Welcome to Basil Chronicles, a series of stories that spawned over a year ago when I took a writing break between homework assignments to write a short drabble based on SanUso fanart I found. Funny how things work oddly enough, what I wrote solely as a little breather from papers actually ended up inspiring a whole AU setting centered around Sanji and Usopp. This fic is the first in the series and, as much as I would like to go into more detail if you're not familiar with Basil Chronicles, I think I'll keep it a secret until I post the next fic. (Which might be a couple days. While it is done, I'd like to space out updates, and try to bring some activity here until I get a Full Circle update finished.)
That being said, please enjoy this fic and know that there is more to come! Each chapter is to be considered a separate short story and will be posted in some sort of order. I will include a master post on my tumblr if needed.
Title: It All Starts Here
Pairings: SanUso
Rating: T
Warnings: Boyxboy, fluff, language.
Summary: It's the moment of truth, the day Sanji's been looking forward to and Usopp's been nervous about for months.
Note: I know I gave it to my beta to get edits and I know he sent them back but I couldn't find them, I don't know if I saved them until the same file or what. Either way, any errors are my fault, I'll probably find something to fix later. By the way, happy new year!
"O-Okay, vest, shirt, tie, jack- where'd my jacket go?"
"Usopp, calm down. I have it right here."
"Oh? Then what about that-that thing that goes in my pocket?"
"A pocket square? I'll go check if Sanji has it."
"S-Suspenders."
"You're already wearing them, Usopp, chill out for a second and look at yourself in the mirror. Take a deep and calming breath."
Usopp, flustered and shaking to a point where he could barely move on his own, put up no resistance as Kaya turned him to a mirror. Dressed in half of the tuxedo he rented- just until he could ensure a return- he took a moment to check his appearance. He felt himself calm a little, not sure why seeing himself in the mirror helped bring his heart rate down, but he tried to smile at his reflection.
After all, today was the day he married Sanji, his long time lover and practically his partner in every sense of the word.
Ignoring the bustling around him, as Nami insisted Usopp put his jacket on while Luffy asked for food, Usopp looked over his clothes to make sure everything was right. Even though he normally didn't care for his appearance much, today he just felt that he had to look perfect. It was only for Sanji, the cook getting dressed in the other room with the help of some of their other friends.
"Usopp, are you listening to me?!" Nami suddenly demanded, tearing Usopp out of his daze by pulling on his shoulder and nearly pushing his jacket in his hands. "We're running out of time! Luffy and I are going to go find a seat, so when you're ready, head out and find Sanji. You two are going to walk together right?" she asked.
"Ah- R-Right," Usopp mumbled, moving slowly as he pulled the jacket over his shoulder and straightening the fabric a bit. "D-Do you think I look alright? Is everything straight?"
"Pfft, sorry, but you asking if things are straight just seems like the joke of the day," Nami giggled, tapping Usopp's arms to brush over the fabric. "You look very handsome by the way. Sanji is a lucky man."
"You had plenty of time to be that lucky woman, Nami," Usopp joked, laughing through the playful punch she hit him with. "But I guess I should be thanking you, really."
"Oh? And why is that?"
Usopp blushed, hand automatically reaching up to rub at the back of his head while he fidgeted. "W-Well, I probably wouldn't have met Sanji without your help. If we didn't-"
"Don't get sappy on me, bastard. I'll charge you for it," Nami said, her voice failing to mask the little bit of happiness that came with the tears beading in her eyes. "Save it for later, alright? I won't make you pay if it's part of your toast during the reception."
"If you can call it a reception. I love the guys, but closing down Zeff's restaurant for a day just to get time for a big party seems so ridiculous."
"It was their idea, right? And think of it this way, they're not making you pay for anything special."
"… Yeah, I guess you have a good point."
There was a knock at the door, Vivi appearing in the crack when it started opening. "I found the pocket square. Sanji-kun was having a hard time remembering which one you were supposed to wear," she said.
"Did he give you the yellow one?" Usopp asked, smiling as Vivi showed him the yellow piece of fabric and watched while she worked on putting it in his jacket.
When Vivi moved back, she and Nami admired the way Usopp looked, scanning their eyes over his body from head to toe. "Everything looks perfect," Vivi smiled. "Oh Usopp-san, you look so amazing."
"Th-Thanks," Usopp blushed.
The door opened again, their friend Chopper peeking into the room. "Sanji is ready and waiting for you," he said.
Nami grinned and looped one arm through Usopp's, hanging onto his elbow. "Don't worry, you'll be just fine," she said, standing on her toes to give Usopp a kiss on his cheek. Vivi gave him a hug before leading Nami and Luffy- who spent his quiet time wondering when the wedding was going to start so he could grab a bite to eat.
