Chapter Text
Usopp was trying to focus. Loose sketches lay on the table. A sketch book lay open before him. The young man was working on a new design idea. When, Luffy, his live-in boyfriend, called from the living room, "Hey, Usopp, come he~re!"
Usopp sighed. He knew that tone of voice; it usually meant trouble. He put down his pencil, and left his small office area of their shared apartment. Luffy was standing in the living room with a mischievous grin, holding something behind his back. Bright mid-day sunlight splashed across the room illuminating Luffy's handsome, yet boyish, features. It always was a wonder why such a cute guy settled for plain old him with his long nose and ugly face.
Luffy was grinning and bouncing on the balls of his feet. He seemed fit to burst with excitement. Usopp felt a pit forming in his stomach. "What is it?" He asked warily.
Luffy's grin widened as he revealed a pair of matching costumes. The appearance of copious amounts of frills made him worry.
"Look, Usopp," Luffy said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "We're going to a costume party tonight. I picked out the best costumes! Well Nami helped, but I had final say!"
Luffy held out the frilly costume to Usopp while holding a much more masculine costume to his chest. Luffy kept a posh looking suit close to his chest and thrust a frilly dress at him.
"Woah, woah, woah, hold up!" Usopp thrust his arms out pushing the dress back towards his over excited lover, "What costume party?"
Luffy grinned and thrust the dress at him firmer, "Robin's havin' a surprise party for Franky's birthday."
"Why am I only hearing about this now? At the last minute? When did you find out?" Usopp still didn't take the dress and crossed his arms over his chest impatiently. He remembered why Luffy had to settle for him. His impulsive nature and erratic behavior really limited his dating pool.
"Like two months ago...and, um Robin and Nami decided to keep it a secret from you so you didn't blab to Franky," Luffy grinned proudly.
"Why did they tell you, and how could you keep a secret from me? Franky is like my mentor. I would have loved to help plan things," Usopp put his hand over his face fighting off a headache and feeling just a little hurt.
"Oh, well you tell Franky everything and plus you guys were working on that vintage car together at his garage for the last few weeks," Luffy smiled and thrust the dress again.
Usopp grumbled, "I don't tell him everything."
He took a good look at the frilly outfit and his face fell. "Why do I have to be the maid?"
Luffy looked at Usopp not taking his costume and whined, "The butler gets a fake mustache and Nami said you would fill out the maid costume better. Whatever that means. Plus the you are going to look super pretty. I promise. I mean you always look pretty but now you're gonna look extra super pretty!"
There Luffy went spouting nonsense about him looking pretty again. Usopp couldn't believe what he was hearing. "But Luffy, I don't wanna wear something like this!" He protested, his voice rising in pitch.
"Awe," Luffy whined and made the biggest puppy dog eyes ever.
"But Luffy, why can't I just wear something... normal?" Usopp held the costume at arm's length as if it was something that could bite.
Luffy's grin never faltered. "Because where's the fun in that?" He grabbed Usopp's arm and started pulling him towards the bedroom. "Come on, it'll be great! You'll see!"
Usopp's protests grew more frantic as he was dragged along. "But Luffy, I don't want to wear a dress!"
"It's not a dress, it's a maid outfit!" Luffy corrected with a laugh, pulling harder. "You'll look so cute! And think of the snacks. Party food!"
Usopp felt his cheeks redden at the thought of Luffy's logic. "But what if people make fun of me?"
"I'll beat 'em up," Luffy declared.
Usopp sighed, his shoulders drooping in defeat. He knew Luffy was too excited to back down now. With a reluctant nod, he allowed himself to be led to the bedroom. Luffy tossed the butler costume on the bed and started to undress. "You're gonna love it, trust me!"
Luffy got dressed quickly. Usopp dawdled not wanting the humiliation of being in a dress, but he finally gave in. Until he found the black lace panties among the frocks.
"What the hell are these?!" Usopp shouted, holding them up.
Luffy looked over, his eyes going wide for a split second before he burst into laughter. "They're for you, of course! Part of the outfit!" He clapped Usopp's shoulder.
"But Luffy, I can't..." Usopp's voice trailed off as he stared at the offending garment, his face flushing a deeper shade of red.
"Why not?" Luffy asked innocently, his laughter subsiding. "They're just part of the costume." He reached out and snatched the panties from Usopp's hand, holding them up to him. Luffy blushed trying to look innocent (as if he wasn't planning mischief with those later). Usopp snatched them back with a suspicious frown.
"You are going to owe me after this," The long nosed boy declared.
After they were both changed there was a knock at their door, "I'll get it!" He dashed out of the room leaving Usopp fighting with the bow on the apron.
Luffy came back to the bedroom but he wasn't alone.
