Nami was getting worried about Usopp. He was inside Chopper's clinic for a while now. When they peeked at the little room they saw Usopp staring into space. He seemed to be in a deep thought, something they rarely see in him.
The sun was perfect outside and so she decided to work outside. Luffy and Chopper promised not to bother her. Besides, she had enjoyed listening to their childish laughter. She knew it would lighten up her work a bit.
Even as she started she still cannot take her mind off of Usopp. He didn't even go out of the room when Luffy invited him to play with them. Because of that Luffy had to drag Zoro down to the deck so that he could be his playmate. The swordsman did come down but he took a nap the moment his back touched the lawn. Luffy and Chopper then went down to Franky's workshop and decided to bother the shipwright instead.
Nami was not finally focusing on her log. She cannot believe how many days of adventure her log was behind. She still cannot understand why there was a discrepancy between her maps and from what she remembers. According to her map they had passed by an island before getting to where they were now but no matter how she thinks about it she cannot recall seeing that island.
Zoro, on the other hand, was having trouble sleeping. He could hear the navigator's soft whimpers and grumble. Even though it was not that loud the swordsman can hear it well.
"Oi woman." He said opening his eye a bit.
Nami's attention was instantly caught.
"I thought you were sleeping." The navigator said placing her hand on her hips.
Zoro grumbled, "How can I sleep with you like that?"
Nami was quite surprised. "I can't believe that such small things could actually bother you."
"Are you worried about Usopp?" Zoro asked.
Nami finally gave in. It was either Zoro was being too attentive to her or she was just too obvious.
Zoro was sleeping on the floor. That was why Nami had to sit down on the lawn deck just to be comfortable speaking with him.
"He's just spacing out inside that room…he's not even sleeping. I'm not used to it. Usually he's being annoying with Luffy and Chopper… or working on something."
"Why don't you talk to him then?" Zoro asked.
"Should I?" Nami asked.
Zoro then sat up. He then stopped and looked at Nami.
"What? You mean now?" Nami asked. "I don't want to talk to him. Who said anything about talking to him?"
"Whatever. To be honest I'm worried as well so if you don't want to talk to him then I will." Zoro decided.
He then walked casually towards the direction where Chopper's clinic was. Nami instantly stood up and followed Zoro.
"I don't think we should bother him. I mean… what if he's still not over Merry or… what if he's missing his village or his friends… or maybe Kaya." Nami said. "Those sensitive issues should not be talked about easily. Let him think as long as he likes."
Zoro stopped and almost rolled his eyes. "I would want talk to him about these 'sensitive issues' so that we could end it already… whatever he's thinking."
"Why? I know we should help him but maybe he doesn't want us to help."
Zoro looked at Nami and held that gaze.
Nami looked at Zoro's intense eyes. They were looking directly at her. Nami felt something but was determined not to show it. She was in front of Zoro for crying out loud!
"It's better." Zoro said. "I would rather talk to him and invade his personal life… " Zoro paused unsure if he would want to say the next words.
"Than?" Nami coerced.
"Than to see you like that." Zoro finally got the words out.
Zoro looked away and scratched his head lightly. "I just don't want you to worry. Is that so much to ask?"
Zoro continued to walk towards the clinic as he left Nami frozen from where she was standing.
Nami looked at his back. There was something different about him today. It was as if he had done something that had totally changed her way of looking at him.
Nami shook her head. "Oi Zoro wait up." She managed to say as she ran to him.
Before the two even reached the door it opened up for them. Usopp was just coming out.
Usopp looked at Zoro and Nami as the two looked back at the sharp shooter. Usopp then felt weird again.
'The way the sun play around her orange locks…' Sanji's voice was mixed with Nami's feature being bathed under the orange sun. He could also feel his heart… Zoro's heart dancing as he lingered on the image.
'What the fuck was that.' It was Zoro's thoughts. His feelings were confusing but it somehow felt it. It was warm and light… and sweet…
Then there was some sort of a dream where Zoro was falling headless on the deck… Usopp felt Nami's fear. It was heartbreaking. It even managed to make Usopp's eyes water.
"The next time I lose a life or limb in one of your nightmares come to me at once and do this."The words were strong and determined… it was Zoro's… and it made everything calm again. Nami's memories were now more secure and less confusing. Usopp felt the same thing again… warm, light almost fluffy, and sweet…
Much like…
"Love." Usopp uttered. His eyes were watery and his lips quivering. His eyes were staring into space. His head was still throbbing. But he was certain. Those two were once in love.
"What on earth are you blabbering about?" Zoro said.
"I knew it. I knew that Usopp's having personal problems! We should really stay out of this." Nami said pulling Zoro away.
Usopp's eyes focused on them. He then smiled.
"I'm fine." He said light-heartedly. "There's nothing to worry about. I'm the great Captain Usopp. There's nothing to worry about."
"See. You don't need to worry." Zoro said pointing at Usop. Nami just hit him on his arm.