Usopp watched them all leave, Chopper mentioning that Sanji was just in the other room before he closed the door. When he was alone, Usopp looked in the mirror again and took a minute to take deep breaths before walking towards the door. He only opened it a crack, looking out nervously.
"Come on out, shitty long nose. I've got a present for you," Sanji called out, clearing his throat afterwards.
Opening the door slowly, Usopp tried to hide his embarrassment and focus on Sanji standing in the other room. He could still feel his face heat up at the sight, heart racing even faster. Sanji dressed to impress, there was no denying that. His hair was perfect in the usual style, his tuxedo looked like a fancy version of the clothes he had at home. He had the same pocket square as Usopp, blue in color, and the shiny, black shoes that he loved most.
"Wow," Usopp whispered unconsciously, immediately covering his mouth when he realized he'd spoken up.
Sanji laughed as he walked closer, reaching out to grab Usopp's hand and pulling it closer. He kissed the back of his hand, even though Usopp insisted he wasn't some kind of damsel in distress. "I could say the same thing about you," he said, leaning up to kiss Usopp on the lips.
"Ah, ah, ah! No, we agreed on no more kissing until the vows!" Usopp cried out, hand planted on Sanji's lips and chin within a moment.
The cook gave Usopp a look crossed between confusion and begrudging acceptance. Pulling Usopp's hand away from his mouth, he acknowledged Usopp's resistance before holding out a small box. "I bought this for you," he smiled.
"A present on our wedding day? I didn't agree to this," Usopp said.
"That's the point of a present," Sanji laughed. "Open it. You're gonna want to use it."
Usopp glared, unsure what Sanji had in mind as he took the box and opened the lid. He was surprised to find a corsage inside, one that could be pinned to his jacket collar. "When did you get this?" he asked.
"I had the idiot mossball and that crazy, self-proclaimed cyborg run and get them," Sanji said. "I'm lucky they didn't get lost honestly. And they actually bought the right ones."
"Y-You sure we can wear these? Remember what the rental place said, we can't leave pin holes or anything-"
"Screw that, it's my wedding day. If I want to wear a pin with my wife-to-be, then so be it," Sanji said, pulling Usopp closer as he tried putting the corsage on his jacket.
"H-Hey, that's another thing; wife!" Usopp groaned. "I'm your husband-to-be, alright?"
Sanji grinned, trying his hardest to resist pulling Usopp closer for a quick make out session. "You look stunning. I couldn't ask for a better looking husband."
"Thank you," Usopp mumbled, trying to keep his smile from becoming too wide. "Can I put your corsage on you?"
"I'd like that, but you look like you're gonna prick yourself. Your hands are shaking like crazy," Sanji said.
"Oh! S-S-Sorry," Usopp stammered, watching Sanji fasten the corsage to his own jacket.
They stood in a bit of an awkward silence for a few moments, Sanji trying not to seem nervous as he brushed his jacket sleeve. "Be honest with me. When we first met back in college, did you think we'd be getting married?" Sanji asked.
"No," Usopp said without a moment to think about it. "When we met, I wasn't looking for love. I was crushing on Kaya, remember?"
"Oh yeah," Sanji chuckled. "She took the news about you dating me pretty well. I'll never forget that conversation, that was probably the most hilarious talk I've ever had."
"Because we were all surprised?" Usopp laughed, hand grabbing for Sanji's and giving a squeeze.
Sanji nodded, free hand circling Usopp's waist to pull him closer while his lips pressed against his forehead. "You're the only man I've ever- will ever- love," he said. "And explaining that to Kaya was entertaining."
"That's because you insisted you weren't interested in men the entire time," Usopp muttered, pinching Sanji's side while he spoke. He felt Sanji's fingers ghost against his lower back, searching for a ticklish spot.
His lips curled into a smile, Sanji nibbled on Usopp's ear a bit while he tried to tickle him. "I remember your confession, the way you stuttered and couldn't look straight into my eyes," he whispered, voice deep and breath warm against Usopp's ear. "I remember your insistence on affection when we were alone in my apartment too, but you were so embarrassed to hold my hand in public."
"Sanji… Stop, damn it, the ceremony is going to start any minute now!" Usopp groaned, face heating up as his heart beat faster. Sanji's hands were obviously trying to slip under his jacket.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything," Sanji said with a laugh. "But between you and me, your dad's insistence that we wait until tonight was pretty screwed up. I don't care if he wants us to stop having sex until our wedding night, he didn't have to move you into his house for the past week."
