Ah, Sorry I didn't put a disclaimer on the first chapter ;w;' But yeah, he's chapter 2 3 Sorry if the writing's bad. I'm still pretty new to this. Sanji/Usopp. Hopefully later on there'll be some lemons... eve

The kitchen was empty again. The dishes were cleaned. The lights were dimmed. The cook was leaving. Cleaning his hands with a clean towel, Sanji folded the cloth and set it upon the counter. He opened the door and then left. The dock looked so peaceful at night. The machine from earlier remained where Franky and Usopp had left it. Guess it was just planted there? He eyeballed the seat that Usopp had occupied. Walking over to the huge device, Sanji sat down in the seat and looked at all the controls. He huffed and ran his fingers over the buttons, over the long level that stood erect next to his right leg. The big red button almost glowed it seemed. He wanted to press it himself. Was there even a cannon ball on the inside? Not wanting to get up, Sanji remained where he was and sat back, admiring the horizon that was barely visible due to the dark sky blending right in with it. Taking out a cigarette, he stuck the butt in his mouth and pulled out his lighter. Flicking the flame to life, he held it close to the cig. He took in a calm puff and exhaled. Putting the lighter away back into his pocket, he tilted his head back and closed his eyes. He tried to imagine, imagine himself as Usopp's little helper. Maybe just maybe, he'd have some odd chance with that.

How could he be if he was such a douche to the poor kid? He raised an arm and laid his wrist right over his eyes. The hell is wrong with me? I'm such a shithead all of a sudden. I don't get it. Maybe Franky was just…right for him? There's not even evidence the two are even like that. I should stop assuming. Sanji began to tense up. He felt as though he were being watched. He lifted his arm to see a pair of eyes meeting his, and a familiar long nose just a few inches apart from his. He blinked and sat up right. How long was he standing there?

"What the hell?" Sanji questioned with a very annoyed tone. He turned to the sniper, who had a very relaxed face.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that? What the hell are you doing on the cannon?" Usopp asked with a bit of smug in his voice. Who does this kid think he is? So what if he and Franky built this piece of shit. Sanji was free to do whatever he pleased. It was that kind of thinking that made him seem so dickish. Sanji took a moment to answer. He got up, only to have a hand planted upon his chest and gently push him back onto the seat. "It's alright if you sit there, I'm just curious." Usopp smiled and scratched his cheek. Sanji gulped, seeing the bashful boy act a bit tough just seemed cute. He tried to rid his mind of such thoughts.

"I was just sitting. This was the only seat that didn't require me climbing over something." He answered gruffly. Usopp rolled his eyes and nodded.

"You have a good point there."

"Why are you still up?" Sanji sat back in the seat, facing forward. Usopp had taken a moment to answer.

"Ah, I was unable to sleep. I was thinking about the machine all day, so I came to see if I could tune it up some." The machine. No wanting to visit the kitchen for a late night snack? No wanting to visit Sanji just because they hadn't spoken to each other in a while? It's all about this piece of shit.

"Don't you need Franky to help with that?" Sanji sneered. He huffed, cringing to the sound of his voice when saying the shipwright's name.

"No. I don't always. What's with you?" Usopp asked, not liking the way Sanji had said that. There were a few grumbles here and there, but no real answer. "What?" he asked again. Still mumbling. "You've been so pissy lately. Did I do something to make you mad? Cause… you seem to be really mad at me, and I haven't stolen any food for a while." That's not it, you idiot. But how would Usopp know?

Sanji took this moment to relax himself, trying to get a bit more comfortable. He was beginning to get a bit hot. He undid his tie and unbuttoned his shirt by two buttons. He took off his over coat and set it to the side. Usopp watched him, waiting for an answer. Obviously he wasn't getting one just yet.

"I'm not mad at you." Sanji stated firmly. Usopp smiled, although Sanji couldn't see, he could tell Usopp was pleased to hear. "I'm just not in the best of moods right now." Oh, way to explain your JEALOUSY. That'll really help you out. There was a nudge to the cook's shoulder. Looking over at his friend he saw Usopp staring directly at him, seemingly concerned.

