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usoppinggg · 28 days ago

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Fun with Flora

Usopp, Robin, and Luffy talk plants and pop greens.

my gift for @hadideedee for the 2024 @op-secret-santa event! <3 happy holidays!

Flora and fauna soak up the sun's midday warmth, leaves swaying with the gentle breeze. Above them, a voice, quiet, jocular, and familiar speaks. The plants listen to it raptly, leaning toward the voice just as they stretch toward the sun.

“Nami, Zoro, Vivi, Broggy–they were all solidified into wax!” the voice says. “And nearby was Luffy, sitting on a picnic blanket and enjoying a nice cup of tea! Seeing him casually sipping tea while our friends had turned into wax infuriated me! I couldn’t believe our captain was being so careless! But through my fury, I could see a symbol painted onto his back, and I realized that Luffy’s indifference wasn’t his at all! The sly Miss Goldenweek had once again used her Colours Trap to force Luffy into his feeling of tranquillity. I knew it was up to me to save him.

“My mighty steed Karoo and I were completely in sync as we started our counterattack. We moved as though we shared a mind, expertly dodging Mr. 5’s exploding attacks. Karoo got me in position to free Luffy from the painter’s curse, burning his shirt to ashes with a Fire Star. But Mr. 5 wasn’t done with us–he sent us flying with his exploding breath while Mr. 3 turned himself into a giant wax mecha. Just as our backs were against the wall, I realized that all wasn’t lost. All we needed to do was melt the wax off of our friends. But it wouldn’t be easy.

"As Luffy fought against Mr. 3, I secretly coated a rope in oil and instructed Karoo to run it all over the wax structure. Valiantly, Karoo did his duty, even as Mr. 5 tried his damndest to explode him into tiny ducky pieces. I had to endure while Miss Valentine attempted to crush me with her Devil Fruit power. Having a pretty girl sit on you sounds good in theory, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be!”

Usopp pauses his story as a spark of recognition goes off in the back of his mind. He looks over his shoulder and smiles at Robin as she walks up the steps to the top deck of Sunny’s garden.

“The tales of Little Garden, hm? That’s one of my favourites.”

Usopp grins. “Me too! These guys seem to like it as well,” he says, pointing to his audience–his garden of pop greens.

“Well don’t let me interrupt you,” Robin says as she settles in, sitting across from Usopp in front of her flowerbed. “I wouldn’t want to have them upset with me.”

Usopp chuckles and does as he’d bid, finishing up the story of the Straw Hats’ adventures in Little Garden. When he’s done, he’s met with Robin’s applause and does a little bow.

“Hopefully that’ll get the mandrakes to settle down.”

“They’ve still been misbehaving?” Robin asks. She chuckles as Usopp lets out an annoyed huff.

“Yes! This batch has been particularly sensitive to the weather, so they’ve been pissed about all the crazy weather changes we’ve been having lately. They threw a fit this morning because the air was a little drier than normal. I got Brook to play some of their favourite music, which seemed to help, but they’re still being stubborn.”

“My gardenias are also giving me trouble,” Robin shares. “I’m having difficulties getting them to bloom despite my best efforts. I’m getting quite frustrated. ”

“Children,” Usopp sighs. “So ungrateful.”

“Very much so.”

“Y’know, back on the Boin Islands, the man-eating gardenias gave me a lot of trouble, too. You wouldn’t believe how many tried to eat me! A couple of ‘em came really close to making me their next meal.”

“Is that so? Tell me more, Longnose. Maybe there’s a clue to getting my flowers to bloom.”

Usopp scoffs. “Yeah, if your flowers are the carnivorous kind.”

“It’s not too late to find out,” Robin says cryptically.

Archaeologist listens intently as sniper recounts his run-ins withs carnivorous plants on the Boin Archipelago, constantly escaping death using his wits and clever inventions. Usopp cringes and shudders when Robin adds a morbid quip or asks a concerning question about his time away from the crew.

While Robin contemplates Usopp’s anecdotes, she picks up her well-loved watering can. She frowns at the chip’s in the metal’s custom paint job.

