Chapter Text
Luffy was struggling with more than one subject in college, it was second year. He had to maintain a 3.0 GPA but the mandatory Art History course was soooooo boring, He was studying to be a Health and Physical Education teacher, for elementary students. Why would he need to know the difference between Baroque and Gothic architecture? Why did he need to know that Monet and Manet weren't the same guy? Why did the professor give an hour lecture on a cross in a jar of the artist's pee called 'Piss Christ'?
...And then there was the final project where he had to pick a culturally iconic image, research it, recreate it in a creative way, and write a ten page report on it and how it has impacted that culture, and the rest of the world.
He wasn't an art guy. He was a sports guy, hence his major. Now people labeled him as the dumb one out of every friend group he's ever been part of, but he really isn't. He got mostly As and Bs in highschool, except for math and history. They were the worst because Luffy just wanted to nap through them. He couldn't seem to focus when he found a subject boring.
He was lamenting to Zoro and Sanji over lunch about his Art Class woes when he heard his name for the first time.
"Oi! Usopp! Hey, over here!" Sanji was shouting and waving across the commissary at some guy. It was kinda weird, seeing Sanji this excited over a guy. Sanji was the girl crazy, skirt chaser of their group. He seemed to have a new love interest every few weeks, but here he was practically vibrating with excitement over some boy. Though, Luffy did have to admit that this Usopp was really cute.
"Guys! This is Usopp," Sanji said proudly like a kid at show and tell in elementary school, "Usopp these are my friends, Luffy and *cough* Mosshead *cough*, excuse me...Zoro."
Usopp blushed and smiled in the sweetest way, "Um n-nice to meet you two." His voice was so cute. He was wearing an over sized sweater and his finger tips were barely visible, very cute, and all Luffy could think about was what was he hiding under that bulky shirt.
Sanji was saying something, the adorable boy was sitting down next to him. Sanji patted his back and hooked his arm over the guy's shoulder. Luffy felt a tightening in his chest. Sanji was talking and draped over this guy who looked really uncomfortable, but was smiling and talking. He said something to Zoro and made him laugh. He got a genuine belly laugh out of Zoro, Mr. 'stoic, tough guy' Roronoa. Luffy smiled dumbly. It was hot in there, wasn't it? How could anyone stand the sweltering heat. Luffy was fanning himself. How could this Usopp guy stand that heavy, bulky sweater. Luffy really wanted to rip it off him. Where had that thought come from?
"Oi! Luffy!" Sanji barked at him. He shook himself out of the daze he had been in. Still too hot but better. Sanji rolled his eyes at him, "I was saying Usopp's an Art Major-"
"Graphic Design," Usopp corrected.
Sanji smiled apologetically, "Right, sorry...anyway you were telling us what a pain your Art Class was."
"Um yeah its A-art History," Luffy was having a hard time talking when those pretty eyes focused on him. His tongue felt swollen and useless. Was he dying, oh god he was having a heart attack!
"Professor Doflamingo's class? I took that freshman year. He's pretty creepy, but he knows his stuff. He uh, he...lets just say, avoid being alone in a room with him," Usopp shuddered and his face was bright red.
Luffy didn't like the sound of that, but he could imagine. The man was aggressive in class, and he wore skintight pants, and shirts unbuttoned almost all the way. He did see the guy leering at both male and female students. So far he hasn't been on the wrong end of that leer, but he had no qualms with hitting a professor in self-defence, and while Luffy had always looked skinny, he was really strong and he had scrapped in his day.
"He's a hard ass isn't he?" Luffy finally commented. Usopp laughed at that and Luffy felt all warm and fluttery inside. He cleared his throat, "I think I'm flunking this one."
"What makes you say that?" Usopp asked him.
"Well I was never very good at History, and this final project seems really hard. I've gotta pick out a painting or something culturally iconic."
"Let me guess, You have to write a big essay, ten pages if I remember correctly, and you need to make a creative reimagining of the art piece." Usopp guessed. Luffy nodded. "What piece did you pick?"
"I, uh, I haven't...yet," Luffy felt silly getting embarrassed over that, but he did. Art was just so hard to get into. He liked to look at it, sure, but to study it, write about it, and then make something similar? That was a whole different beast.