"Then what's wrong?" He asked. This was the perfect time to spill the beans. The perfect time to let Usopp know that he was extremely jealous of Franky for being so close with him. Would Usopp even accept that as a good reason? "I'm your friend, I guess. You've helped me out a lot of times. So maybe I can do the same for you?" He was getting a bit shy. He tilted his head slightly to the left, averting his eyes elsewhere.

"Of course you're my friend, shit head. I just… don't know how to explain it, okay?" He shrugged. What would be the point anyways? Usopp would probably laugh or think he was lying to him just to cover up some reason that proved worse. The sniper's eyes remained on some other object, but he didn't move. Sanji rubbed the back of his neck and took his cig out of his mouth. He sighed and tried to scramble the words.

"I see you staring at Franky and I a lot. I don't look at you only because it'd be kind of awkward, you know?" Sanji quickly turned his head towards Usopp. Why was this such a surprise? He would stand in a clear view and just observe the two tinkerers and not say anything. Of course, Usopp would notice. "You never say anything, but you stand there, and after that you're very angry. You seem fine on days when Franky and I aren't doing anything. You seem to be fine when me, Chopper and Luffy are together. Hell, you seem to laugh along with us. But…I 'm not getting what's going on here." You can figure all THAT out, but still not know the reason? You are such a DUMBASS.

Sanji couldn't help but growl lowly, it would've been easier if Usopp just told Sanji the plain truth as if he read Sanji's mind. But obviously, the sniper didn't see it that far. He had the basics down, but for the reasons he just missed them by a hair. He chewed on the cigarette butt, grinding the end into a smooshed mess within his teeth. He slowly averted his gaze to the horizon. His cheeks were burning now. Usopp nearly noticed the change in the cook's face but took in a huge chunk of air and stood upright. The sniper had given up. Sanji didn't seem like he wanted to give him the reasons, so he didn't want to pry.

"Sorry I asked." Usopp said, turning back to the cook as he walked away. Was he discouraged? Why didn't Sanji just answer with a simple, "I was just totally jealous of you and Franky being together all the time!"? Scrambling to his feet, Sanji had hurried over to Usopp, he didn't want this chance to go up in smoke. He finally had the sniper all to himself without Franky, without the others to interrupt. All to himself without anyone else to pull his sniper away from him. Sanji had grabbed Usopp's shoulder, swung him around and gazed into the rounded eyes of the other. He didn't take another second to think of his next action, wrapping an arm around the slender shoulders of the younger one and pulling him closer. The air seemed stuffy; the shirt seemed like too much clutter. Using his free arm, Sanji unbuttoned the next few buttons. He took the cigarette out of his mouth and moved closer, nearly having their lips touch. Usopp reacted at the last second and placed his hands on Sanji's face. "What are you doing?" He almost screamed.

The cook had stopped what he was doing. Shirt unbuttoned all the way, cigarette nearly out, his arm gripping Usopp's shoulder. What was he doing?

"I-I… uhh…" He stuttered and let the boy go. He was so close to a kiss, but his body was still rooting for him to move in. He couldn't bring himself to do it. He was already rejected. "Sorry." Sanji rubbed his eyes and then turned back to the cannon. He grabbed his overcoat and then slung it over his shoulder. He walked past Usopp and headed for the men's quarters.

He couldn't bring himself to leaving the long nose alone like that. He turned to see him still standing in place, holding his cheeks and rubbing them vigorously to rid the blush away. Sanji couldn't help but smile. He was blushing, from him. Sanji slowly walked back over to Usopp, he then poked the boy's shoulder. Turning to the blond, Usopp shivered, his teeth chattering in utter fear and embarrassment. He looked away from the other's eyes and ignored him. His face just remained the same.

What the hell. He's scared stiff because of me. I could just finish what I started. That sounded like a wonderful idea. Sanji removed Usopp's hands away from his face. He leaned in closer, but the sniper avoided him, tilting his head to the side to where Sanji's lips pecked Usopp's cheek. He's either in denial, or just shy. He tried again but Usopp turned to other way, resulting on another cheek kiss. Sanji frowned, whether this kid wanted it or not, he was going to get a kiss. Sanji placed his hands on Usopp's cheeks and held him in place. The sniper whined, closing his eyes and muttering little pleas that Sanji not kiss him. Denial. Sanji moved in and kissed him, as passionately as he could push himself to. Usopp nearly moaned into Sanji's mouth, trying to keep himself quiet. Pulling away, Sanji let the sniper go and wiped his mouth. Usopp gasped for air and coughed. He sniffed and looked over at Sanji, pouting almost.