"Don't you look lovely, I was right wasn't I Luffy," Nami stepped into the room she was dressed as a mermaid, except instead of a fish tail she was wearing a long shimmery turquoise skirt with a slit up the leg and matching leggings underneath.
"Nami's gonna do your hair and makeup," Luffy seemed way too eager. If Usopp wasn't imagining things Luffy had a gleam in his eyes that both set his teeth on edge and excited him.
Nami held a little pink shopping bag, the kind where whatever was inside probably cost too much money. She started pulling makeup and a velvet box out and set it all up on the dresser.
"Luffy go get a dining chair," Nami ordered. Luffy dashed out of the room and returned carrying one of their vintage dinette chairs. He set it down.
Nami looked at Usopp, "Sit."
Her tone was light but he knew her well enough to know better than to defy that voice. Nami helped him settle his voluminous skirts and got to work. His hair was a mass of curls up in a man bun. She let it fall down his back and started to part it.
Usopp watched her work in the vanity as she tamed his wild mane. Nami began to meticulously braid his hair. She left loose curls around his face to soften the look, but the bulk of his hair was going into this french braid.
That took the better part of an hour to complete. Once she was satisfied she crowned her masterwork with the maids cap. She opened the velvet box to reveal a black choker with a white and ivory cameo on the center. She clasped it around his neck. The rest was lip gloss, eye shadow, and mascara.
"Your complexion is too nice to cover up," Nami explained as she applied the cosmetics. She fussed just a bit, and then grabbed his arms and tugged, "Now go show off to your boyfriend."
Usopp stood and brushed his skirts down. He turned to Luffy standing in the doorway. Usopp wore a black taffeta dress with puffed sleeves, trimmed in white lace; a white apron with black piping and more lace. The skirt was trimmed with lace. A petticoat to add volume to the skirt of the dress. Thigh high black stockings with white ruffled lace hugged his thighs just below the skirt, leaving about an inch of bare skin exposed. He also wore patent leather maryjane shoes. He was crowned with the Maids cap. Luffy traced this vision from head to foot and back.
Usopp gasped, "Luffy your nose is bleeding!" Usopp grabbed a wad of tissues and thrust them at his nose.
"I think my work here is done," She announced proudly, "I'll see you guys at the party." Nami took her leave.
"I don't wanna," Suddenly Luffy growled, "Someone's gonna try and steal you from me!"
Usopp rolled his eyes at his boyfriend's dramatics. "You're being ridiculous. No one's gonna steal me in this getup," He said, trying to keep the excitement out of his voice, "And if you think we are missing out on this party after all I went through, you are sorely mistaken Luffy."
Luffy's nose stopped bleeding, and he took the tissues away with a grin. "Fine, let's go before I change my mind." He grabbed Usopp's hand and dragged him out the door. The ride to Robin's was a blur of laughter and teasing, but as they approached the house Usopp felt a knot form in his stomach. The sight of the grand party set up didn't help, but he took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.
Usopp felt his cheeks burning as they walked up the path to Robin's mansion. The lights from the party bled out onto the lawn, casting a warm glow that seemed to highlight every inch of his costume. He tried to keep his head high, but every step made his skirt rustle, and every breeze that picked up made him worry about the skirt.
The moment they arrived, the partygoers erupted into cheers. Franky looked surprised and thrilled, but the others couldn't help but stare at Usopp in his new attire. Sanji's eyes practically bugged out of his head, Chopper squealed in delight, and Zoro...well, Zoro just gave a stoic nod, but even he couldn't hide his shock.
Inside, the party was in full swing. His friends were mingling with a bunch of people Usopp didn't recognize. They had gone all out with the decorations. There were streamers, balloons, and a giant banner that read 'Happy Birthday, Franky!' in glittering letters. The smell of delicious food wafted from the kitchen, and he could hear the clinking of glasses and the sound of laughter filling the air.
As they entered the dining room, all eyes turned to them. Usopp felt self-conscious in his frilly outfit, but Luffy just grinned widely, squeezing Usopp closer to him. "Look at everyone, Usopp!" he whispered, "You're stealing the show!"
Franky's eyes lit up when he saw them, a wide smile spreading across his face. He rushed over, giving Luffy a firm pat on the back. "You guys made it! And wow, Usopp, you look...different!" He couldn't keep his eyes off Usopp's outfit, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Robin stepped out from the kitchen, dressed in an elegant, low cut black gown with a witches hat on her head. She had a tray of hors d'oeuvres in hand, and her eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, I see you two put your hearts into your costumes." She said with a knowing smile, giving Usopp a playful wink.