Usopp began to assure Sanji he felt the same, arguing that he wasn't happy with Yasopp's idea either, when Kaya and Chopper reappaeared in the room. "We're all waiting for you," Kaya smiled, giggling when Chopper ran forward to separate them, Yasopp entrusting them to keep watch for anything that could be mistaken for anything with a sexual possibility.
"Chopper, Chopper. I swear, nothing was happening-"
"Shall we go Kaya-chan?"
"H-Hey! You're walking with me, idiot! I'm the one you're getting married to!"
XXXXXXXX
Sitting in the main room of the private chapel, Zoro glanced over his shoulder as he grew impatient. "What's taking them so long? I thought the point of this whole ceremony was to get the wedding bull done fast. The thing was supposed to start ten minutes ago," he said.
"Just be patient, Zoro-san. I'm sure they are almost ready. Remember, it is their wedding day," Robin chuckled, her hands folded in her lap as she stared ahead and admired the alter.
"But Zoro's right, I'm hungry!" Luffy exclaimed as he kicked his feet, leaning against Nami while he complained about his stomach.
"I know, I know! We'll be going to Baratie before you know it, then we can eat while everyone is giving toasts," Nami sighed.
"But I'm hungry noooow…"
"Luffy, be quiet!"
The room started to grow quiet, everyone turning at the sound of the double doors opening. Sanji and Usopp stood together, proud smiles on their faces as the usual wedding music began to play.
"I believe standing is proper etiquette," Robin smiled, easing an already weeping Franky to his feet while Brook stood on his opposite side. Chopper stood and practically dragged Zoro up, the older man ready to fall asleep. Nami jumped out of her own seat and pulled Luffy by his ear, "Hurry, they're walking!"
Luffy looked around Nami just in time to see Sanji and Usopp step in line with their row. They glanced at their friends with a brief and heartwarming smile, almost as if they were saying thanks, before they continued to walk forward.
Sanji and Usopp stopped one more time, Usopp's father and Zeff coming forward to give proud and somewhat awkward hugs, before they stopped in front of the altar and Pagaya, their eager friend that insisted that he marry them. The music stopped and the audience sat down.
Pagaya cleared his throat before he laughed. "It is an honor to be here and leading the marriage between the two of you," he said to himself and the young couple. "Shall we begin?"
Sanji glanced at Usopp, who grinned at him with a nod, before he turned back to Pagaya and encouraged him to continue. They held out their hands, fingers laced together, and watched as Pagaya produced a long strip of fabric, colored with various shades of blue and yellow, and began wrapping their wrists and palms together.
Zoro couldn't help the grunt he made when Chopper and Luffy leaned closer to get a view. "Eh? What is that? What are they doing?" they asked together, squishing Zoro between them while prying for answers.
"I believe they call this handfasting," Robin smiled, still working to calm a sniffling Franky. "Quite an interesting wedding idea, it is not seen very often."
"Yohoho, well, Sanji-san and Usopp-san did say they were looking for a non-traditional celebration, correct?" Brook asked, leaning against Franky while he attempted to aid Robin's efforts. Franky just let out another wail.
"It's a sweet thing really," Nami said quietly.
When the knots over Sanji and Usopp's wrists were complete, Pagaya smiled at them both before he started to speak. "We are gathered here today to witness the loving union of these two young men, a rather handsome couple in my opinion," he said, pausing when everyone laughed a bit. "Personally I have known Sanji and Usopp for many years, since Usopp and I first started working together. When I learned of their relationship, I think I knew they would be standing in front of an altar before long."
Another pause, this time filled with a loud sob from Franky. Robin pat his shoulder to ease his cries a bit.
"There isn't a better couple I would rather wed. Usopp is a smart and hard worker, a good man and quite the story teller. Sanji is very charming, very respectful to his loved ones and the best cook I've ever met. It's safe to say that they are perfect for each other," Pagaya said.
"Hungry," Luffy groaned while he slipped lower in his seat, Nami pulling him back before anyone noticed. Yasopp even sniffled a bit, prompting Usopp to look in his direction for a brief moment, Sanji squeezed his fingers for comfort.
"These ribbons," Pagaya stated, tapping one hand against the fabric on their wrists, "represents the bond we are creating today. While the knots come undone at the end of the day, the marriage is eternal. For now, they'll be a symbol during the ceremony, until it is time to exchange rings."
Pagaya's speech went on for some time, all endearing words that many of their guests enjoyed (unlike Luffy, who demanded to know when the ceremony would be over so he could eat something). Finally, Pagaya started to untie the knots, calling on the rings to be brought forward.