"Y-You… took my first!" That only seemed legit. Plus it made Sanji feel even better since Franky hadn't kissed Usopp yet.

"What? Were you saving that for Franky?" He huffed and put the cigarette back in his mouth. He took a huge drag and turned to the sniper. He looked almost disgusted.

"I-Is that what this is all about? You think I'm dating Franky?" He asked in a drowsy tone. "Were you…jealous of us or something?" Blinking in sheer disbelief, Usopp wiped his mouth as hard as he could.

"Maybe… maybe not." Sanji replied. The half assed reply only pissed Usopp off more.

"Just say yes! If you just asked, I would've told you!" He wiped his mouth again and huffed. "Jeez, I'm not even interested in him. He's just my friend! Like you." The stung like a bitch. Even after such a kiss, Usopp only considered Sanji a friend. He's gotta be in denial. He didn't want to accept that as Usopp's answer. So he let him rant on. "I mean, where did you even get the idea? I-Is it because we spend our time together a lot? We're mostly working on weapons and such! We wouldn't even have time for any love dovey crap." Haha, if you were with me, I'd make time. "Do you even have anything to say?

"I mean you got what you wanted, but was that really your sole reason for kissing me? That was my first and you stole it! Give it back!" You sound like such a girl right now. I can't give it back, stupid. "Hey! Are you even listening to me?" Grabbing the cook's undone shirt, Usopp shook him violently and growled. "Give it back! It wasn't even meant for any one!" Then why does it matter to you? I mean if I met a nice girl that I could love, maybe she could've taken it, not some stupid pervy cook!" He nearly sobbed. Sanji just found the spectacle cute. "I don't even know what I'd say to her if she knew my first was taken by a GUY! I mean, how many guys do you know that had their first's taken by another man? I mean gay guys, yeah, but what about the ones that are straight? Or not even interested?"

Usopp hung his head and leaned against Sanji. He sighed, huffing and throwing a mental tantrum. Looking down at the curly black haired boy, he smiled to himself. He doesn't know how to say thank you. Sanji was stuck in his own mind, thinking that things were going right for him. He remained calm about the whole situation. Usopp was just making a huge fuss over nothing.

"Can't you apologize to me? I mean, I even said 'Sanji, don't kiss me, please!' And you did it anyways! How inconsiderate are you?" He shook him again. His head was jerked upward, and pulled into another kiss. His senses became slow to react. Sanji's tongue made its way into Usopp's mouth. Closing his eyes, he felt the cook work at the inside of his mouth, licking all sides and his own tongue. He shivered from the sensation and moaned a little more than he had before. Why were kisses so pleasurable? Or was it just Sanji's? He didn't want to find out, but part of him made sure to remain interested. The sniper's fingers tightened around the fabric of Sanji's shirt. He was pulled in, unable to escape the intense moment. He panted in between breaths, trying to move with Sanji and feel the inside of his mouth just as the other had done.

Breaking from each other, a trail of saliva kept them connected for a split second before separating. Sanji licked his lips and moved in a second time. He gripped Usopp's hair this time and pulled his body closer. His hand rubbed against the younger one's back, moving down to the sniper's rump. He groped, making the boy jump and hit the cook's chest. He moved away and coughed, prying Sanji's hands off of him. Backing away some feet, Usopp nearly topple backwards. He looked at Sanji who seemed to be coming for more. He backed up some more, but the cook had him pinned against a wall. You're all mine now, Usopp. Don't try to leave. I'll make you feel good. Sanji began to grin, almost in a daze. He placed his hands on the wall, both on the side of Usopp's head. The sniper looked completely frightened. He shook his head and slapped Sanji as hard as he could.

"Snap out of it!" He yelled and watched the cook falter back, holding his cheek.

"Ow, shit!" He cursed and looked over at Usopp. "What the hell was that for?" Grunting, rubbing the sore cheek he put his cigarette out.