Usopp leaned in, his eyes bright with curiosity, "You know, I might be able to help you out with that. I'm pretty good at that stuff," He offered a hopeful smile. Luffy felt his heart swell.
"You would?" Luffy smiled and Usopp blushed the prettiest pink, "Th-thanks!"
Sanji glared at him, his eyes burning with a fiery passion that was definitely not friendship. Luffy felt a little guilty, but he had to pass this class. He had to keep his scholarship and not disappoint Dandan, his adoptive mother.
"Sure! What do you have in mind?" Luffy's heart was racing.
Usopp shook his head, "You have to choose your subject." He sounded firm and Luffy liked the sound of a stern Usopp.
"Well, I kind of like that painting of the sunflowers," Luffy confessed.
Usopp's eyes lit up. "Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers'? That's a great choice! It's one of the most recognized paintings in the world, and it's not too complicated to recreate."
Luffy felt light at Usopp's apparent approval of his choice. He had always thought it was a pretty picture. "Cool! I just don't know how to make it, you know, different."
"There are lots of ways" Usopp started listing off, "Change the medium, change the color scheme, focus on one section of the painting. Paint it on a skewed angle. There's lots of other ways too...Luffy do you want some help with painting. I wouldn't mind, if we do it when I'm free." Both Sanji and Luffy's heads snap to Usopp when Usopp said, 'if we do it.'
Why was he being such a pervert?
Luffy sat in his dorm room, surrounded by textbooks and notes, trying to make sense of the art history he had been avoiding all semester. The painting of the sunflowers stared back at him from the page, their vibrant yellows and oranges beckoning him to understand their significance beyond just being pretty.
He knows he mostly pulled the choice out of his ass, but also Usopp was like a sunflower. Pretty and wholesome. "I'll take any help I can get," Luffy said thinking of Usopp. He would take anything Usopp would offer.
He saw Usopp at the commissary agan, all alone. Luffy couldn't believe his luck, "Hey, Usopp," He approached the boy. His smile fell seeing Usopp sniffing and clenching a damp napkin in his fist. "Are you okay?"
Usopp looked up from his tray, his eyes a little red and puffy. "Yeah, I just had a bad day, that's all," He mumbled.
Luffy sat down next to him, "Want to talk about it?" He offered, his heart aching at the sight of the sadness etched on the boy's face.
Usopp took a deep breath before speaking, "It's just...my dad."
Luffy nodded sympathetically, "What happened?" He knew Usopp's relationship with his father was complicated.
Usopp sighed, pushing his food around on the tray, "He just...doesn't get it. He thinks graphic art is a pipe dream and I'll never be able to support myself. He wants me to drop out and take over the family's convenience store." His voice cracked a little, and Luffy felt a surge of protectiveness.
"Your dad's a dick," Luffy said bluntly, earning a surprised laugh from Usopp. "You're really talented, and you're going to do amazing things. Don't let anyone tell you differently, especially not some old fart who probably thinks the Mona Lisa is just a portrait of a sad chick."
Usopp's eyes watered, "Thanks, Luffy. That means a lot." He took a bite of his food, and Luffy felt the tension ease from his shoulders a fraction. "So, about that project. Would you still want my help?"
"More than ever," Luffy said with a firm nod, "But only if you're sure you have the time."
Usopp looked up at Luffy, his eyes glistening, "It's the least I can do for you. You're always so nice to me."
Luffy felt his stomach squirm, because he had only that morning jerked off while thinking of this adorable guy. Now he's going to be around him for his art project? He was going need to figure out how to hide all the boners he knew he would pop. Luffy blushed "Sure! When are you free?"
"Is this afternoon good? My last class ended at noon." Usopp smiled and Luffy's heart melted.
"Oh my last class lets out at five this evening, maybe I could buy you dinner?" Luffy suggested.
Usopp nodded blushing, "I'd like that."
"Then, It's a date!" Luffy cheered then blushed, "Uh, you know what I mean..."
"I'll meet you in the library, at six so you have time to get your stuff," Usopp offered.
"Okay! Thanks Usopp you're the best!" Luffy grinned and had to fight to not kiss him on the cheek.