Chopper suddenly perked up, moving through his row admist Luffy's protests and running forward while he pulled the special case out of his pocket and handed Sanji and Usopp each a ring. "Thanks Chopper," Usopp grinned, patting him on the head as the shorter man blushed. Chopper returned to his seat while Sanji joked about wrist pain.
When the fabric around their wrists was undone, Sanji and Usopp immediately turned to each other and grabbed for hands. With a ring for each, they waited for Pagaya to lead them along.
"Sanji, do you take Usopp as your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold? In sickness and health, til death do you part?"
"He's always sick, remember," Sanji chuckled, laughing along with some of their family and friends. "Death couldn't part us either. I do."
"Mmm, maybe a pretty lady," Usopp whispered, dodging Sanji's half hearted punch at his comment.
"Usopp, do you take Sanji as your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold? In sickness and health, til death do you part?"
"I do," Usopp said. They didn't hesitate to push their silver wedding bands on each other's fingers, turning back to Pagaya for their final instructions.
"Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and… well, husband!" Pagaya chuckled. "Congradulations, may your marriage prosper and your bond stay strong!"
The audience clapped, some (Franky and Yasopp) sobbing their eyes out. They all cheered louder when Sanji pulled Usopp in for a kiss, arms wrapped around his waist while Usopp grabbed him by the shoulders. When Sanji pulled away for a breath, he chuckled. "Been waiting all day to do that," he said. Usopp grinned and pulled him in for one more kiss.
XXXXXXXX
Moving the party to Baratie was rather easy, although Usopp only remembered climbing into the car and Sanji insisting on giving him more kisses that eventually lead to some of his favorite teasing nips and a hickey barely hidden on Usopp's collarbone.
Baratie's doors were freshly opened to wedding guests only, Patty and Carne standing outside to ensure only wedding guests made it inside. Sanji and Usopp were surprised to find most of the party had already arrived when their car pulled up. Usopp demanded one last look over to ensure all of his clothes were in place, Sanji persistant on trying to feel him up on the way over, before they jumped out to join the crowd.
"Oi, Sanji! Usopp!"
Patty grinned as he ran towards the couple holding hands, taking a moment to congradulate them. "This way, gentlemen. It's almost time to cut the cake," he said.
"We have to serve the cake with food right? That's an unusual practice," Sanji grumbled. He didn't resist as Usopp pulled him along, rather he held Usopp's hand even tighter. "But then again, I guess it makes sense. Who knows how many ridiculous toasts we're gonna get?"
"Not only that, but we'll be serving cake while the toasts are going on, so it's not like guests are getting both of them at the same time," Patty said. "But Zeff wants you to wait for everyone to arrive. We're almost ready for it. Just wait here, alright?"
"Fine, but don't make our introduction too corny, alright?" Sanji said, watching Parry for a second and thanking him when he started to leave the kitchen, where Patty left them. "What a romantic place to leave a married couple."
"It's alright. Remember when we snuck out of the apartment upstairs for a midnight snack?" Usopp laughed.
"Mmn, how can I forget? You're the whole reason I'm a fan of kitchen sex," Sanji chuckled. He tugged Usopp closer and wrapped both arms around his waist, nuzzling their noses together when he was close enough.
"Honestly I always thought you were," Usopp joked, yelping when Sanji grabbed his butt to pull him close again. "And if you think we're gonna have sex now, you're crazy! Wait until our honeymoon, damn it!"
"Blame Patty, he's the one who brought us here," Sanji chuckled. "Which is ironic because he's the one who caught us when we were done and almost ratted us out to the old man."
"Does Zeff even know that we were having sex? Did Patty ever tell him?"
"Not that I know of, but then again I wouldn't be surprised."
Usopp laughed in embarrassment, hoping Zeff wasn't informed of the misuse of his kitchen. He didn't react much when Sanji's arms tightened around his waist. "Think we can get away with a quick make out session if I just touch you over your clothes?" Sanji asked, a whisper against Usopp's ear.
"Ooh, Sanji, no fair," Usopp moaned. "Don't, the reception is gonna start any minute now-"
They froze when they heard Patty's voice booming through the doors. Sanji pouted, Usopp laughing and kissing Sanji on the cheek. "C'mon, we'll get to make out later. Just be patient."
"Fine," Sanji sighed, letting Usopp lead him towards the double doors leading out of the kitchen. "At least Patty is stalling for a little bit of time."
"Don't get any- Ah!" Usopp twitched, smacking Sanji's free hand away from his butt. "Damn it Sanji, I told you to-"
"Presenting, the married couple, Sanji and Usopp!"
The doors swung open, Usopp jumping to look somewhat presentable and hoping Sanji looked the same. He blushed at the crowd already surrounding the path towards a table holding their wedding cake. "Whoa."