"I don't know what's gotten into you, but you were… acting like a hungry animal!" He gasped and slowly sank to the floor. He covered his face and shivered, holding his legs close to his body. Sanji examined the sniper's posture. He was very tense of course, and trembling. What had he done?

Kneeling in front of him, Sanji gulped down whatever sick desires he had bubbling up in his mind. Usopp glared at him for a moment, then sighed. The two weren't so sure what to say. The silence only deepened as the time slowly passed on by. How can I apologize when I'm not even sorry? That felt damn there good. I know he liked it too; he's just… shaken up.

"Er, did you at least enjoy?" Sanji grinned. Usopp gave him the meanest frown he could muster.

"I didn't want it. I didn't want it at all." He huffed out angrily. So Sanji was being rejected. No worries, he thought. He knew that Usopp secretly liked it. He even moaned.

"I don't believe you. If I kissed you again, you won't be able to stop either." The reply only added fuel to the fire. Usopp wanted to punch his friend so hard, but at the same time he felt that Sanji was actually right. He did enjoy the kisses, but he didn't ask for them, nor want them. Sanji was his friend, what more could they be? They were crew mates, nearly family. He couldn't picture Sanji as his boyfriend of all things. He couldn't picture sex with him either. If there was ever the possibility, then it'd be nice to see it now, just so he'd know what he was dealing with. "It's obvious though. I have a crush on you, okay? And yeah, I've… been really… well jealous, I guess, of Franky being with you all the time. But that's NOT my main reason for… nearly making out with you." Usopp cheeks flushed a bright pink.

"You don't have to use that term." He said, flicking Sanji's nose. He was even more embarrassed. Sanji had a crush on him. Who'd have thought that would come to be. It did make some sense though, but the whole jealousy thing still weirded him out.

"Well, I know you're not interested now. But damn, those kisses were pretty hot. You sure you don't wanna try it out again?" Sanji asked, looking Usopp right in the eyes. Uopp gritted his teeth and looked away. Sanji just wouldn't give up. Well, that did make sense.

"I don't… know. I mean why? I don't even know if I could like you that way."

"There's always a time to experiment. You could let me kiss you again, see how that works out. We could even go further than tha—"

"Okay! I-I get what you're saying! But that doesn't mean I could just snap into loving you just because we…kissed or…did that."

"Did what?"

"THAT."

"What is 'that'?"

"…it-it's…" Usopp narrowed his eyes, he knew Sanji was just waiting on him to say 'sex'. He didn't want to though. "It's just something."

"Mnn, you mean sex, right?"

"D-D-Don't say it like that!" He placed a hand over Sanji's mouth. Sanji placed a hand on Usopp's and kissed his palm. Usopp had pulled it back. He puffed with an uneasy stare. "You're a great guy Sanji, but… I don't even know what a crush feels like. And if we had… well THAT I don't think my feelings would change." Sanji began laughing. "Whats so funny?"

"You don't know that until you try it." He giggled and then gave him a sly smirk.

"B-But then we'd really just be friends w-with benefits! Not…lovers." A very good point. Sanji looked down and then sighed. "How could I…well love you, if I don't even have those feelings to begin with?"

"Shut up. I get it okay?" Sanji snapped. It was bad enough he had to bribe Usopp into becoming his. It was worse that he had to bribe with sex. Seeing the cook a bit uncomfortable now, he moved up some and mumbled.

"U-Um, well tell me…why do you even like me? I don't get it." Usopp's shyness was settling in again. He didn't know if he wanted to know why.

"I don't even know. I just do. Something about you, long nose. I just…don't see what the… whole deal about you is. My body just reacts to you is all." It was the best he could come up with. He thought a little longer. Usopp seemed a little more disappointed. He'd probably pull the whole 'But I'm Captain Usopp! There's so much more to love about me!' That alone was true. "You're cute. You know when you lie about the craziest shit, and no one besides Luffy or Chopper believes you and you just keep going?" He chuckled to himself and looked at his feet. Though he had on his shoes, he felt his toes scrunching up at the tips. Usopp blinked and shifted his eyes from side to side. He felt some pride rumbling. "And not to mention, when you're going on about, Captain Usopp this! And Captain Usopp that! I just, find it hilarious, I guess.

