Chapter Text
“And that’s how I single-handedly defeated a hundred opponents. Including. Two. Frontier agents.” Zoro concluded his story with a smug grin and sat back, his arms crossed.
A round of applause and cheering erupted from the other Straw Hats. Zoro may not have the storytelling capabilities of Usopp, but a good tale was always appreciated. As the noise died down, however, Nami shot Sanji and Usopp a curious look. “Weren’t you two in there with him? Why did Zoro have to take down all of the Baroque Works guys himself?”
Usopp laughed, “Ask Sanji. He’s the one who got us caught before the action even started. A pair of twins tricked him into joining them upstairs.”
Sanji made a wounded noise. “Hey, you came with me, didn’t you? I don’t remember you putting up much of a fight either,” he protested. “Besides, you didn’t see the way they were looking at me before. I think they would have totally been into me if we weren’t pirates.”
“And people say I tell tall tales,” Usopp shot back, which earned laughter from the rest of the crew. “You were thinking with something alright. It just wasn’t your brain.”
“Please,” Sanji scoffed playfully. “I at least know more about women than you do,” he declared, prompting Nami and Vivi to share an exasperated look behind his back. “I could tell what they were really thinking.”
Usopp put a hand to his chest. “You’re out of your mind, Sanji,” he gasped, voice full of melodrama, “You think the great Captain Usopp doesn’t know all there is to know about romance?” Even Zoro had to roll his eyes at that one, as Usopp continued boastfully, “I’ll have you know I’m practically an expert.”
“Oh really?” Sanji challenged, “Prove it.”
“Not a problem,” said Usopp, “Check this out.” He spun around towards Luffy, who happened to be standing closest to him, and grabbed his hand dramatically. “Hey,” he said seductively, his voice dropping almost cartoonishly low, “Are you a pirate? Cause I like the look of that booty.”
The crew laughed in delight as Usopp dropped Luffy’s hand with a triumphant look. “I dunno, Sanji,” Luffy joked, “That was a pretty great pick-up line.”
“Absolutely,” Nami giggled, “I know I’m sold. Wouldn’t you agree, Vivi?” she nudged the princess gently, encouraging her to join in the fun as she was still acclimating to her new situation.
Vivi blinked, momentarily caught off guard, though she caught on quick. “Oh yes,” she agreed enthusiastically, “Who could resist Captain Usopp?”
Sanji shook his head at the antics of his crewmates, though he couldn’t quite suppress his smile. “Unbelievable,” he sighed, “I think you all need a refresher on what proper flirting looks like.” He got to his feet and strolled casually across the room, hands in his pockets. The other Straw Hats watched him with rapt attention, curious about what he was going to do, each for their own reasons. Sanji had eyes only for one person in the room though, his typical charm turned to the max as he stopped in front of Usopp. “That’s alright though,” he said softly, “I’d be more than happy to give you a crash course. Then if things go well, maybe you’d like some private lessons. I already know I’d be down to tell you whatever you wanna hear.”
“Wow,” Luffy said earnestly, “That’s pretty smooth too, Sanji. It’s hard to pick a winner.”
Zoro shook his head, unamused, and took a swig from his bottle, only to be disappointed when he finished off the last of his beer. At the same time, Nami and Vivi chimed in as well with some teasing comment about how cheesy Sanji’s attempt was in its own way. Though neither Usopp nor Sanji were paying anyone else much attention in that moment.
Usopp stood frozen, caught off guard by how seriously Sanji was suddenly taking this. He couldn’t turn away and was glad no one else could easily tell how hot his face was getting. Though the nerves only got worse as he recognized a flicker of confusion in Sanji’s eyes, as he realized how flustered Usopp had gotten. He swallowed nervously, trying and failing to stammer out a response.