"You're alright," Sanji smirked, holding Usopp's hand a little bit tighter. "Keep calm, follow my lead. I've got you."
Usopp nodded and walked with Sanji while the crowd started clapping and shouting. He snuggled up to Sanji's side and squeezed his hand tighter. Sanji chuckled and held him the same way.
When they approached the cake, which seemed to tower a little higher than they remembered ordering, the crowd stopped cheering. Sanji looked it up and down before looking over his shoulder towards Patty. "You think this is big enough Patty?" he asked, grinning when laughter circled through the room. "What did you do, add an extra tier?"
"Blame the Baratie cooks," Patty laughed.
Sanji rolled his eyes, Usopp laughing and holding him close. "Geez, and you're gonna be serving this with toasts and everything?"
"Of course, leave everything to us!"
"Go ahead and cut the cake already!"
"Quit stalling Sanji!"
The voices of the Baratie cooks sent Sanji's spirits up, along with making him a little angry. "Hold your damn horses, we're getting there!" Sanji exclaimed. He looked back at Usopp when the noise died down, leaning in to kiss his cheek and ignoring the audience that made some sort of sappy cooing noise that made Usopp's face turn bright red. "You ready?"
"Mmn-hmm," Usopp grinned, already touching the knife sitting next to the cake. Sanji chuckled and encouraged him to hold it before wrapping his hand around his, guiding it to make a perfect slice in the closest tier they could reach.
Together they cut out a piece to share, Sanji already putting up an argument about eating food first. Usopp didn't pay him any attention and already grabbed a piece in his fingers, pushing it against Sanji's mouth without hesitation and encouraging him to chew. Sanji nearly shoved the whole slice into his face if not for the plate and the fact that Usopp's nose would have gotten in the way. "You luck out this time long nose," he glared.
Everyone laughed and began to clap again, moving to their seats to wait for food and cake to be served. Sanji and Usopp did the same, noting Yasopp was already sitting next to Usopp's seat, Zeff running around to help the cooks and on the verge of barking orders.
"Shit, I'm gonna stop him before he starts getting angry," Sanji said, pulling Usopp close to give him a kiss before he ran off.
Usopp chuckled and sat next to his father while he waited. "How long has Zeff been trying to help out?" Usopp asked as he turned to talk with Yasopp.
"Since he got here really," Yasopp laughed. "Blondie has to go help him huh?"
"Yeah, he just wants him to relax," Usopp replied. "It'd be good for them both honestly. Zeff's getting old and Sanji does nothing but worry about his health anymore."
Yasopp smirked, leaning closer to Usopp while he whispered. "You sound like a doting wife already," he joked.
"Dad!" Usopp blushed, using Yasopp's leaning closer to playfully knock him with his fist against his chin. "For god's sake, does anyone remember our vows including the word 'husband,' which Sanji lovingly said I do to?"
"And just before the crack you made about pretty girls. Very nice by the way," Yasopp chuckled.
Their conversation slowly dwindled as Sanji approached with Zeff, both of them sitting as the last few guests arrived. "Did we really invite this many people? I don't remember giving out that many invitations," Usopp whispered to Sanji.
He shrugged in response. "I dunno, but I can tell you we only sent a few invitations. Everyone is connected these days, so the fact that the room is about to burst doesn't seem that bizarre."
"Is that Wiper and Laki? We haven't seen them since our last visit to Skypiea; that was nearly a year ago!"
"Conis must have let them know, it's fine."
They were surprised when Zeff, sitting on Sanji's opposite side, stood and tapped the side of a glass. The bit of chatter that filled the room suddenly stopped, all eyes turned towards Zeff in confusion. "I think it's time to start, I get the feeling we're going to have a lot of people that would like to speak," he said, catching a glimpse of Luffy and the others as he turned back to Sanji and Usopp. "And I think we'll hear a lot from that group over there.
"That being said, enjoy the food, relax, and if you have any dirt on these two, feel free to talk," Zeff said.
"We're gonna hear from every one of the damn cooks," Sanji whispered under his breath, turning back to Zeff as he continued to talk.
"I'm not going to delve into the shitty eggplants life from the moment we met, but rather from the moment Usopp showed up," Zeff said, glancing at a confused Usopp before smirking. "When we met, he was so nervous his teeth were chattering. Sanji told me he was bringing a friend back from college for a few days during summer break before he went back to Usopp's place. Sanji lived in a space just above the restaurant during his summers with me, so it didn't bother me at all. I didn't even have a problem with them sleeping in the same bed, I figured it was just them being friends and all. Of course, I found it a little hard to miss the sound of kissing, cuddling and soft whispered flirting on the other side of my wall.
