lights the candle, the flickering glow casting soft shadows on his face and revealing the faintest blush on his cheeks. For a moment, he’s at a loss for words—a rare occurrence. His gaze shifts between the candle, the cake, and finally Law, an undeniable +

breathing a bit heavier but his playful smile firmly in place.

"Now that's better," he murmurs, running his tongue over his lips in quiet satisfaction. "But I haven't forgotten about our snowball fight."

He tilts his head slightly to deepen the connection, as if wanting to etch it into memory. His hand on Law's waist shifts subtly, while the one in his hair tugs gently, just enough to draw a shiver from the other man.

When they finally pull apart, Ace keeps his gaze locked on Law's, his +

One hand finds its place on his waist, gripping lightly, while the other slides to the back of his neck, fingers tangling into the dark, soft strands of hair. When their lips meet again, the kiss is deeper, filled with an intensity that seems to warm the cold air around them.

+

He meets the brief kiss with his own, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips as they part, though the space between them remains minimal.

"I'm glad you liked it. Even if it's something so simple..."

Before Law can respond, Ace pulls him in gently but firmly, closing the gap between them. +

His grin falters briefly into something bashful before he lets out a short laugh, running a hand through his hair. "Might’ve been up all night making it, but hey, that just means it’s extra special."

deliberation. "I got something for you too."

He pulls out a folded piece of parchment, smoothing it out carefully before handing it to him. It’s a hand-drawn map, detailed and precise, with little notes scrawled in the corners.

"This map has all the islands I’d like to explore with you."

+

"Aw, c'mon, you look great in Christmas colors! I mean, who else could make a sweater like this look so good? You’re practically festive royalty now."

Though he reveled in the fun of provoking Law, his attention shifted as he looked down, his fingers slipping into his bag with careful +

//yeah, it really sucks 😭 but I'm feeling much better now, thankfully sz

...You’ve got an unfair talent for making things special, y’know?"

Picking up the jewelry carefully, Ace’s usual energy softens into something more genuine. He studies it for a moment, then looks at him with a warm, almost bashful smile.

"Wow, Law... this is amazing. I love it, really. Thank you—I’ll wear it all the time, promise.

+

Ace’s face lights up the moment he sees the sweater, a wide grin spreading across his features as he eagerly puts it on.

"These are awesome—suits you perfectly."

He says with a playful grin, but his expression shifts the moment Law reveals the second gift. +

//I’ve been a bit inactive because I’m sick. I promise I'll reply to everyone tomorrow.

"OTÁRIO MOLENGA."

Berrou antes de finalmente ocupar a própria boca, cravando os dentes no ombro de Jane, onde mordeu e grudou ali, sem se mover, apenas apertando mais e mais da mordida.

Se inspirou em correr o mais rápido que podia, dando impulso o suficiente para pular e se agarrar nas costas alheias, envolvendo o pescoço dele com ambos os braços.

"Perdeu tudo, irmão."

"Oh, come on! I thought we were having fun."

He slowly gets off, still wearing a mischievous smile.

Soltou um berro antes de se recuperar e correr atrás dele para devolver a MORDIDA.

🏃🏻✨️

I’m not getting off unless you say please. ~

He rubs the back of his neck as he looks away for a moment, almost as if trying to regain some composure.

"Maybe there’s something seriously wrong with me for thinking that, but... I wouldn’t change a thing."

completely undone by a simple admission.

"Your smile is easily one of my favorite sights... But honestly, even if you were rolling your eyes at me, I think I’d still love it. You make even the rude stuff look... I don’t know, kind of adorable."

+

He listens to Law's confession, the words settling in like the warmth of sunlight on his skin. His grin softens, turning almost sheepish as he feels his face grow a little warmer—a rare occurrence for someone like him, who hardly ever felt shy. But here he was, smiling like a fool, +