“Alright, that’s enough of that now,” Sanji said instead, saving him from having to formulate a proper comeback. “Why don’t I get everybody a new round of drinks?” He managed to tear his gaze away from Usopp and flashed a smile at his friends. “The night’s still young and we have a new crewmate to celebrate.” He disappeared deeper into the ship to fetch more alcohol as the rest of the group made their enthusiasm for the suggestion known. Leaving Usopp to catch his breath on his own.
As the festivities continued, Luffy was the first to head to bed. “Don’t stay up too late,” he reminded his crew as he grabbed a snack on the way out. “New adventures await us tomorrow!”
Not long after, Vivi announced that she was rather tired after the day they’d had and Nami volunteered to show her to the sleeping quarters. Zoro didn’t stick around much longer after that. Staying just long enough to finish off his last drink before declaring that he was leaving too. He said goodnight to Usopp, pointedly ignored Sanji, and slinked off towards his hammock. Which meant Sanji and Usopp were left alone together once more.
“I think that’s our cue to call it a night as well,” Sanji said as he watched Zoro leave the room.
“You sure?” Ussop propped his head up against his hand, his expression loose with alcohol. His eyes barely able to keep themselves open, as if he could nod off at any moment. “I feel like I’ve still got plenty of partying left in me,” he slurred.
Sanji laughed and plucked the glass out of Usopp’s hands before he could have another sip. “Yeah I don’t think so,” he shook his head, “Let’s go.”
He pulled Usopp to his feet then turned to put the glass away. Before he could even do a full 180 though, Usopp was already stumbling and Sanji whirled back around to catch him. “Woah!” he laughed as he shifted Usopp so that his arms were slung around Sanji’s neck, “Careful there.”
“Okay,” Usopp yawned, “You might be right. Maybe it is time for bed.”
Sanji chuckled and put the glass on the table, making a note to deal with it properly in the morning. “There’s no maybe about it,” he declared and reached down to scoop Usopp entirely off the ground. “Let’s get you tucked in.”
“Hey, hey, be careful, Sanji!” Usopp warned, his grip around Sanji’s neck tightening nervously. “You’d better not drop me.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it, princess,” Sanji teased and marched off to the sleeping quarters. He crept quietly past Zoro, swords tucked at his side. He bit back a snarky comment with some difficulty, knowing he’d never hear the end of it if he woke Zoro.
Next they snuck past Luffy, though stealth was hardly necessary. He slept like a log most nights, especially after a big meal like the one they’d had. Thankfully, the girls slept in a separate room so after that, Sanji was able to drop Usopp off in his hammock. Rather than letting go of Sanji, however, Usopp simply relaxed into dead weight. Nearly dragging Sanji off balance. “Alright, Usopp,” he whispered in amusement, “You’ve got to let go now.”
Much to Sanji’s surprise, Usopp pouted. “Gonna leave me just like that?” he asked, sounding half asleep already. “After sweeping me off my feet and everything?”
Sanji’s eyes widened. “Fine, I think you win with that one,” he said, half-joking and half-wondering if Usopp might actually be serious. “Now can I go?” He reached up to unclasp Usopp’s hands from around his neck and set them down. Yet in one last trick, Usopp twisted one hand around to grab Sanji’s in return.
“I didn’t actually mind about the girls, you know,” he mumbled, not even really looking at Sanji. “I only went along with it cause you asked.” He smiled into his pillow, his grip on Sanji’s hand loosened as he nodded off. “Can’t ever refuse that look you do.”
Sanji fought the urge to chase Usopp’s hand. To shake him awake and demand what he meant by all of that. His heart was pounding in his chest, breathing was suddenly a manual task and he kept forgetting to keep it up. He leaned in closer despite himself, mouth slightly agape, but stopped himself mere inches from Usopp’s face. He seemed so peaceful like this, Sanji thought. Too innocent.
He shook his head. Usopp was drunk. He was surely just remembering their joke about flirting from earlier and spouting nonsense. If Sanji took advantage of the situation now, he’d never forgive himself. The right thing to do would be to march off to bed and say nothing in the morning lest he embarrass both of them any more.
So that’s what he did.