“Usopp, would you mind giving my watering can a repaint? Some of it’s chipped.”

“Of course not, Robin! I can give it a touch-up tonight. Want anything new? Additions or a new design?”

“Hm. I like the ghoul you’ve already painted. But perhaps you could include some blood dripping from her fangs.”

“Do you want guts and intestines in its jaw, too?” Usopp asks sarcastically. He winces as Robin’s eyes light up. “No, Robin, I didn’t mean it!”

“Could you do that?”

Usopp closes his eyes and sighs, letting his shoulders hang. “Yes. Yes, I can, Robin.”

She smiles. “That’d be lovely, thank you, Usopp.”

The Straw Hats continue to chat amicably as they care for their respective plants, sharing tips, tricks, and complaints. It’s a warm, pleasant day aboard the Thousand Sunny, the ship easing its way across gorgeous blue waters.

The duo are soon interrupted by a loud and familiar shout, and the similarly familiar sound of rubber snapping.

“USOPP! ROBIN!”

They grin at the sight of their captain flying towards them. Robin crosses her arms and creates a net of arms for him to land on as he laughs without a care in the world.

“Hello, Captain.”

“Luffy! Hey, man, what’s up?”

“Sanji wouldn’t give me any more snacks and kicked me out of the kitchen,” Luffy gripes as he rolls out of Robin’s net. He bounds his way over to Usopp and sits behind him, with his chest to Usopp’s back, legs encasing Usopp’s.

Usopp happily leans into his captain’s embrace as Luffy wraps his arms around his torso and rests his chin on his shoulder so he can peek at Usopp’s bed of pop greens.

“Which ones are you growing now, Usopp?” he asks, causing the sniper to shiver as the warm air of his breath hits Usopp’s ear. “Is it the banana boat? Ooh, or is it the wolf that eats people? That one’s so cool! Or do you have a new one you haven’t shown us yet?”

Robin watches as a pleased smile lights up Usopp’s face as their captain compliments his beloved pop greens. It’s a familiar sight, as Usopp is always happy to have his talents and hard work praised. But her keen eyes recognize that the smile that graces his face when Luffy is the one to give him a kind word is different than when it comes from anyone else.

“As a matter of fact, I’m working to develop a couple of hybrids between some of my plants,” Usopp explains. “Lately, I’ve been trying to combine my Skull Bomb Grass with the Green Star Devils for a super-powered attack. If it works how I intend it to, the Devils will inject enemies with the Bomb Grass’ toxins to paralyze them. Temporarily and non-lethally, of course… I hope.”

Usopp puffs up his chest as Luffy and Robin marvel at his project with oohs and aahs and hums of curiosity.

“Sounds like it’ll be very effective,” Robin smiles. “Have you done any trials? I’m interested in observing the paralysis process.”

“I haven’t gotten that far yet, but I think I’m pretty close…”

Luffy sags against Usopp as his conversation with Robin becomes full of scientific jargon. Just as boredom begins to settle in, Usopp leans forward as he reaches toward the plants in the soil. Luffy perks up and excitedly wiggles in place, tightening his grip around Usopp.

“Usopp! What are you doing now? Can I help? You’ll let me, right?”

“I dunno, Luffy. This is very delicate work.”

“Please, Usopp? I’ll be super careful, promise! And you can show me how!”

Robin chuckles behind her hand as Usopp hums while he pretends to think. Luffy pushes his bottom lip out in a pout, shoving his face closer to Usopp’s in the hopes that his expression will convince the sniper to let him help. Usopp looks at their captain, Luffy unconcerned as Usopp’s nose presses into his eye.

“Alright, fine! BUT! You have to promise that you’ll listen to my instructions and do as I say. When it comes to my pop greens, I’m in charge, got it?”

Luffy nods enthusiastically with his trademark grin on his face. “I promise, Garden Captain Usopp!” He salutes and then detangles himself from Usopp and sits by his side, bouncing in place while he waits for instruction.