Usopp vaguely recognized some of Robin's work colleagues. There was that one doctor...Law something. He was dressed as an evil surgeon with fake blood on his clothes and a realistic looking human heart in a jar. He turned and saw Luffy and Usopp. His eyes lingered on Usopp a little too long making him feel a bit nervous.
Chopper rushed over, his doctor outfit looking surprisingly normal next to Law's. "Wow, Usopp, you look...uh...like a real...uh...maid," Chopper said, his voice trailing off as he searched for the right words. Usopp felt a little better.
The party was getting pretty wild, and Luffy was living it up. He was the life of the party as usual, leaving Usopp to stand awkwardly by the snack table, feeling out of place. Everyone was dressed in such creative and cool costumes, and here he was in a frilly dress and apron. He couldn't help but feel like the laughing stock of the party. He felt someone come to stand beside him.
"Nice evening Long Nose," The surgeon of death grinned when Usopp jumped in surprise. This was an interesting turn of events. He had always caught fleeting glances at the young man at Robin's get-togethers. He was striking, a prodigy, not that Chopper wasn't as well, but there was this mature, dangerous aura about him.
"I'm Trafalgar D. Water Law," He said with a flourish, "But tonight I'm Dr. Frankenstein."
"We-we've met," Usopp stuttered he looked at the heart in a jar, "If you're Dr Frankenstein then why don't you carry a brain in a jar?"
"Oh well I didn't have a brain in a jar," He smirked and tugged on the neck of his shirt to show off the top of a scar going down his sternum. He winked, "So I brought my heart."
Usopp startled back, and Law chortled.
"Relax long nose," He set the jar down next to the napkins on the snack table, "It's not really mine. I keep that in a trophy case back home."
"Usopp," Usopp corrected and held his hand out to shake.
"Huh?"Law said with a smirk.
Usopp rolled his eyes, hard, "I have a name. It's Usopp."
"Well then Usopp," He grabbed Usopp's hand and kissed it, "It is my utmost pleasure to formerly make your acquaintance."
"Uh, like wise," Usopp extracted his hand.
"Where's that straw hat boy I usually see hanging off of you?" Law casually queried.
"Oh, he's dancing," Usopp pointed toward his boyfriend making a fool of himself and loving every minute of it.
Usopp felt a hand slide against his back. Law leaned in to whisper in his ear, "He is usually all over you, touching you. It's rather irritating isn't it?"
Usopp blushed as those fingers crawled around his waist and Law tugged him flush to his side. He cleared his throat, "Well he is my boyfriend."
Law let out a stage gasp, "Your boyfriend? If I was your boyfriend at a party with you looking like this...I'd not leave your side for a single moment." Law puffed a warm breath against Usopp's reddening ear.
Usopp felt his heart rate spike as Law's hand trailed down his side. He tried to pull away but Law held firm. "But it's a costume party," Usopp protested.
"...And you are exceedingly attractive," Law grinned.
"What?" Usopp stuttered, his face burning hotter than a thousand suns. He shook his head in denial, "I'm not."
"I've always thought so, since the first time I saw you talking to Franky in greasy overalls with that pile of curls done up in a bun," Law squeezed his side, "You know I think you could do way better than that guy over there."
Usopp looked over at Luffy who was doing the robot with a group of partygoers. He willed Luffy to come over and rescue him. He stuttered out an apology, "Um s-sorry I need the restroom." He felt Law's grip tighten before letting him go.
With a sigh of relief, Usopp dashed into the bathroom, locking the door behind him. He leaned against it, trying to catch his breath. He stared at his reflection in the mirror, taking in the unfamiliar sight of himself in the maid outfit. He had to admit, Nami had done a good job with his hair and makeup. He looked pretty. He looked...feminine. And for some reason, that made his heart race even more than Law's flirty comments.
As he stepped out of the bathroom, he felt a hand grab his wrist. He yelped and spun around to find Sanji leaning against the wall, his eyes glued to the floor. "What's up?" Usopp asked, trying to sound casual.
Sanji dressed up as a dashing pirate complete with a feathered hat and plastic scimitar at his waist, looked down at him, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "You're looking rather...appealing in that outfit," He murmured, his gaze sweeping over Usopp's form. "I can't help but think how much fun we could have with it."
Usopp's heart skipped a beat. Sanji had never talked to him like this before. He was always so professional, so proper. But the costume had definitely brought out a different side of him. He got a whiff of alcohol on Sanji's breath, "Sanji, are you drunk?"
"May~beeeee," He grinned he leaned in looking around surreptitiously. He whispered in a conspiratorial voice, "I liked you first...ya know."
"What?" Usopp started looking around for hidden cameras. He huffed, "This is a prank isn't it? I mean you guys went to a lot of trouble-"
Sanji cut him off with a sloppy kiss. He locked his arms around Usopp's waist and actually lifted him off the ground. Usopp turned his head only to have Sanji attack his neck.
