One Piece: Grand Endeavours

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Homesickness

Usopp
We're back on the ship and I'm avoiding Kuro as much as I possibly can. Who would want to be around someone like that anyway? Really, I think everyone might just be losing it more or less. Why does anyone want to be nice to him or spend time with him? It is absolutely ridiculous. Especially as I am trying so hard to hate him but he isn't being so much of a vindictive asshole which is just confusing. It is obviously an act and he is waiting for the opportunity to hurt one of us but it is still hard being mean to someone who doesn't retort back and just seems hell-bent on being some verbal punch bag. Like what the actual hell? If he thinks all of this is going to stop me from being suspicious of him he is so wrong and I hope sooner rather than later he either acts or leaves the crew because he will realise it isn't working. Maybe I should make it clearer that he isn't wanted here except for Luffy who, no offense to him, can be rather naive and overly trusting. Betrayal looks like something which is bound to happen at one point.

The thing about Kuro being here, besides the obvious, is that it making me think of home. I haven't been to Syrup Island since I left, obviously, but Kuro obviously reminds me of it. I'm reminded of what he did to Kaya but I am also reminded of who she was: a kind hearted friend who was a really great person and brave as well. The fact she stood up to Kuro after everything made her even more admirable, contributing to the fact that I miss her. I also miss the Usopp Pirates, the sights, the villagers... Homesickness is a rarity here, especially as I am following my dream, but sometimes it does creep up on me. Lingering in my chest and mind like a thick and hard to see through fog. I sigh and stare out at the see where there are no islands in sight. Just the seemingly endless ocean and black sky adorned with diamond stars, looking as perfect as if someone had delicately painted it. I'm distracted. I notice, despite everyone else seeming cheerful as they sit outside in the surprisingly warm evening, Danni seems extremely dejected. I consider and head over, sitting by her.
"Hey," I greet. "Are you okay?"
"I-I guess," she says but her voice and face are full of doubt.
"Are you sure?" I ask. She sighs and shrug. "Homesickness?"
"How did you know?" she asks with a shocked expression.
"It happens to the best of us," I say with a rueful smile. "Right guys?" Because, really, it is pretty clear everyone is listening to us.

"Right," Nami agrees. "I miss the old version of home than the one I left though since that was when Belle-mere was still alive...That is when things were easier. Still, home is something anyone and everyone would miss." Everyone lists things they miss about home and I reluctantly glance at Kuro who hasn't bothered to put an input in this. Clearly he doesn't care about her wellbeing and worries so why is anyone being nice to him?
"Kuro? Do you ever get homesick?" I ask, the harsh glare I direct at him hopefully enough to stop him from temporarily being a jerk.
"Nope," he mutters and for the first time since he joined I'm reminded of who he used to be when his expression hardens. His browns knit together and a slight glare settles on his features, green eyes flashing slightly with anger. There! He hasn't changed.
"Nothing about it?" Luffy asks with a surprised expression.
"Nope, where I grew up sucked," Kuro mutters, expression less harsh but still far from the expressionless facade he tends to keep up. "If I never see it again that is the most ideal situation." I decide not to comment further. Even I know that this is a topic I shouldn't push, Kuro's anger seems to be masking an aura of dejection so I am assuming bad memories obscure that place, wherever it is. The slight sink of his shoulders and the fact he is point blank refusing to make eye contact with anyone all but confirms that theory.

Danni wanders over to the railing, staring blankly out to sea again. There is a long silence and I am not entirely sure what to say. I head over to Nova who is sat cross leggeded to see if he has any ideas.
"Nova, what do I say?" I ask quietly, hoping no one overhears.
"Uh...you could try the necklace you made her?" he suggests. "That may be a nice reminder of home."
"Yes!" I exclaim with a grin, completely forgetting to try and be quiet. Nami looks over at me with a scowl. Oops...
"Usopp, can't you tell she's upset?" Nami snaps. I ignore her comment and dash off to my room to grab it. This will either be a disaster or she'll love it. I'm hoping the latter otherwise that will be rather saddening and awkward as hell.

I pick up the box and dash back as fast as I can possibly go, stumbling slightly near the stairs. I get back with a wide grin, going back over to Danni.
"Here, I made you this back on your island," I say, passing the small box over to her. She opens it and I breathe a sigh of relief that the stardust still works, sparkling subtly under the moonlight. "I thought it could remind you of home..."
"Usopp I love it!" she exclaims, hugging me so suddenly and with such force she nearly sends me flying backwards. Thankfully I regain my balance and hug her back, hiding my blush the best I possibly can. "Can you help me put it on?" I nod and she passes it over, turning away from me so I can help. That makes it easier to make sure she can't see my blush. That would probably not end well and would just make me look stupid. Blushing over a necklace...Jeez. This is nothing less than pitiful.

Everyone else eventually heads off, leaving me and Danni alone.
"So are you feeling better?" I ask, hoping she does. I don't like her being upset – I mean I don't like anyone I care about being asleep. Not just Danni. That is what I meant, obviously... I didn't mean anything else.
"A it," she says, quietly. "I still feel a bit homesick but it will pass. It always does when I go to get supplies. It is just the longest I've been away so it is taking some getting used to. Sorry for forcing my problems on everyone."
"Hey, you aren't 'forcing' your problems," I argue with a slight frown. "One, we asked, Two, like we said everyone gets homesick. We aren't annoyed at you and we aren't judging it. If we did we would be a rather lousy crew because we need to be there for each other. That includes you. Besides, given everything that you have been through, it would be surprising if you weren't a bit homesick. You're one of the bravest people I have ever met and even the bravest go through hard moments."

A slight blush goes over her cheeks and I bite my lip, realising I have said too much about my thoughts towards her. Thank God I didn't blurt out that I like her right now. That would make an awkward situation even more awkward and may ruin our friendship if she doesn't like me back. Which, obviously, she won't because it is too soon.
"Thanks Usopp," she says, her smile absolutely adorab-NO! Stop it brain! "It is nice to be with you lot...and is nice to see people aren't judging." She holds my hand as she continues to stare out at sea and I am so glad it is pretty dark out as I'm pretty sure I'm blushing scarlet. If my stupid brain keeps this up then I so am in trouble.