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Summer sun shining overhead?
Check!
Calm waters underfoot?
Check!
Lack of people on the deck?
Super check!
It was the perfect afternoon to take up a spot on the bench around the Sunny’s foremast and that’s just what Usopp did. His initial plan was to use the time to sketch out a scene from an odd dream he’d had a few days prior; however, this was left by the wayside in favour of simply enjoying the moment.
His hands gripped the planks on either side of his waist. Usopp sat forward on the wooden seat to swing his legs to a mentally supplied beat underneath it. The tips of his boots brushed past the pristine grass blades, like a second wind to match the pleasant breeze dancing across the ship and through Usopp’s hair. Warmth settled across his face as he directed it towards the sky, content to close his eyes and satisfy his inner heat-seeking lizard on a rock.
A deep breath in. A long sigh to follow it. Even breathing felt more fulfilling than usual while Usopp relaxed.
Suddenly, it got cold. Not the kind of cold that made Usopp want to run and grab a shirt, but it was enough to make him open his eyes to see what had caused the drop in temperature. He was greeted by an intimidating silhouette. It blotted out the sun as it stood before him and silently watched him blink up at it. The blinking helped to clear up his vision and allowed Usopp to get a better look at his visitor.
Law stood a couple of steps away, leaning over into Usopp’s personal space. His expression was neutral. However, the slight notch of his right eyebrow had Usopp scrambling to form an appropriate greeting, “Hi, um, Law. Are you out here to enjoy the nice weather too?”
He attempted to flash a warm smile, copying the sun in its bright mood, but stopped when Law muttered, “I guess so. I was more hoping that I could get a couple hours of sleep out here since it was so quiet…”
‘...but you’re out here too.’
Usopp filled in the blank in his head. His inner voice cringed, making a hasty suggestion to leave, and he failed to hide that fact in saying, “That sounds like a good idea, great even. Don’t let me get in your way.”
He went to stand, grabbing his sketchbook and art supplies in the process, before a hand was placed on his shoulder. The contact was firm, unyielding, as it guided him back down to the seat. The hand’s partner joined it in taking Usopp’s possessions to set them down beside him.
He furrowed his brow then mutely watched as Law sat a little ways away from him on the opposite side, arms crossed over his chest. Then the other man fell sideways so that his head landed on Usopp’s thigh with a short ‘pomf’. The change in position was unexpected. Although, it would be a lie to say that Usopp didn’t mind it. Law shuffled in place to better rest his head on his thigh while muttering, “Sorry about this.”
Usopp coughed into his hand to clear the newly formed tightness in his throat before asking, “About what? Using me as a pillow?” His answer was an absentminded hum. Usopp then took note of the slowly loosening tension in Law’s shoulders and back.
So, that was it.
He quietly chuckled, “You could have just asked me to go and get you one. I’m pretty sure I know where Nami keeps the fancy bird feather pillows she says we’re not allowed to use.” His tone was comically conspiratory; it was enough to make the other huff.
However, Law’s response held a soft honesty as he whispered, “I wanted you to stay.”
“And be your pillow?” Usopp chimed in while carefully removing Law’s hat, thankful for the lack of pulling away. The object was placed on top of his stuff to free up his hands. He then used them to play with his companion’s hair. The ebony strands reminded Usopp of raven feathers. It was soft, smooth and slight. Rubbing the tips of his fingers along Law’s scalp pulled a sound akin to a purr from the man’s chest.
He never got his answer as a few minutes later that purring turned into snoring.