Sanji had been avoiding him the whole party.

He didn't want to see his face, or hear his voice—his laugh, he didn't want anything to do with him at the moment. Ever since the day a week ago when they'd gotten drunk at some preholiday party and had sex in the back of Ace's car—he'd been avoiding the other man.

He knew it hurt him, but when they woke up that morning, still in the car, and Ace stared at him and took in that they were both naked—Sanji had bolted. He hadn't given either of them time to speak—he just grabbed his clothes and ran out the door as he was still pulling on his boxers.

Now, a week later they both ended up at the same party.

Fate was cruel.

Now here he was, sitting in the kitchen with a bottle of wine he'd snagged for himself—not even bothering to grab a glass. He hadn't started drinking it anyway. He should probably change that.

Sanji sighed and carded a hand through his hair before opening the bottle and bringing it to his lips. Taking a drink, he closed his eyes. He should get out of here. He should have left as soon as he walked in the door and saw Ace sitting on the couch with a pretty girl with pink hair.

He pulled the bottle away from his lips and opened his eyes. Ace was standing in front of him with a frown.

Sanji almost dropped the wine in surprise, before gripping the neck tight in his hands and glaring at him.

"You scared the shit out of me!" he snapped. Ace just continued to stare at him before walking over and leaning against the counter Sanji was sitting on.

"…You're avoiding me."

He froze and glanced over at him before looking back down at the bottle. He couldn't deny it. Taking another drink, he held it out to his friend who took it and knocked back a drink before putting it on the counter. They sat there in silence for a few moments.

"Why are you avoiding me Sanji…?" Ace asked quietly.

"You know why."

"No. I don't."

Sanji turned to him and frowned, gripping the counter. "Do you not remember what happe—"

"No, I remember what happened I just don't know why you're avoiding me!" Ace said, standing up straight and turning so he could place a hand on either side of Sanji on the counter. He leaned forward so their noses were almost touching and Sanji felt himself frozen. He didn't know what to say, and apparently Ace took that as a reason to continue.

"We had sex," He said, making Sanji flinch and his face flush. "I fucked you. That's no reason for you to treat me like I'm dirt."

"It was a mista—"

"I don't want it to be a mistake!" Ace snapped, gripping the counter tighter and frowning at him. "I don't want what happened between us to be a mistake. Drunk or not.."

Sanji swallowed looked down. It was a mistake because the shirt Ace was wearing was unbuttoned and he could see the expansion of hard, hot skin. His breathing hitched a bit and he looked up to look him in the eyes.

"…Ace…"

"I like you Sanji.." He said, reaching up with one hand to hold Sanji's hip. "I've always liked you. And seeing you run away gave me the balls to tell you.."

Drawing in a shakey breath, Sanji closed his eyes.

"…Look up."

He heard Ace's noise of confusion as he did as he said. "…Mistletoe?"

Sanji had spotted it when he walked into the kitchen hanging on a cabinet behind him. As soon as Ace spoke—he opened his eyes before leaning forward and pressing their lips together in a kiss. Ace made a noise of surprise before gripping Sanji's hip tighter and kissing him back.

He didn't let the kiss go on for more than a moment when he pulled back with a nervous smile.

"I like you too you fucking idiot.."