"So the next morning, when Sanji emerged from his room with the intent on cooking breakfast, I'd already finished. I told Patty and Carne that Sanji and I wouldn't be in until later in the morning, which gave us time to talk. We talked about college experiences and what he'd done since our last break together. He brought up Usopp a couple times, but this time he was all he could talk about. He also wasn't hiding the hickey on his neck very well. I pointed it out, he blushed like a lunatic, and he confessed that Usopp was as boyfriend, had been since just before he came back for break in the winter.
"I didn't judge them, actually I got on him for a leading on the women all those years. He always said he wasn't gay, Usopp was just different. Usopp was something special."
Zeff took a moment to glance out of the corner of his eye, noting how Sanji held onto Usopp's hand with a smile and rubbed small circles over Usopp's knuckles. He gave a smile back at them, even put a hand on Sanji's shoulder. "Usopp is very special, I knew early on. Today solidifies that. I'm glad Sanji found someone special, someone who can be there for him for the rest of his life. I've never seen the eggplant's eyes sparkle as much as when Usopp is around. Thank you, Usopp, for being there and putting up with his bullshit."
Everyone laughed, clapping while Zeff sat down and Yasopp's took his turn.
"For the record, the boys did come back to my house the following week with more hickeys, a more obvious confession, and may or may not have bumped the bed against the wall once or twice during their stay," he stated, laughing when Usopp started turning a bright shade of red. "The first night was a little hard, I'll admit, but mostly because I don't want to hear my kids having sex and the other room. I'll admit, I threatened Blondie the next morning and told him to keep his pants on while he was there and that he better use protection. But he was a good kid despite that fiery attitude and the smoking habit that I thought for sure would become something Usopp picked up. He was also really good at making breakfast, I don't think I cooked that week."
"You didn't. Usopp insisted I cook for you both," Sanji chimed in.
"Anyway, Sanji's a great kid. He's the best man, really the only man, I'd want marrying my son. I know he'll treat him right and take care of him. At least I'll be sleeping at night for a while, no grandkids yet by the way," Yasopp's said, laughing while glaring joking daggers at Sanji and Usopp.
"Dad, can I reassure you by reminding you that we're both men?" Usopp smirked, just narrowly avoiding a crushing hug and reminding Yasopp that adoption was out of the question at the moment.
Sanji stood up next, offering everyone else to tell stories and insisting his story would come last, sitting back down to snuggle against Usopp.
It didn't take long for someone, Nami, to stand and step forward. She was briefly confused by the cook who handed her a microphone, but she simply brushed it off. "Sanji-kun, Usopp, where do I start?" she asked with a giggle, smiling back at their encouraging grins. "Usopp and I were roommates during his first semester in college. Sanji-kun was a friend I'd known for years. I never really expected to see them together, not at first, but I wasn't surprised when they started dating. And not long after that…"
XXXXXXXX
"The shitty swirly brow still insists that he had nothing to do with the thing of make-up he hid in his bathroom," Zoro grumbled, practically trailing off when he felt sleepy and nearly dropping the alcohol in his hand.
"Drunk already idiot mosshead?" Sanji chuckled, ignoring his story and trying to ignore Usopp's poorly hidden laughter.
"Shut up! I'm giving a speech, aren't I?" Zoro groaned, barely able to stand already and favoring the idea of a nap. "So anyway… Shit cook, don't do anything stupid or I'll kick your ass-"
"Yes, yes, I understand," Sanji said, smiling at Nami and Luffy while they pulled Zoro back to his seat, the green haired man giving one more bellow of congratulations. Finally, after everyone took a chance to embarrass, talk, and cry about how happy they were, it was his turn, Zeff urging him to stand before he rose to his feet. Sanji leaned in to kiss Usopp's temple before he stood, raising a champagne glass that he'd held onto from the beginning. "I propose a toast," he started, "to Usopp. For giving me a chance to start something new, for being there when I need someone to lean onto, for telling me some of the best stories, for enriching my life and for sitting here with me today to keep doing all of these things. Without you, I don't think I'd be the same."
He looked down at Usopp and leaned in for another kiss, mentioning how much he loved the blush on his cheeks. "To my husband. The best husband a guy like me could ask for," he said, glass raised high in the air.
"To a happy marriage with the man I love!" Usopp jumped in, on his feet and raising his own glass to tap against Sanji's. "To us!"
"To us," Sanji grinned, arm snaked around Usopp's waist to pull him in for another kiss, their guests cheering and tapping glasses together.
Suddenly there was music, a slower song that brought people to their feet and had them gathering around an impromptu dance floor. Usopp gasped as Sanji's hand around his waist pulled him a little closer. "Care for a dance, mon amour?" Sanji asked.
