Work Text:
The sun shone bright. The sky was blue, not a single cloud to be seen. There was a soft breeze making his hair float. Birds sang a lovely tune as they freely flew across the free sky. It was a sight to behold. If only he felt like watching. Luffy’s eyes were stuck on the blood staining his hands, leaking onto the ground with a nauseating blip, blip, blip. His eyes moved to the body laying in front of him. The scarlet staining his torn clothes, the bruises covering his skin and his broken nose forever stuck in his mind.
It wasn’t supposed to go like this. This is not what was supposed to happen. His hands gripped the limp hand, one that won’t squeeze back again. One that won’t hug him or hit him when playing tag. His forehead hit Usopp’s torso as he bent over. Tears streamed down his cheeks as a sob broke out from his throat. It echoed in the silent forest.
If Luffy had showed up just one minute early, would Usopp be alive ? If he hadn't arrived too late, could Usopp have gone back to The Thousand Sunny to brag about surviving while his legs are shaking ? If he hadn't been too late, could Usopp have run around the forest with him to find a beetle ? If he hadn't been so slow, could Usopp have been telling his stories by now ? If Luffy hadn't been a bad captain and friend, could he have traded places with him.
He begged him to wake up. Called out his name. Maybe it was a sick joke, maybe he was going to wake up and laugh. Maybe he was okay. He let out a wet cough. He grabbed his friend's armband and put it on. It wasn't a perfect blue, it was stained, ripped from all the adventures. The memories brought a small smile to his face that faltered immediately at the sight of blood. blood.
He stood up and lifted his body. It's dead weight. Dead weight.
He made his way back to the ship. It was empty, everyone away in the nearest city. He laid him on his hammock. He turned around to exit the room. His footsteps felt heavy and loud under him. It was the only sound in the ship. He hates it.