He went to his last class that day with a new found motivation. He was going to kick the ass of this project, and maybe get to know Usopp better. Maybe even get a chance to touch his hair, it was always so neat and he wondered if it was as soft as it looked. He totally didn't feel like a creep after that thought popped into his head.
When six o'clock rolled around he was practically bouncing out of his skin. He had picked out his favorite outfit. He knew that Usopp probably wouldn't notice but it made him feel better. It was a simple white T-shirt and blue jeans, a red vest, and his lucky straw hat.
The library was empty except for them. They sat at a table with the book of Van Gogh's art open between them. Usopp's scent filled the room. It was like fresh rain and paint, something that was soothing and creative all at the same time.
"So, what do you want to do with it?" Usopp was leaning in closer to the book, his finger tracing the brush strokes of 'Sunflowers'. Luffy was watching Usopp's fingers. He would love to feel those fingers on his body. Luffy shivered pleasantly.
"Luffy?" Usopp said and put his hand on Luffy's shoulder. He jumped in surprise. He had been so lost in thought he didn't hear the sweet voice beside him.
"Oh, yeah. I think my blood sugar is low," Luffy lied. He had to get his thoughts in check. "So, what do you suggest for the project?" He leaned in closer to the book, his shoulder brushing against Usopp's. The contact sent a jolt through his body.
"We'll these books would be good references. I can mark the important facts with sticky notes, and if you want I can help you with your recreation. Maybe we could even do it together," Usopp suggested shyly, his hand hovering over the book.
Luffy's thoughts screeched to a halt. He heard that, he knew Usopp didn't mean it the way his dick interpreted it. Luffy blushed and nodded.
Usopp looked at him saw Luffy's blush and blushed too, "I mean the painting, we can paint together." He was beet red too.
They sat in silence. As Usopp flipped through the different books scribbling on sticky notes and sticking them at different points on the pages. Finally he closed the books and stacked them and handed them to Luffy, "Check those out, I won't write your paper for you or anything, but I put notes in there to help you." He grinned. God, Luffy loved him.
"Thanks," Luffy took them eagerly, "So you want dinner, My treat!"
Usopp blushed, "S-sure."
"Pizza?" Luffy offered.
"I'd love that," Usopp replied, his eyes lighting up.
They headed to the local pizzeria, the warm scent of cheese and bread wafting through the air as they stepped inside. The place was cozy, with a few wooden tables and a chalkboard menu written in different colors. Luffy couldn't help but think of their project, and how much more enjoyable it was going to be with Usopp's company.
They had a great meal, and Luffy only wished this were a real date. But he assumed Usopp was straight. He had to keep his feelings in check. They talked about the project, their classes, and their hobbies. Usopp talked about his love for painting and drawing, and Luffy found himself getting lost in Usopp's passionate descriptions of his art.
"So, what do you do in your free time?" Usopp asked, taking a bite of his pizza.
"Basketball, baseball, whatever sport is in season," Luffy offered. "But mostly I just hang with Sanji and Zoro. You know, guy stuff." He tried to play it cool, but his eyes kept drifting back to Usopp's mouth, watching him chew.
Usopp nodded, "I used to play baseball in high school." Usopp had some pizza sauce on the corner of his mouth and before Luffy could stop himself he swiped his thumb over it. Usopp froze and Luffy felt his cheeks burn.
"You, you uh, had sauce on your mouth," Luffy stuttered, trying to play it off as a casual gesture. Usopp's eyes grew wide, his cheeks turning a brighter shade of red. He quickly wiped his mouth with a napkin, looking a bit flustered.
"T-thanks," Usopp murmured, his voice a tad shaky. The air between them thickened, and Luffy's heart thumped in his chest. He hadn't meant to make it awkward, but now it was all he could think about. Was it his imagination, or was Usopp's hand trembling slightly as he took another bite of pizza?
They finished their meal in relative silence, the occasional laugh or comment about the art project acting as a lifeline to keep their conversation afloat. When the bill came, Luffy insisted on paying, earning another blush from Usopp. As they stepped out into the cool evening, Luffy felt a strange mix of excitement and dread. He didn't want the night to end, but he was acutely aware of the unspoken tension that had arisen.
Usopp looked up at the starlit sky, a rare sight in the city, and let out a sigh, "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
Luffy was Looking at Usopp's profile and agreed, Usopp was beautiful. "Yeah, it is." He said, his voice a bit too quiet.
