Title: The Start
Theme: #21- Bridge
Claim: SanjixUsopp
Words: 415
Rating: K
Warnings: Boyxboy, no dialogue
Disclaimer(s): I don't own One Piece.
Sanji tried to explain the start of his relationship with Usopp many times, but he found it extremely difficult whenever he tried to come up with a reason. There was never a time when Usopp asked him to do so, and they never talked about a specific moment in time where they became a couple. Sanji was always asking himself though as if he couldn't believe it.
If Sanji had to pick a moment where he "fell in love" with Usopp, he would shrug \his shoulders. In reality, he had no specific moment. He remembered meeting Usopp along with the rest of the crew, scolding him for being a coward at Arlong Park, having a conversation with him during the celebrations in Cocoyashi, and everything that happened when they entered the Grand Line. Everything was clear, but it never explained how everything started.
Their relationship never had a set date. Sanji would place it between entering the Grand Line and leaving Alabasta if he had to. It just happened… Maybe when Sanji realized Mr. 2 had taken Usopp's goggles. He felt his heart flutter as Usopp thanked him for retrieving his goggles. The even went out together when everything was settled and Usopp gently grabbed his hand when no one was looking.
Things generally evolved from there of course. Sanji refused to believe Usopp made the first move and vocally confessed that he had feelings for Usopp. While he was still struggling with the idea that he, the love cook, was interested in a man, he decided he must have some sort of feelings for the sniper when just thinking about him made his head beat faster and his stomach twist in a strange, delighted knot. He knew Usopp felt something in return the day he held his hand in Alabasta.
The bridge from straight, single man to a man dating another man (Sanji refused to call himself gay or bisexual since he was only showing a romantic interest for Usopp) was one Sanji never thought he would cross. He still had a hard time wrapping his head around it. It didn't bother him as much as he thought it would, back when he first met Usopp. The sharpshooter was actually growing on him back then, almost literally now with the way he was pressed against Sanji's side as he slept. The cook felt like Usopp was a part of him now and he felt that it was right. Who needed an explanation when the warm body of someone you love was cuddling against you?