#but he's not testing them out he's just trying to make Zoro laugh and loosen up more

[camels-pen]

the thing that fucks me up about zosopp is that while Zoro gets more serious and jokes around less as the series goes on, Usopp is still a little jokester. He still tells stories and plays with Luffy and Chopper- he knows when to get serious, but he also knows when to have fun.

And I bet it eats him up inside, seeing the man he loves slowly lock that part of himself away for the sake of being a strong and unwavering presence for the crew. How Zoro is constantly burdened with thoughts of how to keep the crew alive- how to best train to keep his crew alive. How he doesn't leave room for much else.

He makes room for Usopp though. For their crew- their family. And Usopp vows (hopes) to force him to make room for fun, too.

[foxboymyles]

Pardon My Imprudence [Chp 2]

Note: I have all the text prepared! But I try to get these out in an orderly manner. That way I don’t have to correct a couple chapters in the same day. Some times I’ll be motivated to do so though, so multiple chapters might be released the same day <3 enjoy😊

It's November now. Luffy is ready to go to school, and his dad Shanks approached him with a piece of toast.

"Eat it quick. School is in 10 minutes. You can probably get there in 2 depending on how fast you walk." Shanks said.

Luffy nodded and put on his school uniform shirt, running his fingers in his hair to fix his cowlick. He bit into the toast instead of holding it since his hands were full. Shanks chuckled and kissed the top of his head.

"Have a good day, Luffy," Shanks said, lightly pushing him out the door as the boy walked.

"You too!" Luffy said, his voice muffled from the toast in his mouth.

When Luffy got to the front gate, Zoro was waiting at the gate to walk with him. Luffy smiled and tossed his water.

"You said your sister took all the water bottles so I got one for you!"

Zoro grabbed it and started to loosen the cap."Thanks."

"No problem!" Luffy said, grinning.

Luffy got to his locker, which was coincidentally next to Zoro's. He was getting his books together when they were slapped out of his hand. It was Bellamy's snarky grin that Luffy remembered.

"I'm thinkin' you don't remember when you made a fool out of me in class," Bellamy said, his hand clenching Luffy's shirt collar.

Zoro was ready to punch him when Luffy gave him the signal to not do it.

"Yeah, I remember. The math test."

"Remember the fight, retard. At 5."  Bellamy said, as he slammed Luffy into the locker and walked away.

Zoro helped Luffy up, with an angry look on his face. He got his papers and books and gave him a serious look.

"Y'know I could easily kick his ass if you need me to," Zoro said.

"It's ok, Zoro. I'll do that on my own." Luffy said, grabbing the papers and books from him and putting them in his locker.

Zoro doubted this but let him do his own thing.

...

It was time for the fight. Nami drank her soda while she talked casually to Usopp. Zoro wondered why they were so nonchalant about this fight. Luffy obviously didn't seem like the strong type. There were many people on Bellamy's side, cheering for the snarky kid. Bellamy cracked his knuckles and looked up at Luffy, who didn't seem scared at all.

"You're a strange kid. Usually, when I fight other kids they shrink in fear. But not you." Bellamy said.

Luffy stayed silent and looked at him in the eye. Bellamy smiled and tried to trick him with quick movements. But with a fast fist and a hard punch, Luffy's hit sent Bellamy flying, as his face rubbed into the concrete. Zoro couldn't believe his eyes. This kid actually knew how to fight, and he fought well. The audience paused and cheered for Luffy's easy victory. Zoro went up to Nami and Usopp.

"You're used to him doing that?" Zoro asked, surprised.

"Yeah, of course. He's trying to be a famous boxer right now. He's the top of the state. He just doesn't flaunt it." Usopp said, taking off his sunglasses.

"He didn't tell me he was a boxer," Zoro said.

Luffy smiled back at Zoro and fist bumped him.

"Can I have some of that water?" Luffy asked.

"You might wanna fountain it," Zoro replied.

The boy took a sip and gave it back. Bellamy's friends looked at Luffy angrily and put Bellamy on the bench while he was unconscious.

"Say moss head, do you do anything fitness related?" Nami asked.

Zoro rolled his eyes."I train with katanas. And I'm trying to be a heavy lifter."

Luffy looked at him amazed."Heavy lifting? Katanas? That sounds so cool!"

Zoro smiled. "Yeah. It's not easy though."

"Well, we gotta run. Our friend Franky's expecting us over dinner." Usopp said, walking off with Nami.

"Alright, see you guys later!" Luffy said, waving.

They left as Zoro looked at Luffy for a moment.

"You don't seem like the boxer type." He said.

Zoro lifted up Luffy's shirt. His eyes widened.

"I thought you barely had anything there!" Zoro said, in shock.

Luffy looked again curiously."Oh, yup. Are you talking about my muscle? Shanks said I can't grow that much muscle 'cause of my physique or somethin' like that."

Luffy lifted up Zoro's shirt and observed.

"You got way more muscle than me," Luffy said.

Zoro crossed his arms."Nothing new to me."

Luffy smiled and glanced at the park across the street.

“Wanna go over there and play some ball?” Luffy said, getting a basketball out of his gym bag.

Zoro nodded and went over to the park with him. It was a warm, quiet day like always. You could hear the quiet laughter of children and the soft noise of cars passing by. Luffy shot 5 baskets in a row, as the same for Zoro. They kept up a conversation.

“So who inspired you to do fighting like that?” Zoro asked Luffy.

Luffy threw the ball. It bounced off the headboard and bounced, rolling slowly on the concrete.

“Shanks. Shanks Le Roux, my dad.” Luffy said.

