One Piece still ain't mine.
Troubled Thoughts, rated PG; set right after the battle with Ao Kiji. No real spoilers, though.
All I did was run around screaming, Usopp thought as he lay curled up in his hammock in the boys' quarters, staring at the ceiling and unable to sleep.
The days' events kept running like a movie reel through his mind; the utter power of Ao Kiji's devil's fruit ability and its devastating effect on his nakama were both awe-inspiring and frightening. Fighting was the other guys' territory, their domain. Luffy punched, Zoro slashed, Sanji kicked, Chopper pounded… and Usopp hid. How am I supposed to become a brave warrior of the sea when I act like that? I'll never be anything-
The quiet groan of the hinges above startled Usopp out of his reverie. Glancing up, he saw Zoro climb stealthily down and shake Sanji awake. A few exchanged curses later, the blonde ascended the ladder to take his watch while the swordsman sank down to the futon. Usopp watched him take a mental inventory of the sleepers, dark eyes running over each of their male nakama before settling on him. Moments passed as they watched each other.
Finally Zoro broke the silence. "You're still awake, baka."
"Yeah," Usopp mumbled, shifting slightly as to better see the other man. "Can't stop thinking… about stuff." He sighed. "I just feel so worthless."
The swordsman merely grunted as he pulled a blanket up over his body. Getting comfortable, he held up a corner. "C'mere."
Usopp didn't need to be told twice; he craved the grounding warmth of Zoro's body, his comforting presence, a muscular arm holding him tightly against that broad chest. Slipping from his hammock, he settled with his back against Zoro as the blanket dropped over them both.
"Now stop thinking and sleep. You're just tired."
And with Zoro beside him, he found that he could.
A/N: If you like this, add it to your 'Story Alert' so you know when another drabble is added!