The Complications of Love Ch. 1 (SaboXReader)

The Complications of Love (SaboXReader)
Chapter 1

You hummed as you cleaned the bar counter. You didn’t drink often, but you were bullied into bartending by your sister, who owned the place, and the apartment you stayed in above the bar. You glanced at your watch--it was getting late--when you heard a customer walk in.

        You smiled, and put the rag away. “What would you like?” you asked as he sat down. He had attractive blond hair, and his jacket was very nice.

        “Just a glass of water,” he said. As he turned his head to face you, you stifled a gasp: the left side of his face was covered by a shiny scar. His eyes darkened at your reaction, and you quickly got his water. You cleared your throat. “Um, what brings you here?” you asked as you plastered a smile to your face.

        He blinked. “I’m traveling with my brothers. “I’m Sabo, by the way.”

        “I’m (Name).” You found yourself smiling genuinely. “I was forced into this job by the wicked witch who tricked me into living with her. I have to admit that she makes a killer burger, with (favorite side dish).

        Sabo laughed. “My brothers eat a ton. It’s a miracle we have the money to afford their eating habits.”

        “Unfortunately, I forget to eat occasionally. I waste my time reading.”

        “Don’t say that,” Sabo said, smiling. “Reading is a good thing. I’d love to have more time for reading.”

        “What do you do then, if you’re so busy?” you asked.

        “Keeping my brothers in line,” he said. You laughed. “But really, I don’t have much of a job. My parents are really wealthy, you see.”

        Wistfully, you said, “I wish it was like that for me. I could spend all my time reading.”

        He smiled, then looked at his phone. “It seems I’ve lost my cell phone number.” He looked up at you. “May I borrow yours?” You reddened slightly, but wrote it down on your pad of paper, and tore the sheet out. “Maybe we could go on a date sometime,” Sabo added.

        “I’d love it,” you replied. He stood up, and made a small bow before leaving. You put his glass away, still smiling.

“Where’ve you been?” Ace asked when Sabo came into his hotel room. Sabo shrugged his coat off and sat down.

        “Relaxing. I was at this small bar in town. The bartender was really sweet.”

        Ace nodded. “Luffy racked up a huge room service bill. Nami’s gonna have his hide.” Sabo laughed, and raked a hand through his hair.

        “What’s she like?” When Sabo stared at Ace quizzically, he rolled his eyes. “The bartender. I can tell she’s a girl.”

        “One: she’s never heard of me; two: she likes books; and three: she wants to go on a date with me.” Sabo smiled. “Those three things are what I go by when looking for a date.”

        Ace grinned. “So you want an evening to yourself, with no paparazzi or annoying fans. You’ll probably bring her to your hotel room to watch a movie, get some dinner, blah-blah-blah.” Sabo reddened. “Luffy and I will stay in our own rooms during, so you’ll get some privacy.”

        Sabo smiled. “Thanks, Ace.”

You grabbed the ancient--no, vintage, your sister insisted on calling it--telephone. “Hello?”

        “Hi, (Name)! It’s Sabo!” You couldn’t help but smile.

        “Hello, Sabo,” you said, sitting down next to the phone table. “Is this you calling me up?”

        “Why, no, I wanted to prank call you,” he said drily. A laughed bubbled up. “Are you available tomorrow? I can pick you up at 6:30.”

        “Mister Sabo, for your own sake, I will have to know exactly where we will be. Otherwise my sister may kill you. You’re too pretty to die so young.” It was his turn to laugh. “I’m serious, though. She knows how to use a gun, and is good at moving targets.”

        “Ah, but the important thing is that I’m pretty,” he said, delighted. “If it’s any consolation, I think you’re prettier.” You heard someone laugh on his end of the call. “Shut up, Ace! What are you saying, no one’s prettier than you? You’re the ridiculous one! Let me talk!” By the time he was done bickering with the other person, Ace, you had collapsed to the floor, laughing so hard your stomach hurt.

        “That was hilarious,” you managed to choke out. “I’d love to meet Ace. Is he your brother?” You asked.

        “Yep,” Sabo replied. “I, um, don’t like going out in public places often,” he said. “Could we just hang out at the hotel room I’m in? We could watch some movies, get room service, and the like. Or is there a specific place you wanna go? I could arrange it--”

        “That sounds great,” you said, interrupting him. “Hanging out at your hotel room, I mean. Though you did ask me rather abruptly. ‘Are you available for 6:30?’ You are very straight-forward. But I’ll happily go with you.”

        “(Name), who are you talking to, is it a boy, and is he cute?” (S/Name) asked. You choked a bit. She was always getting in your business, and the few boyfriends you’ve had she would drool over, even though she’s been going steady with a guy for a year now. You shook your head, and hastily said “Call you later.”

        “Oh, you’re no fun,” your sister complained. “But you are going on a date, right?” You nodded. “Yay!! I can’t wait to hear all about it!” You smile slightly.