Usopp's gaze drifted to him, and they shared a brief, silent moment. The stars twinkled above them, casting a soft glow on Usopp's face. Luffy felt his chest tighten, and his hand reached out before he could stop it, brushing against Usopp's. The touch was electric, sending a shock wave through Luffy's body. He looked down at their joined hands, his thumb rubbing the back of Usopp's hand in a gentle, comforting motion.
Usopp took his hand away blushing, "I need to get home." He cleared his throat, "Dad likes waiting up and if I get home late he freaks out on me."
Luffy nodded, feeling like a dumbass. He had just outed himself and probably made Usopp uncomfortable. He had to get home to study anyway, right? "I'll, ah go get started on my paper. Good night." He turned to to go. Usopp put his hand on Luffy's shoulder.
He turned back, "Usopp?"
Usopp jerked his hand away and smiled awkwardly, "The painting? When do you want to work on it."
"How about Saturday?" Luffy suggested, hoping he didn't sound too eager.
Usopp nodded, his eyes dropping to their still-joined hands. "Yeah, that sounds good. Do you have a place we can work?"
"My dorm...is kinda cramped," Luffy rubbed the back of his head knocking his hat over his eyes.
"You can come to mine, Dad will be running the store. I have a little make-shift studio in the garage. Then we could get a burger or something?"
Luffy righted his hat His heart soared at the suggestion, "That sounds perfect!" He grinned widely, trying to ignore the racing of his heart. "So, Saturday it is!"
Usopp rummaged in his messenger bag grabbed a sticky note pad and a pen. He scribbled out something and handed the note to Luffy.
"M-my number, and address," Usopp smiled, "Good night, Luffy."
"Good night, Usopp," Luffy waved.
Usopp turned to go. Luffy watched his backside. He bit his lip. He had a date with his left hand and some lotion. He needed to stop doing that, but well, it was Usopp's fault for having a great ass.
The week dragged on. Luffy found himself in a haze of classes and training sessions. He couldn't get his mind off of Usopp. He found himself doodling sunflowers in his notes and thinking about him during his work outs. He had to snap himself out of it. He was going to screw this up if he didn't get his head on straight.
Saturday found Luffy walking with a bounce in his step. He was leaving the campus.
"Yo! Luffy!" Zoro jogged up to his friend, "Where're you going."
Luffy's cheeks turned red, "A-Art project with Usopp." He stumbled over his words.
Zoro started walking with Luffy so they could talk, "Oooh, You getting your lover boy all to yourself?" He teased his friend.
"Shut-up," luffy tried to sound angry, but he couldn't wipe the excited grin off his face.
Zoro smirked, "Whatever you say, Cap'n." He slapped Luffy's back before heading to his own dorm.
"Oh hey, that reminds me. Practice Tuesday instead of Wednesday, the field's booked for a game," Luffy told him, "Tell the team?"
"Will do," Zoro saluted.
"I need to get going," Luffy started to jog to the crosswalk.
"Hey Luff," Zoro called.
"Buy him dinner first," Zoro intentionally shouted.
Luffy flipped him off. "I'm not asking him out, Zoro!" He shouted over his shoulder, but couldn't hide the grin.
Zoro's laughter followed him until he was out of earshot.
As he approached Usopp's house, his heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. It swung open, and Usopp stood there with a hopeful smile on his face. He had his long hair pinned up he was wearing another oversized shirt and Luffy found the column of his neck fascinating.
"Hi, Luffy," Usopp was blushing and holy hell he looked good with his hair up, "Come in." He stepped aside, allowing Luffy into the small but cozy house. The walls were adorned with Usopp's artwork, a mix of landscapes and abstract designs that showcased his talent. He was chattering but Luffy couldn't focus. All he could think was how much he wanted to kiss the boy. How he wanted to suck on that bare neck.
"So, we can set up in the garage," Usopp said, leading the way. The garage was surprisingly clean and organized, with an 8 by 10 canvas set up and all the necessary supplies laid out neatly on a foldable table. "I figured we could start with the background, and maybe I can teach you some brush techniques?"
