Word: Luthier – maker of stringed instruments
Pairing: Usopp and Conis
Rating: T

Gifts and Talents

When he first saw her he was more captivated by the beautiful instrument she carried in her lily-white hands than her own beauty. Though their time together was short it was a treasured time to the sharpshooter. Amidst all the celebrations at the defeat of Enel he had been off to the side working diligently over a tree stump he had fashioned into a worktable. Ever since first laying eyes on the magnificent lyre in Conis' hands he had been drawn in by its beauty.

His goggles were over his eyes and his dark curls were held back by his bandana, all of his attention on the wood in front of him. He was so engrossed in his task that he did not notice her approach him. She settled on the ground beside him gracefully, a small smile gracing her pale lips.

"What are you making Usopp-san?" she asked sweetly.

Usopp was startled by the sudden visitor and with an undignified shriek he tossed his tool in the hair. Conis' smile grew and she let out a tinkling laugh as melodious as her lyre. As she smiled upon him he felt as if he might know a portion of how Sanji felt upon most occasions. His heart began to beat rapidly under her angelic gaze and he quickly tried to stammer out a reply.

"Nothing... I mean.. I'm trying to make your... well not yours but a lyre like yours."

Usopp flushed but Conis continued to smile and she inclined her head to better view the warped wood in his hands. It was the crude form of a lyre simply missing the strings. Usopp knew that compared to her beautiful instrument this was nothing more than a lump of deformed wood.

"Would you like some help? I've made them before." Conis offered.

Usopp's heart swelled and he could do more than nod dumbly as Conis giggled and searched through his box of tools for the one she required. They worked together, Conis guiding his tanned hands along the wood as she shared her secrets in her lilting voice. Slowly under her tutelage the warped wood started to resemble the intricate shape and design of her own lyre. Her hands lingered on his, porcelain white against his own tanned ones. Their gazes met and held as they searched each other finding their own answers before Conis shyly looked down at their hands.

"All that's left is the strings."

"Great. You're amazing and quite talented Conis-chan."

"I've had lots of practice. I have some extra strings if you want."

Usopp nodded his head and steeling his courage he leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss against her satiny smooth cheek. Conis smiled up at him her cheeks tinged red and together they went off to get the strings and finish the simply adorned lyre.