"Of course that's a lie."
"Nami." Usopp said with a smile. "I'm fine. Really. Thank you for worrying."
Usopp was inside the clinic all day just to sort out his thoughts or rather all those memories. Now even with those sudden attacks he can now distinguish who owns that memories. If it was his or not. He was not confused anymore. Thinking about it seriously helped.
Usopp walked pass by them whistling happily. Nami and Zoro just watched him go.
When he was out of their sight, Usopp sighed with relief.
"Thanks guys…I guess I made them worried." Usopp said to himself.
"Are you ok now Usopp?" Usopp heard and he instantly looked down.
Chopper looked up with that hoping look in his eyes.
"Yeah." Usopp said with a proud smile. "Nothing can bring down the great Captain Usopp!"
Usopp was happy. He knew how innocent and naïve Chopper was. He had learned how pure the doctor's heart was. Being his friend and showing him the world was not even enough for Chopper's adoration for him. Usopp just wanted to please him.
Chopper's eyes sparkled. "Wow. You're so amazing… just a moment ago you were lifeless now you're just glowing Usopp. How do you do it?"
"He's just being an idiot like always." Sanji suddenly interrupted almost popping out of nowhere.
Usopp had to grip his chest the moment he saw Sanji.
Jealousy. Hate. Anger. Disappointment. Suffering. Sadness. It was like a wave of negativity passing by his body. Usopp almost fell for it but he was quick to smile.
"Sanji! Come on. I was a patient for almost a day. Don't you have anything for me?" Usopp jokingly asked.
"If you're a lady and prettier… but since you're not you won't get anything." Sanji said smoke coming out of his mouth.
Usopp whined. "Come on Sanji." He was trying to suppress the feelings. He was joking so as to not remember Sanji's face from Nami's eyes.
It was too painful. Being guilty and can't do anything about it… Usopp wondered how Nami had endured such a thing.
"Fine."
"Hooray. Fine food finally."
"I'm coming too." Chopper decided.
"Food?" The Captain's ears were truly remarkable. In an instant Luffy was beside Usopp.
"See… I told you. You were just hungry." Luffy said.
Usopp rolled his eyes but still smiled all the while.
Sanji smack his head with his palm but still he was eager. Three hungry crewmates waiting to be served… it was actually what Sanji wanted.
The three then started to walk towards the kitchen.
"Say Luffy… you don't really remember a thing?" Usopp dared ask. Although he already knew of his answer he still wanted to ask.
"What? Is it supposed to be dinner? Have I missed a meal!" Luffy said starting to panic. "TELL ME USOPP! HOW MANY MEALS HAVE I SKIPPED!"
"None that I know of." Usopp answered. "Nothing. Nevermind what I said."
Out of all the memories Usopp enjoyed recalling Luffy's. It was positive, encouraging and full of life. Although he worries as well it was because one of his crewmates was in danger. Like Nami. He was also terribly worried about the girl even though they just met her. It was very innocent. Usopp also liked the fact that even though there were bitter memories Luffy somehow erases those memories by replacing it with happy ones. No wonder his captain doesn't have a care in the world… he was not bothered at all. He prioritizes the happier memories over the sad ones.
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Franky went inside the kitchen while Sanji was cooking. Usopp was once more brought back to the present when he and Franky talked about Sunny's weapon and other technical stuff. Luffy and Chopper were just impressed when they heard the words 'more powerful' and 'laser beams'. Luffy could hardly contain the excitement.
Sanji had prepared snacks enough for everyone. So as soon as he was done everyone inside the kitchen was just eating.
"Ahh~" Sanji swooned as he felt Robin's presence, "Robin-chan~"
"May I join as well?" Robin said with an elegant smile.
Usopp automatically looked at Franky. The man was looking at Robin the whole time she stepped inside the kitchen. Sanji prepared coffee for Robin at once while Robin settled in the kitchen. Sanji and Robin were talking casually as Sanji busies his hand with some side dishes for Robin.
Franky, all the while, was looking at them. Usopp knew what that look was for. Franky was not really worried about Sanji. Robin was just being polite that's why she enjoys being wooed by the cook but somehow Franky knew that Robin would not be taken like that. Usopp knew all of that of course since that was what Franky believes all along.
Franky sighed a bit. It was too subtle that no one except Usopp had noticed it.
Usopp knew that there were still some words that Franky wanted to tell her. Because of the whole memory thing, Usopp knew that Franky believes that he had not confessed to Robin yet. Although Usopp wouldn't know if that perfect time would come again.
It was different though. Franky and Robin were more subtle. It was not less passionate but it was more mature. It was very different from Zoro and Nami although almost the same. Especially Robin… she was planning to keep it a secret to everyone.
Usopp shook his head. There were thoughts too mature that he can't even handle. He desperately erases them.
"Someday Franky." Usopp whispered with a smile as he continued to eat.
