Agh, this chapter made me sad. Another one of my favorites. Not my characters~
The aquarium bar was bare. Why hadn't anyone decided to come in here before Sanji even reached the door? He had hoped someone else had gotten ahold of Usopp before him, that a way he wouldn't have to look the liar in the face. Three, no four times he had been rejected. Why did he enjoy playing with his emotions? He opened the door, after mentally battling with himself.
One half of him saw a chance to steal a few kisses, his other half just gave up completely, doubting that anything could happen between the two now. Once inside, he closed the door and contemplated on if he could lock the doors. No use, the hallway behind the fish tank was still there. He sighed, lighting another cigarette and setting the butt on his lips. He inhaled the nicotine and blew out smoke before moving on towards a limp body that draped over the lounge seats.
"Oh… Usopp." He shook his head, seeing the liar lying on his stomach curled up with a glass in hand. He cradled it close, murmuring is slurs. Did this idiot not know how to drink? He approached the boy and kneeled before him, prying the glass from his curled fingers. He freed the glass and set it on the floor. You damn piece of shit. You talk to me about how the weather is… when you know I'm dying for an answer. Even Robin wants you to tell me what it is you feel. What other reason would she send me over here? He pet the sniper's head. His hat had been absent from his head since boarding the ship again. His hair was so smooth, silky and curly. "No matter how many times you hurt me, I still can't help myself."
What was he, a masochist? Letting this liar walk over him with his drabbles and then seduce him with such a face. He felt himself becoming angry, rage being the better term.
"I can't stand this bullshit. You can't even tell me whether or not you like me. You can't tell me what the hell you're feeling. You probably told Robin without a problem and still struggle just to inform me what it is you're feeling." His fingers bent into claws, gripping some of Usopp's hair, pulling some of it out of place. "What is it? Do you like me at all? Do I disgust you?" He raised his voice, almost echoing throughout the bar. "Just tell me! It's not that damn hard!"
What am I doing? Stop it! He let go of the bundled strands he had captured, pulling his arm away in horror. What the hell was he doing? The liar stirred, rubbing his cheek against the fabric of the seat. He opened his eyes, lazily tilting his head upward to see the cook before him. He smiled weakly, sitting up, only to tumble back down onto the seat.
"Haha, ow~" He cooed. He was still drunk out of his mind, blush filling his cheeks with a familiar red hue. Sanji felt guilt, remorse surging through his body. He gritted his teeth and pet Usopp's head, moving his hair back into place. Sorry, sorry! "Sanji…I've wanted to…tell you…hahaha!" He broke into laughter and waved the cook's hand away from his head. "Noooooo, don't pet me okay? Lemme… tell you a secret! It'z a very seeecret secret, just promise not to tell…Sanji, okay?" His vision had blurred. He reached for the now unknown being before him. Usopp caught hold of some cloth, pulling it closer. He felt something tickle his face. Sanji's hair dangled over him, the strands dancing just above his cheek.
"What is it, Usopp?" Sanji asked plainly. Okay, he's just completely out of it now. The sniper peered at the figure above him. He winced, moving the hair from his face and sniffed. He began to sob, giant tears flowing from his eyes. W-Wait! Don't cry! What's wrong? "U-Usopp!"
"I can't… tell him how I feel. Why'z it so hard?" Total regret filled the cook's heart. It must've been the way he grabbed the poor boy's hair, or the way he yelled at him while he slept. He must've scared him. Such a damn fool, he was. "Sanji'll never know… Cause I can't tell him!" I'm right in front of you. What, now you can't see me? He's really drunk. "I just wanna let him know."
"W-what did you wanna tell m—him?" The grip on his shirt loosened and the liar's hand fell. Usopp had closed his eyes again and had fallen asleep. He breathed in short huffs, whimpering within those breaths. So close…I was so close to truly finding out.
The cook couldn't take the suspense anymore. He needed a clear answer; otherwise he'd go utterly insane. He shoved a hand underneath the sniper's legs and another under his head. He lifted the boy and held him bridal style since it'd be more difficult carrying him over his shoulders. He felt somewhat happy to have this chance to carry Usopp in such a way. He hugged him, squeezing whatever his hands could grope. He butted heads with the other and nuzzled for a moment. Usopp wasn't as light as he had been before, but it wasn't too much of a difference now. Turning back to the door he had come from, Sanji quietly left through the doors, making sure to hurry over to the men's quarters. He had hoped no one was in there so he could have some type of time with Usopp alone.