Author's Note: Yo! I kinda like this chapter …. Mm … -Nods- I hope you guys like it too. This is for you Sacred! X) I have nothing else to say really … So just read, enjoy and review! X)
Genderly Challenged
Chapter 12: Thou Art My Friend …?
Everyone gasped and gaped at the bathroom door as Chopper pushed his way through at Usopp's words.
"Bleeding?! How bad?!"
"Wait! Usopp, let me in!!" Nami cried as her face paled slightly.
"Wha-What?!" Everyone exclaimed as they turned to Nami in shock.
"What …?" Usopp questioned from inside.
"Just open the door, Usopp! Let me in!"
"But …"
"Please, Usopp … Just trust me, let me in."
Everyone blinked at her in complete confusion, except for Robin, whose eyes had lit up in realization.
"But, Nami … if he's bleeding, shouldn't I go in there too?"
"It's … fine, Chopper. I can handle this …"
Chopper frowned up at Nami, but nodded. After awhile, the door slowly opened, but Usopp remained out of sight. Nami climbed the ladder and went inside, closing the door behind her. Turning, Nami frowned at Usopp, who was unnaturally pale.
"Why am I bleeding?!" He asked in a loud whisper.
Sighing, Nami walked over to him and took his hand as she headed for the toilet room. "It's natural for a girl to bleed once a month for a few days …"
"Wha-What?!"
"You've started your period, Usopp …"
His eyes bulged as he froze on the spot, causing Nami to stop and turn to him.
"I … I … I …… What …?"
Nami sighed again as she closed her eyes. "You're bleeding … down below, right?" He seemed to nod, but barely noticeable. "You're PMSing, Usopp …"
She watched as he swallowed hard, his face paling further. "That … That can't be …"
"Come on …" She said as she grabbed his hand again and continued to pull him.
Once inside the toilet room, she opened a cabinet and dug around before pulling out a small box. "Here … trying putting this … uh …" She started before turning to him and blinking.
"Pu-Putting it where …?"
Groaning, she rubbed her head as she tried to figure out how to explain this to him.
Everyone waited outside of the door, not having heard much but some muffled talking. Unfortunately for them, they were talking in low voices.
"I wonder what's going on …" Luffy asked, frowning up at the door deeply.
"Don't know … Can't hear anything …" Zoro replied as he crossed his arms.
"Usopp's okay, isn't he?!" Chopper asked as he fidgeted nervously.
"I'm sure Usopp will be just fine. Nami-san knows what she's doing."
Chopper looked up at Sanji and nodded. However, everyone perked when they heard voices from inside. Each ran to the door and attempted to press an ear to it.
"Ow, it hurts!"
"Of course it's going to hurt for your first time! You're still a virgin …"
"But it really hurts, Nami!"
"Just glide it in, Usopp …"
"Are … Are you sure it goes in there …?"
"Of course, I'm sure! I'm a female remember … I know everything about a female body …"
"I-I don't know if I can do this …"
There was a groan from Nami then. "Do you … want me to put it in …?"
"N-No … I can … put it in myself …"
"What the hell are they doing?!" Zoro exclaimed in a loud whisper with wide eyes.
"They … They aren't …?" Sanji started, his face paling.
"No way! Nami would never … would never do that …" Luffy said as his face also paled.
Each glanced at one another with an odd expression before Luffy quickly turned to pound on the door. "Oi, Nami! What's going on?! Is Usopp, okay?!"
"For the love of …" They could hear from inside, "He's just fine! Don't worry about him!"
"B-But …" Luffy stuttered as he stared at the door in a deep frown.
"But what about the blood?!" Chopper called as he also frowned.
"It's nothing!"
Everyone frowned deeply and in confusion before looking at one another again.
"What the hell …? How is blood nothing? Why the hell did she want inside? What's going on?!" Zoro asked as he frowned deeply at the door.
"I-I don't know …" Sanji replied as his expression turned a bit concerned.
"Nami …" Luffy whispered as he swallowed hard and also stared at the door with a concerned frown.
"Everything will be just fine. Shall we leave them alone for now?"
Everyone turned their frowns on Robin, who was smiling at them gently.