Usopp smiled, letting Sanji take his hand and lead him to the dance floor. He didn't let the nerves deter him, even though he was sure his knees were shaking. Sanji pulled him close as soon as they were on the floor, Usopp only letting out a small gasp when he almost stumbled. "Shit-"
"It's alright. We practiced," Sanji whispered, readjusting his grip and holding Usopp's waist a little tighter. "Just hold onto me."
Usopp blushed, following Sanji's lead and realizing that he wasn't faltering as much. "How do you do it?"
"Hmm? Do what?" Sanji asked.
"Change me for the best. You know this time last year I would've stumbled all over myself."
"Ah, actually, I remember you being rather into dancing whenever we headed to the clubs. You were always so enthusiastic during those Friday nights on the town."
"That's different than this!" Usopp laughed.
Sanji smiled and pulled Usopp tighter against him, positive they couldn't get any closer. "I only give what I receive," he said. "So many times you change me for the best, I suppose it's only fair I make you feel the same. Course there's not much I'd change about you. There's a lot that I really like about you."
"You're just saying that."
"No, and not today. Today is special, long nose."
Usopp grinned, loving the teasing tone behind the familiar nickname, then leaned in a little closer. "Promise me something?"
"Hmm?"
"Promise you'll keep me by your side all night, as long as you can."
Sanji smirked. "You're not planning on leaving me already, are you?"
"No, no, not like that!" Usopp groaned, pinching Sanji where his hand rested on his shoulder. "I mean no matter how many people try to pull me away for some reason, you'll come with me. I don't want to leave your side tonight."
"Well, I have to make an exception for dances, especially your dad," Sanji chuckled, already spotting Yasopp coming closer. "But I'll do my best." He gave Usopp a kiss before Yasopp jumped in to dance.
Sanji watched for a second, even winked at Usopp before he observed the other guests. He spotted Zeff standing along the wall and watching him before long. Sanji wasn't able to decipher his facial expression until he walked closer, smiling at the grin that Zeff rarely showed off. "Old geezer, you look like you're going to snap and go on a rampage any minute now," he joked.
"Just enjoying a party for once," Zeff said.
"By the way, that green haired idiot that gave the drunken speech? Let's make sure he doesn't do anymore damage to his liver," Sanji said as he stood next to Zeff. He instantly looked towards Usopp dancing with his father, realizing Zeff's line of vision was directed the same way. "What are you thinking about Zeff?"
"I'm thinking about how lucky I am with Usopp around. Now that you've got someone to keep you busy, you won't be causing so much trouble in my restaurant," Zeff said.
"I'm still gonna be working there, shitty old man."
"Eggplant."
Sanji looked at Zeff again, now noticing the small tear just waiting to fall in the corner of Zeff's eye. "Oi, why are you crying? It's not like I'm taking over or anything."
"I wouldn't let you take over Baratie even if you became the greatest chef in the world," Zeff grumbled. "But take care of your husband. He's the greatest person in your world; You're lucky enough to find him."
Sanji blinked as everything sunk in and smirked when the meaning behind Zeff's words finally hit his senses. He looked away, staring at Usopp and laughing when he watched Nami insist on a dance with him. "Thank you Zeff," he whispered before pushing off the wall and approaching the dance floor.
"Nami, I'm telling you, I suck at dancing!" Usopp laughed, his voice just barely in Sanji's hearing range as he stepped closer. "I'll step all over your feet, then you'll charge me for damaging your shoes. It's really not good for the both of us!"
"I know Sanji has been teaching you how to dance. Come on, please?" Nami asked while she leaned closer to Usopp.
Sanji stepped in, wrapping one arm around Usopp's shoulders and pulling him closer for a kiss. "Nami-swan trying to steal you away from me?"
"Ah, Sanji-kun! Usopp doesn't want to dance with me He says he can't and I know you've been teaching him," Nami said.
"I have, but I'm sorry Nami-swan, I'm going to have to steal him for a bit," Sanji chuckled. "May I?"
Usopp raised an eyebrow and Nami smirked at him. "I suppose I have no choice, he is your husband. But Usopp, you owe me a dance tonight. Don't forget about it, alright?"
"I'll try," Usopp laughed, resisting Sanji's grip for a moment before he gave in and followed him towards the opposite side of the room.
Nami watched for a moment, smiling while she stood in place and felt a small amount of nostalgia hit. She sighed, perking up as Robin approached to start a conversation.
XXXXXXXX
When the party died down and guests began to head home, Sanji and Usopp led a small group of friends back to their home. Then they packed some luggage into a car and set off for the airport to go off on their honeymoon. With mild confusion about just how many people were going on a trip, they were all waiting outside the furthest point they could go.