Luffy felt out of his depth suddenly. This was more than just a project now. "Sounds good, Usopp," he managed to say, his voice a little too gruff. He followed Usopp into the garage, his eyes drinking in the sight of the canvas, the brushes, the smell of the paints. It was like stepping into a whole new world, one that was distinctly Usopp's.
Usopp handed him a smock, "You might want to put this on, don't want to ruin your shirt." He felt a little silly especially seeing Usopp donning a beige apron. He put it on and followed the smaller boy's instructions. They mixed paint and talked about the brushes. Luffy had never painted before. It was surprisingly calming. He watched as Usopp painted the canvas blue. He had such delicate hands, so precise and sure. It was like watching a ballet dancer move across the stage.
"What should I do." Luffy asked.
Usopp turned to face him, a gentle smile on his lips, "You just follow me, okay?" He took a step closer, their bodies almost touching. "Just like how I'm going to show you how to paint. I like oils a lot, but you need to do an original take. What would you do to put your own stamp on this painting?"
Luffy thought for a moment, his eyes scanning the garage. Suddenly an idea struck him, "What if we made it with spray paint? Like graffiti?"
Usopp made a cute face, thinking, "Well you could but you would maybe need to use stencils." Usopp was painting the whole time. Luffy watched his hands in amazement.
"But wouldn't that be cool? Like street art," Luffy said, his voice full of enthusiasm.
"We would need different supplies and maybe a big piece of matte board," Usopp thought tapping his chin, "Poster board, masking tape, and spray paint."
"But it'll be worth it right?" Luffy was eager to try something new. He hadn't painted since grade school, and he was ready to make this project his own.
Usopp nodded, "If you really want to, we can. But remember it's not just about making it different, it's about showing what you think and feel about the original piece."
Luffy nodded, "Can we go get supplies?"
Usopp looked a bit surprised, "Now? It's going to take some time to prep. This might take more than one afternoon."
Luffy nodded eagerly, more 'not' dates with Usopp was fine by him.
"Okay, let's go to the store, I have extra matte board. We can buy the rest...Lets just go to my family store, you could, uh meet my dad." Usopp smiled, "We can walk."
Luffy felt his stomach drop, but he nodded. He didn't know how he was going to face Usopp's dad. But if it meant more time with Usopp, he'd do it.
They walked down the quiet street, the sound of their shoes on the pavement the only noise between them. Usopp talked about his neighborhood, pointing out the places he used to play as a kid, and Luffy listened, hanging onto every word. He couldn't help but feel a little envious of Usopp's seemingly normal upbringing. His own childhood was filled with chaos, lits of foster homes, Until Dandan. She was tough, and gruff. He and his foster brothers took a lot of hard knocks, but Dandan actually treated them well and they became like a real family her, Ace, and Sabo.
When they arrived at the convenience store, Luffy could see the resemblance to Usopp's art style in the way the store was laid out. It was colorful and inviting, with hand-drawn signs pointing out the specials. Usopp's dad looked up from behind the counter, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Luffy. Luffy tried to keep his cool, but he could feel the man's skepticism.
"Hey Son I thought you were studying...this doesn't look like Studying," He glared.
"I was helping my friend with an art project for school, we just came to get some supplies," Usopp explained.
"You in the hat" Usopp's dad looked at him, "No freebies!"
"No of course not," Luffy hadn't even though about that.
Usopp's dad looked him over, "What do you need?" He was gruff but not unkind.
"Poster board, masking tape, orange, yellow and black spray paint. I have enough of the other colors for the project back home," Usopp listed off. He dragged Luffy off to get the stuff. He thought it was weird that they sold spray paint, but they had car parts too, and oil and stuff. They got the supplies.
His dad rang them up, "That'll be $37.25."
Luffy dug two twenties out of his wallet. This was cutting into his budget, but The time with Usopp had been worth it.
He took the change and the poster board. Usopp carried the bag while Luffy clumsily shoved his change and receipt in his pocket. They walked back to Usopp's garage. Making the graffiti art was really fun They mostly got stencils cut and worked out arranging them. They talked and laughed. Luffy felt his heart flutter every time Usopp touched his arm or shoulder. He was trying not to read into it. Maybe Usopp was just a touchy person. Then Luffy's stomach growled. Usopp looked at his phone, "It's late, want to go get food."
Luffy nodded eagerly, "Yeah, I'm starving."