"Then you even have the gall to call yourself a warrior when you're the biggest coward I know. You're scared of everything, yet still boast about bravery." The conceit Usopp had boiled up slowly slipped away. He wasn't a total coward…right? "I mean lookit you, you say such things, prove yourself wrong and then go on and do something totally brave. It's like you want to fool everyone into thinking you're a total scardy cat, when you kind of aren't." Sanji wanted another cigarette to puff on. But there was no point at this time. He was calm enough, but he was afraid of a direct rejection from the long nose. He sighed to himself when thinking about Usopp plainly saying 'I don't like you, Sanji'. He could hear it oh so clearly, but he blocked it out and kept going.

"Those devices you have. I mean, you say you're no good and shit like that, but did you see that cannon today? I mean yeah Franky helped and all, but you'd think that the brains behind it, being you, were at least more than helpful. I thought the thing was powerful enough! You two are saying it wasn't, and to me that was a bit of bullshit. I guess mechanics like your selves have to be perfect for everything." It ached to speak of Franky in such a way, but Usopp said himself he wasn't interested. Sanji thought about being in Franky's position, not being interesting enough for him to actually crush on. It hurt to think about. He felt bad for dissing Franky so much lately, but felt even worse that he was being so mean to Usopp too.

He didn't have much else to say. Of course he could bring up the stupid stories Usopp went on and on about, but that wouldn't sway the sniper's feelings one bit. He wanted to be loved by him, but that shit took a long time to happen. About a year of sailing together and Sanji was head over heels for the other. Usopp had just found out about this, so it'd probably take another three years for anything romantic to happen. It just didn't seem right.

"I don't know why I like you. I hate that I do." He whispered. Usopp leaned in, not really hearing the cook's harsh words.

"What'd you say?" He asked and placed his knees upon the grass below them. He moved closer hoping to get some whiff of whatever Sanji was saying.

"Why don't you…like me back?" He grumbled. Why? He couldn't control his anger that had now started to seep through. "I mean I like you right?"

"It… it's not that easy! I-I mean I never even thought about it before. I can't force myself, regardless of how bad I feel. I'm…sorry." Usopp sunk back towards the wall. He didn't want to hear anymore. "If it was that easy, I'd kiss you right now." Kiss. Maybe that would set something off in Usopp's mind. His body would definitely react, but maybe something in his mind would snap; maybe he'd come to his senses and realize he did have some feelings for Sanji. He got him to moan at least.

"Let me kiss you again then," Sanji started off. His tone sounded desperate. He wanted a taste of Usopp's lips. The other was less than thrilled. "Just one more time!"

"It's not gonna change anything, Sanji." Their eyes met and locked onto the other. How could you be so heartless? Listen to what I'm telling you! Isn't it obvious I want you? I even said so myself! There's no one else on this giant boat that really feels this way about you.

"It can change a lot of things. You're just scared. Stop being a coward and let me—"

"This has nothing to do with me being a coward! I just don't want it. You keep pushing and pushing. That's not gonna change my mind, Sanji. I just don't feel the same about you! And if you're pissed off about that, then fine. I'm sorry, I just don't… like you that way."

So he was right. The liar was being completely honest. He was being rejected, and since he kept insisting on kissing, it just made Usopp mad and directly tell him he didn't want him at all. I am a dumbass. He didn't want to hear such words. I'm so stupid.

"Fine." He replied and moved closer to Usopp, leaning against to shaky boy.

"I-I just said I didn't—"

"I heard you. But know this, even if you don't like me now, I'll be waiting. I don't care if it takes forever. I'll wait for as long as I can, just so…" He gulped, looked down and sighing. He had to catch his breath. This was a bit much. "Just so you know how much I like you." Usopp held his gaze on Sanji's face. The cook wasn't looking at him. Was he being serious about this? All Usopp could do was nod. He couldn't promise anything. There was nothing to promise. Feelings weren't always permanent. He wanted to test to see how long Sanji would wait. This was the Casanova that flirted with any woman that passed him. The lover boy that swooned over whatever chick he saw as gorgeous. He couldn't hold this idiot pervert to his word. If he ever could, then that'd be a damn great miracle.

Ah... Was it bad?