"L-Leave them alone?!" Luffy asked as his frown turned almost pained. "How do you know it's fine?!" Luffy started before perking. "Wait, Robin! You can see inside, can't you?! What's going on?!"
Everyone immediately turned to Robin expectantly, having forgotten about this fact, but were surprised that Luffy had remembered.
Robin chuckled as she crossed her arms. "I do not need to see in order to understand what's going on."
Luffy seemed to deflate as he stared at Robin. Robin's eyes slightly narrowed as she watched Luffy closely. "Shall we?" She asked as she turned to leave the observation room.
However, everyone except for Luffy followed her. Robin stopped and turned to Luffy, who had already turned back to stare at the closed bathroom door.
"Luffy …?"
"I will just wait here and make sure everything is okay …" He said quietly without turning.
Robin smiled softly at his back as she tilted her head. Then she nodded slowly, sliding her eyes shut before turning to leave.
After about fifteen minutes, the bathroom door finally opened and Nami stepped out looking a little flushed. Luffy sucked in his breath as he stood up from the bench. Blinking, Nami quickly turned to see him there.
"Luffy …? What are you still doing here?"
"I was just … I wanted to know …" He stuttered quickly before dropping his arm that he'd been motioning to the bathroom with. "I just wanted to make sure everything was alright …" He finally said quietly as he stared at her.
"Everything's fine …" She said as she started for the door.
Luffy perked and frowned as he watched her. "Wh-Where's Usopp …?"
"He's still inside … but I wouldn't bother him right now …" She said as she opened the door to leave.
"Oh …" He said before turning towards the bathroom with a frown before turning back to Nami, who was walking out of the door, and then ran after her to follow her.
Nami rounded the corner with Luffy behind her before realizing everyone had ended up back in the dining room. They both walked in, all eyes turning to her expectantly, some with odd expressions. She frowned at them.
"What?"
"What the hell do you mean, what?! What the hell was that back there?!"
"What was what? What are you talking about, Zoro?!"
"We're talking about what happened in the bathroom, Nami-san!"
"Nothing happened! What the hell are you guys even talking about?! It was nothing! Usopp is just fine! Don't worry about it!"
"Why did you tell Usopp to let you in?!"
Nami furrowed her brows deeply as she shifted her gaze to Zoro. "I said … don't … worry about it … Usopp is fine … and that's all that matters …"
Everyone seemed to be frowning at her, but she wasn't sure why. She turned to look at Luffy, who had his gaze away from hers with a soft frown.
"What is wrong with you guys?!"
Both Zoro and Sanji looked as if they were about to speak, but were cut off.
"Nothing …"
Nami turned to look at Luffy, who had spoken in a low voice, but for some reason, it had silenced the entire room. "You're right … You said Usopp is fine, and that is all that matters. We were just worried about him, is all …"
Continuing to just stare at him, she took note that he'd still yet to look at her. She turned to look at everyone else before her brows furrowed deep. 'What the hell is going on …?' She thought to herself before narrowing her eyes and then turning to leave.
Usopp stayed out of sight for the rest of the night and didn't even join the others for dinner.
"Why isn't Usopp here?"
Everyone turned to Luffy, who was pouting at the closed door.
"He probably just wants to be left alone for awhile, Luffy …"
"But why?"
"Don't worry about it!"
"But why, Nami?!"
Nami released a deep breath as she stared at Luffy. Then she stood up and began to pile on a plate quickly.
"I'm going to take this to him …" She muttered before storming out of the room.
'What's their problem anyways?!" She thought to herself as she walked to the back to find Usopp. He was hiding out from the others, because he was too embarrassed. She finally managed to find him in a remote spot on the ship, fishing.
"Hey …"
Turning, Usopp regarded Nami with blank eyes before turning around again.
"They're worried about you …"
"Until they find out the truth and then laugh at me …"
Sighing, Nami walked over and sat down next to him. "I can't argue that statement …" She said quietly as she turned to him. Usopp only nodded. "I brought you dinner."