Usopp's smile grew, "Great, my treat this time."
They went to a small diner that Usopp said had the best burgers in town. The bell chimed as they entered and the smell of grease and grilled onions filled the air. They sat in a booth in the back, and Luffy couldn't help but feel like they were on a real date.
"What do you want to drink?" Usopp asked, glancing at the menu.
Luffy looked up from his own menu, "I'll have a Coke, please."
"Two cokes and two of your house burgers with the works," Usopp told the waitress before she could leave, "...And a basket of fries."
The diner was cozy, with the sound of sizzling burgers and clinking plates in the background. Luffy felt his stomach rumble again, and he couldn't remember the last time he was this hungry. Usopp's cheeks were flushed from the cool evening air, and he looked more relaxed than Luffy had ever seen him.
"So, tell me more about your family," Luffy said, trying to keep the conversation flowing.
Usopp's smile faltered slightly, "It's just me and my dad now. My mom passed away a few years ago."
Luffy's heart dropped, "I'm sorry," He reached over and squeezed Usopp's hand. "I know what it's like to lose someone."
Usopp gave him a small smile, "Thanks."
The waitress brought their drinks, interrupting the moment. They both took sips of their Cokes, the ice clinking against the glass.
"How did you get into art?" Luffy asked, eager to keep the conversation going.
Usopp shrugged, "It was always there. My mom was really artistic, she used to paint a lot. She taught me when I was little." His eyes took on a faraway look. "It was our thing."
Their burgers arrived, steaming and smelling heavenly. A huge basket of fries sat between them. They were greasy and salty, and perfectly crispy. Luffy's stomach rumbled again. They ate in companionable silence, the occasional laugh or comment about their project.
As they ate Luffy just knew he wanted more of this. More of Usopp. Time went too fast. Before he knew it they were saying goodnight with plans for the next saturday to finish the painting.
The weekend passed in a blur of anticipation. Luffy went to his part time job at the student center. His baseball coach helped Luffy get on the janitorial staff part time. They were very flexible with student work schedules and it was inside campus. Mostly it was okay but some students could be dicks. Still Luffy wasn't afraid of hard work, or grime, and he got $15.00 per hour. A really good wage. He wouldn't complain.
The week felt like it dragged on forever. He saw Usopp at school, but they didn't get much time to talk. Usopp was always in a hurry to get to his next class or to work on his own projects. But every time their eyes met, Luffy felt a little spark. Maybe he was imagining it.
Finally, Saturday came. Luffy woke up early, eager to get to Usopp's. He put on a clean shirt and jeans, trying to look casual but not like he hadn't thought about it at all. He grabbed his backpack with the leftover supplies from last week and headed out the door.
When he arrived, Usopp was already in the garage, the door open and the smell of paint in the air. Luffy felt his heart race as he saw Usopp's concentration, the way he moved with such grace and confidence around the canvas. He took a deep breath and walked in, "You ready to make this sunflower street art?"
Usopp looked up, his eyes lighting up, "Yeah, I've been thinking about it all week." He was wearing his protective glasses today, which made him look even more adorable. Luffy had to stop himself from staring.
"I, ah, masked off the edges and primed the matte...here, Usopp handed him a face mask and pulled one over his face He pointed to the two open windows with box fans and the garage door was up. "Never spray paint in a closed off space. Oh and its gonna be a little loud once I get the fans going, they're kinda old." Usopp warned.
He turned them on and a cool breeze hit Luffy's face. He put his mask on and picked up the spray can and yelled over the fans, "So, where do we start?"
Usopp took the spray can from Luffy, "We start with the stencil placement!" Usopp shouted back. They started Usopp explained chiaroscuro technique. Luffy didn't understand a word of it except they were going to paint the lightest colors first then mask them off and work darker and darker.
"I primed the matte white and added a clear coat to keep it shiny. We will cover up the areas we want to stay white. I already marked things off with a pencil. It shouldn't be noticable when we are done." Usopp seemed to be in his element. Luffy was just happy to be in Usopp's space, watching him work.
They worked together, placing the stencils carefully. Luffy's heart raced when Usopp leaned into him to show him something on the board. He could feel the warmth of his body, the smell of paint mixing with his scent. It was heavenly. They painted for hours, Spraying a layer, letting it dry, blocking off more of the picture. Wash, rinse, repeat. The garage floor looked kind of like a rainbow came in and vomited all over.