Robin approaches and sits on Usopp’s other side. “May I provide some assistance as well, Garden Captain?” she asks.

Usopp lights up and nods, much in the same way Luffy just did. He’s obviously excited to share his expertise and his work with his friends. And is delighted by the newest iteration of his title. “Of course! Alright, my pupils, today I’m gonna show you two how to cultivate the seeds of my Green Star Devils.”

Luffy and Robin listen intently as Usopp teaches them the ins and outs of tending to pop greens. He shows them his field book filled with detailed notes, complete with diagrams, tables, and illustrations. His explanations are clear and entertaining, keeping his crewmates’ attention.

“I keep some of the seeds to use in battle and others to grow new plants,” Usopp explains. “So first, we’ll collect the seeds left behind by the last batch. As you can see, the seeds are way bigger than typical flower or vegetable seeds.”

“They’re like marbles!” Luffy remarks as he holds the seed Usopp places in his palm. Robin inspects the one Usopp gives to her.

“Yeah! They’re colourful like marbles, too. The different patterns make it easy to tell which plant it sprouts. The Devil’s seeds have this purple and green swirling pattern.

“Now, first, we’ll get the seeds from the budded Devil we have here in the dirt. They’re usually pretty defensive, but they sleep deeply once they’re fed. I already fed them lunch, so now they’re napping. You can collect their seeds pretty easily when they’re like this. It’s a different story when they’re up and kicking, though.”

“What do you feed ‘em?” Luffy asks.

“They’re not picky, but mice and other rodents are their favourite. Some of them really like fruit, too. If I’m lucky, Nami will let me feed them her tangerines. They really like those.”

“Can we collect the seeds now?” Robin asks.

“Yeah! They’re usually hidden under their leaves. Robin, you collect the seeds from those two Devils over there, and Luffy and I will get the seeds from these two,” Usopp instructs. “It helps if you talk to them.”

“Okay, here I go!” Luffy announces as he brings his hands toward one of the sleeping Devils. “Hey, little guy! I’m Luffy, the man who’s gonna be King of the Pirates. I’m helping Usopp today. I’m gonna borrow these seeds from you so Usopp can do his awesome sniper stuff, okay?” Luffy suddenly reels back and sticks his finger in his mouth while he glares at the plant he was tending to. “Ouch! It bit me!”

“Gentle, Luffy, gentle! I know I said they’re deep sleepers, but you still have to be careful–you can’t just dig your hands in there or they’ll get pissed! Here, let me show you.”

In a reverse of their previous position, Usopp kneels behind Luffy to guide his hands as the rubber man collects the seeds left by his previous greens.

“Lift the leaf with one finger and hold the seed you see with the other hand. You’ve gotta grab and twist it to pull it loose, kind of like you’re picking an apple. But don’t grip it too tightly or you’ll squish the seed. They’re pretty resilient, but knowing you and your freakish strength, you’ll make it into a jam.”

“Do they make yummy jam?” Luffy asks.

“No! No, they do not!” Usopp pinches Luffy’s cheeks and gives them a forceful stretch. “If you squish my seeds, I’ll kill you, you hear me?”

“Okay, okay, I won’t,” Luffy relents, “so let go!”

Usopp gives Luffy’s cheeks a final pinch before he lets him go to take hold of Luffy’s hands once more. “Alright, try again. Just be gentle.”

“It helps if you hold them near the top of the seed,” Robin advises, showing Luffy the three seeds she’s procured.

“No fair!”

“It’s not a competition, Luffy, relax!” Usopp turns to glare at Robin, who simply smiles at him. “Robin, you menace, don’t rile him up, please! …And good job!”

“Okay, I’m trying again!” Luffy announces.

He is much more careful this time, locating a seed with Usopp’s gentle guidance. His tongue sticks out of his mouth and his brow furrows in concentration as he tries again. A grab, twist, and pull and Luffy’s second attempt is successful. “Got it!”

“Nice work! Keep going!” Usopp encourages. “They’ll grow some more in a couple of days.”