Finally the last two members finally went to the kitchen. As usual even from a distance everyone can hear them arguing. They were still at it when they had entered the kitchen.
"What's the matter?" Robin asked.
Nami finally found a sensible person.
"Zoro's being stupid." Nami answered sitting beside Robin.
"Don't worry Nami-swan. I'll fix something for you to cool your head." Sanji volunteered.
"Now I'M being stupid! Who's the one that started it?" Zoro said at Nami who was obviously not listening anymore.
"Shut your mouth now shitty marimo. That's no way to talk to a lady." Sanji said getting closer to Zoro.
Nami looked at them and rested her head on her hands.
"Sanji-kun. Where's that something to cool my head?" Nami said pretending to be sweet.
'She did that to make Sanji leave Zoro alone.' Usopp thought.
Somehow, now that he had seen all of their memories in the past few days he had known them better almost knowing what they were thinking about. Usopp smiled. He knows what they were all thinking and all he could think about was how grateful he was and how happy he was he joined this crew.
Zoro sat near Luffy as Sanji continued to prepare the snacks and drinks. He also served the cold drink to Nami as quickly as possible.
The kitchen was back to its usual noisy place. Usopp was happy to see everyone being like this. It wasn't dark and awkward anymore. It was back to normal. The things that happened in the island were truly forgotten. The large smile was inerasable on Usopp's face.
Usopp was relieved. 'You're successful… it was really the only thing we need.'
Although Usopp was still guilty about the consequences, it must have hurt a lot to know that you're friends will never come back for you simply because they can't remember you. Memories are valuable sometimes it was the only thing that would keep you fighting.
Usopp sighed. It was no use. Even if he tells everyone here her story it was better if they would be able to meet her. Again.
"Why are you so happy Usopp? Something happened?" Luffy asked. He then picked up a large chunk of meat and began eating it as Usopp answered.
"There's nothing wrong about being happy Luffy. Come on! I'm a member of the greatest pirate crew ever!"
"But of course! You're the sharp shooter of the future King of the Pirates." Luffy said with mouth full of meat.
Usopp agreed.
"Oi oi. What's with you Usopp? You are acting different the whole day." Zoro also spoke up. Zoro then drank.
Usopp stood up and raised his mug.
"You guys are the best. Cheers!"
Everyone raised their drinks and shouted "Cheers!"
Usopp then drank all of his mug's contents and sit down. The ruckus around the kitchen didn't fade.
Usopp breathed and stared at the table. He was very thankful and happy. He remembered the girl's face once more and hoped that she too would be happy back in her island. He wished that she would be remembered by her whole village… especially by her father… and live with them happily. Usopp wanted to know what happened to her but all he could do now is hope for the best. There was a big possibility that they would never see each other again.
However, even with all these memories inside his head, he still cannot remember the girl's name. He had been thinking about it all day… sorting through the images, emotions and words… a single name that his lips cannot even be familiar anymore.
"Her name… what's her name…" Usopp uttered silently.
Usopp focused and shut his eyes tightly. He can remember every encounter with her. From the first time they saw her, then the fire, the party, the house-building, the fight, until the time they departed… and still the name cannot even be formed inside his head. Of course she can't be nameless… he knew her name.
How could he forget?
Usopp thought hard that it clearly showed on his face. He shifted through all of their memories again. Different points of view all of the same person… but still no name…
"Her name…" Usopp uttered once more.
"Riru." Someone suddenly uttered beside him.
Usopp opened his eyes and looked at his left where Luffy was. His captain was staring at Usopp with that grin on his face.
"Riru. Her name was Riru." Luffy said.
Usopp was shocked.
"Y-you… remember her."
Luffy's smile grew bigger. Usopp was slowly becoming hopeful. His eyes growing large with excitement. Luffy never remembers unimportant people… heck! He can't even remember most of their enemies' names. Usopp knew that Luffy gives their enemies nicknames to call them and if they were easily defeated Luffy won't bother with their names…
That was why… Usopp hoped for the best.
However Luffy shook his head slowly. Usopp's smile dropped.
"No." Luffy said.
"There's just something with the name. I don't know who she was… but… I know that name was very important to all of us."
"Riru." Usopp repeated.
"Yup Riru." Luffy said and with that the captain continued to eat and mingle with the rest of the crew.
It was not because Riru's power might now have been powerful. Usopp knew that it was more than extraordinary. It might because Luffy held on to those memories well… that the captain really felt that they were important.
Usopp explained to himself. Luffy values the people important to him… and maybe that's the reason that even with the power of the devil fruit he might have still saved the existence of the person.
Riru.
The name stayed inside Usopp as well and he would make sure that he won't let go of it.
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Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece and the Strawhat pirates. I also don't thik I would be paid for what I am doing. Hahaha.
Thank you for reading this fanfic until the end. I do hope that you enjoyed reading it as much as I do when writing it. Please share some comments, reactions, suggestions or anything all of them are welcomed and would be much appreciated.
Thank you once more!