Luffy found himself getting lost in Usopp's instructions, the way his eyes lit up when explaining something. It was like watching a kid in a candy store. Usopp was so passionate about his art and Luffy found himself getting lost in that passion. He hadn't realized how much time had passed until Usopp pulled his mask down, "Let's take a break, grab a snack."
They stepped out into the warm garage and took off their masks. Usopp's hair had come loose and it fell into his eyes. He pushed it away, his cheeks were flushed and there was a smudge of paint on his cheek. Luffy's heart did a little flip. He had never seen Usopp so relaxed, and happy.
"You look pretty," Luffy slipped up, "Uh, pretty tired. Want to go get burgers again?" He offered, trying to cover up his blunder.
Usopp laughed, "Thanks, I think?" He wiped his face with a rag, smearing the paint even more. "But, yeah, food sounds good."
They decided to order takeout from the same diner as last week. They stopped off to give Usopp's dad a burger and fries. He was working the register and called out, "My boy's got a good taste in art and food, eh?"
Luffy blushed, "Yeah, Usopp's really cool."
Usopp's dad grunted, "You two have fun, don't stay out too late."
They took the food back to the garage and sat on the floor, eating their burgers and watching the sun set outside. The light streamed in through the windows, casting a warm glow over their makeshift studio. They put the finishing touches on the painting and Usopp looked at his watch. It was already 10 o'clock.
"Shit...It's late. You shouldn't walk home in the dark. Wanna crash on my couch, I could make popcorn and we can watch Netflix. Luffy had work in the afternoon, but he thought he could manage an impromptu slumber party.
Luffy nodded eagerly, "Yeah, sure. That sounds fun."
Usopp grabbed a bag of popcorn from the kitchen and put it in the microwave. While it popped, he turned on the TV and flipped through the Netflix options, looking for something that would suit them both. "Action, Comedy, Horror, Rom Com, or we could binge a series." Usopp asked.
I have work tomorrow afternoon so maybe no bingeing tonight. How about a Horror?
Usopp nodded, "Horror it is!" He grabbed the bowl of popcorn and they sat down on the couch. The movie was a classic, one that Luffy hadn't seen in years. They jumped at the right moments and laughed at the cheesy lines. Their laughter filled the quiet house.
Usopp's Dad came home about halfway through the movie They both screamed and Usopp threw the popcorn bowl over the back of the couch.
"You two okay?" His dad's gruff voice called from the kitchen.
"Dad! You scared the crap out of me!" Usopp complained, "Oh we lost track of time and I didn't want Luffy to walk all the way back to campus in the dark. He's going to crash on the couch."
"Just as long as there's no hanky-panky going on."
"Oh My God, DAD!" Usopp yelled at his dad who was already retreating down the hall, "Go to bed Dad!"
They both couldn't stop laughing for a good minute before Usopp's dad's door slammed shut. They both turned back to the TV, their laughter dying down. The movie played on, the tension building on the screen. The room was dimly lit by the TV and the nightlight in the kitchen.
Luffy woke up really warm and squished under a lumpy blanket. The blanket stretched and yawned. Luffy's eyes snapped open. Usopp was draped on top of him. He nuzzled Luffy's chest in his sleep. Luffy dare not move. He wanted to soak this up as long as possible. He felt Usopp's breathing slow and even out. He was sleeping peacefully. Luffy felt something wet on his chest. He looked down and saw Usopp had drooled a bit. He chuckled to himself, this was too much. He gently pushed Usopp off him and stood up. He checked his phone and saw it was already ten in the morning.
They had both fallen asleep on the couch. He tiptoed to the kitchen to get some water. Usopp's dad was sitting at the kitchen table with a steaming cup of coffee in front of him.
"Mornin'," The man patted the chair next to him, "Come sit. Want some coffee?" Luffy sat, but shook his head.
"Juice, milk, or water then?" He asked.
"Um just water thank you," Luffy felt like a child being scolded for some reason.
"Sure," He got a glass of tap water and set it before the him. He sat back at his coffee, taking a sip. He looked at Luffy, "You like my son?"