"Thanks …" He said as he turned slightly to look down at the plate. He reeled in his line before taking it from her. "Thanks for not telling them anything …"
"Of course I wouldn't tell them anything …" She said quietly as she stared off ahead of her. "Did you change when I told you to?"
"Aa …" He replied quietly as he ate. "It kinda hurts still …"
"It'll be a little sore for awhile, but then it will go away."
Usopp nodded as he ate slowly. "My stomach also hurts …"
"Mm, cramps …"
"Cramps?"
"Un … you get cramps … sometimes headaches, and a lot of other discomforts."
"This really sucks … and you deal with this every month?"
"Yup! You get used to it … but it still sucks each time."
"I would imagine … Just experiencing it once is enough for me …"
Nami released a chuckle as she held onto the rails to lean back a bit. "You can't hide forever, you know … They will begin to wonder where you are …"
"I know … I just …" He started before sighing and setting the plate down in his lap. "I guess I'm just delaying the inevitable …"
"You never know … maybe they won't laugh at you …"
Usopp dropped his head to the side to give her a glance of, 'Yeah right …' She only smiled and chuckled at him. "I guess you're right …" She said as she looked off ahead of her.
"We laughed at you …"
"You did …" She replied quietly with a small smile.
"I'm sorry …"
"Don't worry about it …"
"But I laughed at you … and you didn't laugh at me and tell me I got what I deserved …"
Her smile turned warm as she turned to look at him. "What happened to you isn't funny though … I wouldn't wish a period onto anyone …"
"Thanks …"
"Hmm?" She questioned as her eyebrows rose up.
"Thanks for not laughing at me …"
She tilted her head with a brighter smile. "I already said don't worry about it!"
Blinking, Usopp turned to look at her before flushing slightly. Then he looked back down at his plate. "I guess I should join everyone for breakfast tomorrow …"
"And you know, they might never figure it out anyway."
"Yeah … maybe …"
"As long as you don't give it away, or act nervous. Just be yourself."
"They're going to ask why I went missing …"
"You don't have to answer … Just say you weren't feeling good or something … I mean, they're guys … You think they will figure it out?" She asked as she turned to smile at him.
"Dunno …"
"Well, even if they do, and they do laugh at you, who cares …"
He nodded and finished his food before handing her back the plate. "Thanks."
"You're welcome." She said softly before patting his shoulder and then whirling around to get back on deck. She started to make her way back to the kitchen, but then paused. "And Usopp …?"
He turned to blink at her. "Yeah?"
She smiled at him warmly again. "Don't let it get to you … Okay?"
He blinked with a bit of a gape before smiling back. "Okay."
Chuckling, she then turned to go back to the dining room. Perking, she blinked ahead of her, surprised to see Luffy leaning against the outside of the dining area with a foot propped up against the wall as well. He quickly perked and turned to her when he noticed her coming, his expression seemed concerned.
"Luffy … What are you doing out here?"
"I was … um … worried …"
She blinked in surprise. "Worried? About Usopp?"
"… A-Aa … Is he … um okay? Where is he?" He asked as he shifted his eyes away from her.
As she approached him, she gaped at him slightly. 'Is he really this worried about, Usopp?' She thought to herself before feeling some relief. 'Maybe he won't laugh at Usopp after all.' She continued to think before smiling. "Usopp's fine … but I've told you that already. He just wants to be left alone though …" She said as her smile turned warm.
Luffy's eyes seemed to light up at her smile, and he even straightened up some. "Y-You did … but …"
"He'll be fine. Don't worry about him." She said as she walked past him and patted his shoulder as she did. "Did you eat?"
"N-No …"
She inhaled a bit as she turned to him, her eyes wide. "You … You didn't?"
"I was …… worried …"
"I see …" She replied quietly before tilting her head a bit at how he kept saying that.
Then she shrugged it off, going back into the dining room. She set the plate down on the counter for Sanji to clean before sitting down to eat herself. Luffy also sat down to eat. Everyone else it seemed was already about done.
xxxx
The next morning, everyone gathered in the dining room for breakfast. All eyes had fallen onto Usopp who had also gone in to join them. He kept his head lowered and remained quiet as he took his place at the table.