As Luffy and Robin collect the seeds, Usopp keeps his perch on Luffy’s back and watches over them. He huddles closer to Luffy to leech off his captain’s warmth, shivering as the warm pleasant wind is replaced by a glacial gust.

“What’s with this freezing wind all of a sudden?” he whines.

“Nami did tell us yesterday we’d be sailing through a cold front as we approach our next destination, a winter island,” Robin reminds him.

Usopp clicks his tongue. “Damn, I forgot about that. This better not piss off the mandrakes, I swear.” He reluctantly removes himself from Luffy to walk over to the mast and hit a button on the panel built into it. As he does, a see-through dome comes down to cover the top deck to keep all of the greenery safe and warm.

A moment later, the speaker also built into the mast crackles to life and Nami’s voice rings out. “We’re moving through a cold front, people! It’s gonna get real cold real quick, so come to the aquarium to get your winter gear if you don’t want to freeze.”

“I’m all finished,” Robin informs Usopp, presenting him with her haul.

“Me, too!” Luffy exclaims.

“Fantastic work, my disciples! I thank you for all of your hard work.”

Usopp collects the seeds, placing them in a pouch he places in his bag. He clicks his tongue as Luffy presses into his space, demanding his attention.

“Usopp, let’s play in the snow when we get to the winter island, okay?”

“Yeah we will, but first let’s get our jackets, I’m freezing!”

“Maybe Usopp wouldn’t be so cold if he wore a shirt.”

“Oh? Getting sassy with your Garden Captain, huh? That sort of mutiny cannot go unpunished!”

“Come and do somethin’ about it, then,” Luffy taunts.

The two are locked in a competitive gaze for a handful of moments before they lunge at each other, Usopp tackling Luffy to the ground. Robin watches in amusement as the young men tussle, shouting and laughing as they roll on the deck.

Their scuffle comes to a halt as Luffy suddenly gasps, hands clamped on Usopp’s shoulders and pinning him to the deck. He grins, shaking Usopp slightly.

“Usopp! Let’s get Sanji to make us hot chocolate!”

“With lots of marshmallows!” Usopp agrees, eyes just as wide and smile just as excited as Luffy’s.

“And chocolate sauce! And caramel! And sprinkles!”

“Ew, Luffy, don’t drool on me!”

Luffy springs to his feet and pulls Usopp up to join him, keeping the sniper steady as he stumbles. “Let’s go!” He grabs Usopp with one arm and stretches the other to hold onto the railing a few feet away. He takes a couple of steps back and launches them into the air.

“Wait, Luffy, the dome–!”

Usopp’s warning comes too late. Luffy has flung them straight into the Franky-installed insulating dome, and the two of them hit the window with a solid THUNK.

Robin laughs aloud as they fall and land on the deck in a heap. Usopp’s yelling is nearly indecipherable as he curses Luffy’s recklessness and complains about the pain he’s now been forced to endure. His complaints fall on deaf ears as Luffy laughs, looking up at the glass curiously.

“Whoops! Forgot about that!”

“I’m gonna kill you!” Usopp fumes.

“Not if Luffy doesn’t kill you first,” Robin gibes.

Usopp turns to direct his ire toward Robin, but his complaints are muffled by Luffy’s hands, which clamp over his mouth.

“No arguing!” Luffy insists. “It’s hot chocolate time! Let us out!”

Usopp pounds his fist against Luffy’s head. “Go down the ladder, genius! Don’t let the cold air in here!” Usopps huffs in frustration before he climbs onto Luffy’s back, arms around the other man’s neck.

“Now hurry up and get us to the kitchen!”

Luffy bounds them to the ladder hatch and hurls them down, his laughter harmonizing with Usopp’s excited but fearful screams.

With a fond smile on her face, Robin follows them down to the galley. There’s a hot cup of chocolate calling her name.

#one piece #op fic #usopp #nico robin #monkey d. luffy #op secret santa 2024 #red's fic #red's writing #finally finished this muah muah ily my mutual!!! i hope you enjoy!!!!! <333333333

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