"Oh, um, I think he's awesome, Sir," Luffy smiles.
"Yasopp, call me Yasopp, there's no sirs at this table.
"Okay Yasopp, s- Then please call me Luffy," He held his hand out to shake hands.
Yasopp chuckled but took the offered hand and shook, "Firm grip good lad, but you really haven't answered me. Let me rephrase my question. Tell me what are your intentions towards my boy?"
Luffy blushed and stared at his hands which were suddenly very interesting, "I like him a lot."
"You may not know this but his mother passed away," The man glanced at a family photo on the kitchen wall. Yasopp was there with a pretty woman, She had pale skin and long raven hair. He saw Usopp took after her in features, but his skin tone and curly hair came from his dad.
"Banchina was taken from us too young. Usopp, my boy, is all I have left if my beloved," Yasopp looked Luffy dead in the eyes, "I love my son. We may not always get along, but that will never change." The man cleared his throat, "If I find you are toying with my boy, they won't ever find your body."
Luffy nodded and swallowed a gulp of water, "I think Usopp is beautiful, kind, sweet, and smart. I could never hurt him, If I could be his friend, and only that I could be happy. If...if I could be more for him I would dedicate my life to making him happy." Luffy couldn't believe his word vomit, but he actually felt a weight off his chest.
"You and me both kid," Yasopp downed the rest of his coffee. He stood and patted Luffy on the shoulder, "Then you sure as shit better make him happy."
Then he left.
That was weird because he thinks he got a shovel talk and a blessing all in the same conversation. Luffy took a deep breath and went to the bathroom to wash his face and clean up. When he came out, Usopp was standing in the kitchen, fully dressed and making breakfast.
"Good morning!" Usopp looked so domestic and Luffy fell more in love. He wasn't quite ready to take the next step. He still didn't know how Usopp would react. Yasopp seemed to think Luffy was, if not already, was almost his boyfriend.
Usopp sent him off with a breakfast sandwich. He really hated to go but he needed a shower and a change of clothes before work.
Luffy felt himself accosted on his way to his dorm room, by Sanji.
"What's going on with you and Usopp, Luffy?" Sanji's voice was sharp, his eyes narrowed in accusation.
Luffy stumbled, his thoughts racing, "What do you mean?"
Sanji stepped closer, his arms crossed over his chest, "I've seen the way you two have been hanging out. The secret meetings, the way you look at each other. What's the deal?"
"He's been helping me with my art history stuff," Luffy didn't know what Sanji was on about. "It's just a project, man."
Sanji's eyes searched Luffy's, looking for something unsaid. "It's not just a project, Luffy. You guys are always together. You're practically inseparable."
"Usopp's a cool guy. He's doing me this favor that's all." Luffy defended. What was with him? You
would think Luffy had stolen his girlfriend.
Sanji's expression softened, "I know he's cool. But he's sensitive too. And I don't want to see him get hurt."
Luffy nodded, understanding his concern, "I don't either, Sanji. Believe me."
Sanji studied him for a moment before his shoulders relaxed. "Okay, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Just...be careful with him, alright?"
"I will," Luffy promised, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. He knew Usopp was sensitive, but he didn't know how much Sanji knew about his feelings, "Hey, I need to go get ready for work."
Sanji nodded, "Alright, see you around."
Luffy felt uneasy about the way Sanji would talk about, or look at Usopp. Like a hungry wolf watching a fluffy lamb prancing around being adorable.
As the week went by, Luffy tried to keep his thoughts to himself and not let his feelings show. He saw Usopp in the halls and at the library, but they didn't have much time to talk outside of their project. Every time their eyes met, Luffy's heart skipped a beat. He was dying to know if Usopp felt the same way.
Things built to an emotional crescendo the weak before finals. He had given his final project presentation and the Professor actually liked his reimagining of Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers'. It was gong to hang in the school's art gallery.
Luffy saw Usopp between classes. He was so excited he grabbed that sweet face and he kissed those soft lips. He opened his eyes in shock at what he had done. He figured he would go for broke, he pulled away, "Go out with me."
He stood there holding Usopp's cheeks and Usopp's expression was intoxicating. Then he nodded and smiled. Luffy kissed his new boyfriend. Luffy realized Usopp was his. He felt so happy he could pop.