"Where've you been?" Zoro asked as he quirked a brow at him.
"Yeah … and … you didn't even sleep with us last night …" Luffy said quietly as he frowned at his best friend.
The night before, Nami had given Usopp a pillow and blanket to sleep elsewhere for the night and had given him another change of underwear and other necessities to sleep in. She had given him a pair that she had stashed in the bathroom when she had first been in there with him. He still hadn't been ready to face them that night, and so had slept in the aquarium room.
"I wasn't feeling good …"
"So you slept elsewhere and completely avoided everyone?" Sanji asked, cigarette placed in his mouth.
"That's right …"
Everyone blinked at him, but decided to let it go. Nami smiled at Usopp before beginning to eat after Sanji placed the food onto the table. He remained quiet after everyone started eating and still hadn't lifted his head. However, as the meal went on, Luffy began to take food from the guys' plates like he normally did, but when he got to Usopp's plate, something unexpected happened. Usopp very quickly stabbed the table with his fork, just between Luffy's fingers. Luffy let out a yelp in shock before snapping his hand back into place.
"What'd you do that for?!"
"Whoa! Nice shot, Usopp!" Chopper cried in amazement.
Zoro let out a whistle. "That was a pretty good shot …"
There was a slight chuckle from Usopp, his eyes shadowed before an almost demonic grin formed on his face. "What are you talking about …? I missed …"
"Eh ……?"
Luffy's face paled as he gaped at his best friend. His grin had been very intimidating. "U-Usopp …?"
Pulling the fork out of the table, Usopp then began to eat again, not saying another word.
"Wha … What the hell …?" Zoro questioned as he and the others gaped at Usopp.
Nami slapped her forehead with her palm. 'Yeah … that's a good way to keep a low profile, Usopp …' She thought to herself as she shook her head. She could imagine the pain he was probably in, and how he would be moody and even crabby, but he was supposed to act like nothing happened.
"What's got your panties in a bunch?"
Zoro made a loud, nervous noise as he dodged his head to the side as a fork flew past his head and embedded itself into his chair. Zoro's eyes bulged as he turned to look at the fork.
"Fuck off!!"
"O-Oi … Usopp … calm down …" Sanji said as he frowned at Usopp.
"O-Oi … Usopp … what's wrong …?" Chopper asked as everyone frowned at him deeply.
However, Nami was frowning at him in concern. "Usopp …" She said quietly.
"Wait a minute …"
Everyone turned to Zoro then. "Eh …?"
"This seems familiar …"
"Familiar?" Luffy asked as he tilted his head in confusion.
Usopp gasped as his eyes widened and sweat beaded down his face. Nami's frown turned more concern. 'Oh no!'
"Wha-What are you talking about?!" Usopp exclaimed as he frowned deeply at Zoro.
"I've seen this before! Nami gets like this once every month! Gets real moody and shit!"
Sanji's eyes widened then when realization hit him. "Wait … don't tell me … Usopp … are you …?"
"Of course not!" Usopp exclaimed, but then slapped a hand over his mouth.
Nami let her head drop with a sound of defeat.
"You're PMSing?!" Both Sanji and Zoro yelled at the same time.
Usopp's face lost more color as he shook his head. "N-No! No, of course not!"
"Eh, PMSing?" Luffy asked as he tilted his head and then his eyes grew large. "Usopp, you're PMSing?!"
"No!!"
"E-h?! Usopp … you … you're on your period …?" Chopper asked quietly as he gaped at Usopp.
"No!!"
"That … That would explain the bleeding …" Chopper said quietly in thought.
"And the grouchiness …" Zoro added as everyone gaped at Usopp.
"No, no, I'm not!!"
Luffy's lips slowly curved into a smile as did Zoro's and Sanji's.
"Holy shit … Usopp's on his period!" Zoro exclaimed as he burst into laughter, the others right behind him.
"Oh no …" Nami whispered as her frown softened.
Usopp frowned at them in a gape, but his expression looked very upset, but not angry. "I-It's not funny!"
"It's totally funny!" Luffy exclaimed as he grabbed at his stomach.
"A guy on his rag! That's gotta suck!!" Zoro exclaimed as he also laughed.
