Safe and Sound

[ichigo-otaku01.livejournal.com]

Title: Safe and Sound
Rating: T
Word Count:  297
Pairing: SanjixUsopp
Topic: Battle Kiss
Note: I've had this multi-chapter fic idea in my head since sometime last fall but I never got past notes.  This prompt, while I question whether it fits or not, gave me the window of opportunity to try and get the urge to write it out so I could focus on other stuff, but it's only made me want to do more.  So consider this a preview of what's to come on my main blog if you will, and forgive me if it's a bit vague and confusing.

                “Aah!”

                Sanji’s eyes jerked open at the sound of Usopp startling and bucking upwards, his torso flying forward and jostling the blanket draped over them.  The cook was up within seconds, a hand on Usopp’s shoulder to signal his concern as he took a moment to check Usopp’s body for signs of distress.  Trembling shoulders, beads of sweat on his forehead, raged breathing that gave him a hard time and made him gulp for air, all evidence of Usopp’s pain, which made Sanji frown.

                It took a minute for Usopp to regain his composure and remember there was a reason they were sleeping in the aquarium bar, not their hammocks.  He looked at Sanji, eyes telling everything.  Fresh tears were now wiped away, but not without leaving blotches on the dark purple crescents under Usopp’s eyes.  They were only growing darker with every restless night, every stupid mind game Usopp played with himself, and every bit of terror and fatigue it was causing him.  Usopp’s mind was a battle zone, and his eyes screamed at Sanji for help.

                Sanji hated it.  He hated everything Usopp was going through and how he found it impossible to do anything other than comfort him.  He wanted to get angry, throw a tantrum, but Usopp pulling on his shirt and pleading with silent eyes suppressed the urge.  Sanji pulled Usopp closer and gently eased him into laying back instead.  He readjusted the blankets, let the exhausted sniper curl as close to his body as possible, and waited for the tell-tale snores that told him Usopp had fallen asleep again before kissing his forehead.  In his head he reminded himself of their goals; if Sanji couldn’t fight the battles for him, at least he could try to chase them away with affection.

Comments

[aevium.livejournal.com]

Aww, I really liked your take on this! Always been a fan of Sanji/Usopp interaction/fluff, can't say the same about anything explicit though. xP But I really liked this tender-angst feeling that came as I read your words. And how you chose to portray the prompt was very deep, one of my favourite things. Awesome work, and do continue writing for this! :)

[ichigo-otaku01.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Mental issues/battles with one self is a subject I've been dying to use for years, and I'm a huge fan of fluff despite my borderline porn in my latest drabbles. xD I'll definitely be continuing this story through my main blog, after I finish some short drabbles that are long overdue. Thank you so much for your comments!! : )