Usopp, who managed to get Luffy and Chopper attached to his arms and legs after he let go of his luggage, chuckled when he tried to move and only made them hold on tighter. "Come on guys, it's not like I'm going away forever!" he exclaimed.
"But we're gonna miss you!" Luffy cried, holding back the tears in his eyes.
"Do you really have to go? You're not gonna be back for a really long time!" Chopper cried.
"It's only two weeks, come on. You're lucky we're even coming back then. I'm not gonna let you guys have him for at least a month," Sanji chuckled.
"Usopp, let me go with you! What if you get sick or hurt or-"
"Chopper, it'll be fine! Sanji's not gonna hurt me, you worry about us way too much…"
Nami and Robin giggled while Usopp pulled Luffy and Chopper off his body. "You know Usopp, Chopper has a point. What are you going to do if you get pregnant on your trip?" Nami joked.
"Oi, oi, enough with the pregnancy jokes already! I'm a man!" Usopp groaned.
"Ah, it's almost time to go," Sanji said while glancing at his watch. He grabbed Usopp around the waist to pull him closer. "Promise you guys won't do anything stupid while we're gone?"
"We'll try to keep everyone in line," Robin chuckled.
"Oh, wait, before you go, we have stuff for you!" Franky said.
Sanji raised an eyebrow while Usopp tilted his head to the side, both waiting when their friends insisted on some sort of order.
Nami elbowed Luffy's side when a decision was made. "Luffy, you go first! Go ahead and give them your present," Nami said.
"Huh? Oh, about that! I bought food but I ate it all," Luffy grinned, laughing as he finished his statement.
"What, you're kidding! Then, Zoro!"
"I had booze, but I drank it all."
Usopp couldn't help laughing while Sanji sighed. "Drunken idiot, glad to see the booze didn't damper your drinking mood," he muttered.
Nami groaned and rubbed her eyes before regaining her composure and smiling. She held out a decent sized bag with tissue paper stuffed into the top, encouraging Usopp to take it from her hands. "I hope you find this very useful during your honeymoon. Make sure to take care of it as well."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Sanji asked. He watched Usopp dig through the bag and stared as Usopp's face suddenly turned bright red. Usopp didn't say anything before thanking Nami under his breath without making eye contact.
Chopper stepped forward with an emergency kid wrapped with a ribbon held out for Sanji to grab. "Here, it's a first-aid kit with bandages, ointments, almost everything you need in case of an emergency. I even added some extra products for your… err… private moments."
"Always looking out for our health, you're a great doctor, Chopper, thanks," Sanji smiled.
As Chopper gave his usual excuse about how "it doesn't make me happy asshole!" and danced, Robin stepped forward with a box of her own. "Some things that you might be able to use when you're not too busy with each other in the bed," she chuckled.
Sanji thanked her, with less enthusiasm than he usually did when Usopp tugged on his arm. They opened the box together and grinned at the books, playing cards and pens inside. Robin smiled at their enjoyment, saying, "record your adventures as well, one of those books is a journal."
"Oww, and you probably see some memory cards in there too!" Franky exclaimed, holding out a camera. "Make sure to take lots of pictures to show us when you get back!"
Usopp and Sanji nodded and said a quick thank you before Sanji could chime in with a perverted comment.
Finally, Brook chuckled and handed them a music CD. "I trust you will have some sort of music player on your trip, so have fun with this. Some music that I've written to help you relax and enjoy your trip," he said. "And enjoy each other's company, may your marriage prosper in the sack! Yohoho!"
"That escalated quickly," Sanji muttered with an amused smirk.
"This is awesome, thanks everyone!" Usopp grinned.
An announcement ran over the intercom system, reminding those travelling on Sanji and Usopp's plane that it was now boarding. "Ah, shit, that's us! We gotta go!" Usopp said.
Sanji gathered his suitcase after putting many of their presents away, encouraging Usopp to do the same. "Well, it's been fun. We'll be back in a couple weeks, just make sure no one breaks into our home and take care of the plants if you can. I know Usopp would really appreciate it," he chuckled.
"Hey, you'd be upset if the houseplants were dead too," Usopp joked. With his luggage in hand, he grabbed for Sanji's hand and smiled at their friends. "Thanks for everything, get home safe okay?" he asked.
"Send us an email or something when you get there if you remember!" Chopper said. "We'll miss you!"
Sanji and Usopp said goodbye, even gave a few awkward hugs with their luggage in hand, before they set off to their plane. The crew watched them walk away and disappear before they left the airport, wishing the best for their newly married friends.