"You shoulda seen your face, willow!! I never seen you so scared! Women in their period sure are scary, but you Usopp …!"
"Yohohoho! And here he had my bones rattling! Ah! But they're still rattling … Scary … Yohohohoho!"
"And I thought Navigatin'- neesan was scary! The sharpshooter is much scarier!" Franky exclaimed, but was still laughing.
Chopper was just laughing gaily with everyone else. Usopp's expression turned horrified as he paled further.
Nami's expression saddened before she frowned angrily at them all. "You guys, this isn't funny!!"
Nami was ignored as the crew continued to laugh. Usopp's expression then turned to anger as he stood up and ran out of the room.
"Usopp!" Nami cried as he passed, but he just bolted out of the door.
Her expression darkened as she turned and slammed a fist down onto the table, jarring it considerably. Everyone jumped and immediately looked over at her.
"What the hell is your problem?!" She yelled at the top of her lungs.
Everyone blinked before she started seeing lips twitch, which caused her to scowl.
"But, Nami! It's funny!"
Her scowl shifted to Luffy and bared her teeth. "I thought you were worried about him?!"
"I was! But it was just this! I thought something was really wrong! This is funny!"
"No, it's not funny, Luffy!!"
Zoro chuckled. "What's the big deal? It turned out to be nothing! It is funny!"
"Come on, Nami! Lighten up! It's no big deal, like Zoro says!" Luffy added as he also chuckled.
Her scowl deepened as she felt her temper boiling over. "You've any idea that the reason he stayed away was because he was afraid you, people he trusted, would laugh at him?!" She screamed at the top of her lungs before shifting her eyes to Zoro. "What ever happens to you … I will make sure to laugh my ass off!!" She screamed at the top of her lungs before looking back down at Luffy as well and then turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door loudly behind her.
"Ah … Nami …?" Luffy questioned as he gaped at the now closed door.
"Usopp!" She cried as she looked around for him.
She turned the corner to the back and looked in the same spot he'd been in the day before. He was there, sitting against the rail in a slump and his head buried in his arms.
"Oh, Usopp … I'm sorry …" She said as she made her way to him and sat down.
"It's not your fault …" He said quietly with a sniffle.
"I … I honestly didn't think they'd laugh at you, Usopp …" She said before wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
"It's okay … I deserve it anyway … I would have laughed at them …"
"Hey … don't say that …" She said as she gave his shoulders a squeeze.
He sniffed again, wiping at his eyes. "But it's true!" He cried loudly as he leaned against her.
"Ne, ne … don't cry!" She said as she wrapped her other arm around him, giving him a hug.
"You're being so nice! And I laughed at you!"
"I already said not to worry about that … We're crewmates and friends, right?"
"But … But so is everyone else …"
Nami made a slight noise as her brows furrowed deeper. It was true, so was everyone else. She released her breath and closed her eyes as she pat his shoulder and let him cry on her shoulder. She was a bit surprised by the tears, but then again not so surprised. After all, he was now female, and he was PMSing. He was probably an emotional bundle at that moment.
"It's alright Usopp …" She whispered as she rested her chin on his head with a soft frown, staring at the opposite wall.
Luffy stared down at the two, his expression a soft gape. He released a shaky breath before clenching his fists tightly and then quickly turning away.
As he walked away, a hand came up to grasp at his chest.
To Be Continued …
Author's Note: Awww! Poor Usopp! I wanna hug 'im!! T.T What'd you guys think of a pissy Usopp? Pretty scary, ne?! XP THIS is why I chose Usopp for the PMS! XD I thought it would be funny to see a scary Usopp! XD Hmm, do I sense jealousy? Some feelings hurt …? Or possibly something else? X) Who knows …? What's going on?! XD The others seemed jealous too, ne?! X) Sorry … I couldn't come up with a Brook funny this chapter … You'll have to forgive me. Anyways, let me know what you thought! This chapter was long! XD Be grateful! I think I may be taking a bit of a break from writing for just a few days. I really want to play Sims! X) Anyways, thanks for reading! Now let me know what you thought! Gimme reviews! X)