Feet dangling, with his long time friend sucking a welt into his neck, he started hitting him to get him to let go, "Sanji get off me!"
He stopped sucking on Usopp's neck, but didn't let go and gave a firm, "No!"
"Seriously Sanji, I will kick you in the balls!" Usopp threatened.
Sanji's grip tightened, "You wouldn't dare." He whispered against his skin, his teeth grazing his jaw.
Usopp's heart raced. This was not how he had imagined the night going. He squirmed, trying to get away. "Sanji, this isn't funny!" He was pushing against the blond knocking his hat off and managing a weak punch to the eye that didn't deter the chef at all.
"No it isn't," a different voice interrupted. The two of them looked over to see Zoro, Luffy's best friend, glaring at Sanji, "Put him down curly brow."
"No! I loved him first! Luffy stole him from me!" He hugged Usopp tighter and tried to run away with his struggling burden. He only succeeded in tripping and crashing them both into the hardwood flooring of the hallway. Up close and personal like this, Sanji's erection was poking Usopp's thigh. The wind was knocked out of him and Sanji went limp.
Zoro shook his head and used his boot to roll Sanji off of his best friend's boyfriend. He offered a hand, "Are you okay?"
Usopp took his hand and pulled himself up warily, "Please don't be about to confess to me, I can't take a third one." Zoro checked him over seeing Usopp was mostly just winded and had a massive hickey forming on his neck.
He caught what Usopp was saying and looked up in surprise, "Who?"
Usopp took a shaky breath, and looked at Zoro, "Law...he said Luffy wasn't good enough for me. Imagine...A little makeup and a dress and everyone goes blind or crazy."
"Usopp they're not blind or crazy, well the pervert is blind drunk, but not blind blind," Zoro pulled him up and got him back on his feet, "If you weren't dating my best friend I'd shoot my shot." He grinned and winked at Usopp but stayed respectful otherwise.
Zoro led him back to the main room where Luffy seemed to be looking around. He spotted his boyfriend and his best friend. Luffy noticed something wrong and frowned. He approached but Zoro stopped him and whispered in his ear. His face went from concerned to livid, but he looked at Usopp and schooled his features. He came over and gave his boyfriend a tight hug, "M'sorry I wasn't there to protect you."
Both Zoro and Luffy escorted Usopp over to the kitchen table where Nami and Robin sat having girl talk. Nami took one look at his smeared makeup and tear streaked face; and stood up angrily, "What in the hell happened?!"
Robin frowned, "I would also like to know what happened to our dear long nose."
"Well Sanji is passed out drunk in front of the half bath door, for starters," Zoro grumbled, "Secondly your little work friend seems to think it's OK to put the moves on an attached man."
Robin's eyebrow rose significantly, "Law?" She asked.
"Got it in one, Robin," Zoro confirmed. He had been doing all the talking while Luffy was getting more and more red-faced. He was practically vibrating with anger.
Nami's eyes narrowed as she looked at Usopp's disheveled outfit and the bruise already forming on his neck. She turned to Robin and in a flat tone said, "I'm going to go kill Sanji."
Robin nodded and stood, "I'll speak with Trafalgar."
Luffy's grip on Usopp tightened, his eyes dark. "You okay, Sopp."
"Can we go home," Usopp said then gasped wetly, "I didn't even wish Franky a happy birthday."
"I think he would understand if you left early under the circumstances," Zoro put his hand on Usopp's head and ruffled his cap, "I'll let him know you guys had to leave."
"Thanks," Usopp mumbled, feeling Luffy's protective arms around him tighten. He knew his boyfriend was upset, but he couldn't help but feel a little thrilled that Luffy was so possessive. It was sweet.
"Luffy lets get some Pizza and extra hot wings for dinner on our way home?"
Luffy grinned, "Extra spicy?"
Usopp nodded and buried his face in his boyfriend's neck. "Yes, please, let's go."
"Okay, g'night Zoro, and thanks for protecting my boyfriend. You tell Sanji and Law I'm going to kick their asses later."
"Will do Luff, now get your hot boyfriend out of here before anyone else falls for him," Zoro waved.
"They better not," He called over his shoulder.
Luffy led Usopp out of the party, his eyes darting around to make sure no one was watching too closely. Once they were outside, he turned to look down at him, his expression a mix of anger and concern. "You for real okay, Usopp?"
Usopp sniffed and rubbed at his eyes, further smearing the makeup, "Am now."
"Lets go get food then," Luffy lead Usopp to their car and helped him in before getting in the drivers seat, "Buckle your seat belt!" He said as he started the engine and they took off for pizza, hot wings, and home.