“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."

+

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 +

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.

+

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."

+

//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.

+