“I’ve heard his name before I met him. He’s one of the famous boxers, right? But then he quit and got into a business career.” Zoro explained briefly, as he motioned for the ball.

“Well, one time I was running to get my ball when I was a kid. I wasn’t living with Shanks at the time, but we were good friends because he was from my neighborhood. I got my ball finally and a guy was approaching me with a knife. I didn’t see it, but Shanks blocked the knife just on time and it got caught in his arm.” Luffy continued. “The doctor had to cut off his arm because the wound was too deep for them to heal it. When he got the job of raising me and my brothers he decided it was better to not get hurt, and he got into Business. He still works out a bunch though.”

Zoro looked at Luffy and smiled. “You’re dad’s cooler than I thought.”

Zoro forgot the ball in his hands and sat on the bench. It was then when a man whose hair was blue with dreadlocks, came into their view. He took Luffy’s hat from his bag and started to run.

“Luffy, he’s got something of yours!” Zoro shouted.

Luffy quickly turned and ran light speed after the man. He tackled him and punched him in the face. The man fell, but quickly took out a knife and smiled creepily.

“This is Shanks’ hat, correct?” The man said, his voice gravelly.

Luffy’s eyes widened.”How’d you know that?”

“Everyone knows it! Just give me the hat! It could be worth a fortune!” He said, poking the knife at Luffy’s neck.

Zoro hurried to the scene and glared at the man.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Zoro said, in a low toned voice.

“Why no-” He asked until Luffy almost punched him. He dodged it but he couldn’t dodge Luffy’s kick, which hit him and made him rub his cheek against the concrete.

The man laughed and looked at Luffy mischievously.

“The name’s Buggy the Clown. That’s my ring name.” Buggy said, struggling to get up.

“You’re a wrestler too?” Luffy said, giving his hat to Zoro.

“Of course. Until your old man revealed the news about me being a ‘scandal’! I had to leave the wrestling career and be a criminal.”

Luffy chuckled.”Shanks never fails to be right.”

Buggy raised his eyebrow, scowling.”What do ya mean by that, kid?”

“I mean, you just tried to kill me there. You don’t make very great impressions, do you?” Luffy said as Zoro tried not to smile.

Buggy blushed and mumbled. “This isn’t over yet, Monkey D. Luffy. I’ll get revenge someday. Your old man’ll be sorry once I get through with you. He slowly walked away into the distance.

Zoro looked at Luffy.”Good thing you got rid of him. I want to speak to you about something.”

Luffy raised an eyebrow and looked up at Zoro innocently. “Yeah?”

Zoro blushed and took a deep breath. “I li-”

“LUFFY!” Ace said, running from the sidewalk to the basketball court.

Zoro glanced at Ace and looked at him in curiosity.

“What’s up?” Luffy said.

Ace growled. “You said you’d be home at 6! And it’s nearly 7:30!”

“Sorry, Ace. Did I miss Sabo’s dinner?”

“Of course you did!” Ace said angrily,”Now come on!”

Luffy warmly smiled at Zoro.”Thanks for hangin’ out with me!”

Ace yanked Luffy’s arm for him to go and they ran back to their house.

Zoro stared at their silhouettes getting smaller and smaller, sighed and sat on the bench flustered.

…

Luffy arrived at the house and Sabo was cleaning the kitchen. The older brother smiled nicely and got the left-overs from the microwave.

“I’m guessing you went out with Zoro again?” Sabo said, unwrapping the foil.

Luffy grinned.”Yup! We played basketball!”

Ace sat down on the couch and deeply sighed. “Why are you so obsessed with this guy?”

“Well he’s real nice. He tried to protect me from Bellamy when he tossed my books.” Luffy said.

Sabo frowned slightly.”I didn’t know Bellamy was doing something like that again.”

Ace grumbled.”I could have fought him better.”

Luffy pouted.”What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I mean I could’ve given him a concussion! I’d rather have that bastard stay away from that school permanently than hurt you.”

Sabo laughed.”The point was that Luffy’s friend protected him, right?”

Ace blushed turned on the tv.”So what? I can do that.”

Luffy grabbed a plate of left-overs from Sabo and ate like a pig, as usual. “He was gonna say something to me, but you came over to get me.”

Sabo’s eyes widened as Ace dropped the remote. Ace turned to Luffy in shock.

“Don’t tell me he was gonna admit to liking you.” Ace said.

Sabo laughed awkwardly.”Maybe he was just gonna bring something else up!”

“No Sabo, he looked real embarrassed when I got Luffy.”

Sabo suddenly stopped talking and sat on the couch.

Luffy blushed slightly and yelled back.”That’s not true! We…”

“Ah ah ah! No excuses! You have to say no!”

Sabo glared at Ace.”Don’t say that. He can say yes if he wants to!”

“Why are you so soft on him?!? They’ve only known each other for 3 months!”

They went back and forth until Luffy shouted with a hot face.

“I think I love him!”

Sabo and Ace looked at him bug-eyed.

“What?” They said in unison.

“You heard me! When we were carving the pumpkin a while ago- I looked him in the eye and I felt really nervous! My heart was beating really fast! It still does!” Luffy said, stuttering a little.

Sabo smiled and made an aw sound as Ace was struggling to get back in reality. He finally stood up and grabbed Luffy’s phone. Luffy shouted for him to give it back, but he didn’t. Ace called Zoro’s phone.

…

Zoro’s phone vibrated in his pocket while he was eating dinner. Mihawk turned his attention to him, drinking fine wine. Zoro mumbled said he’d be back in a minute and went outside to answer.

“Yeah?”

“Yo, Roronoa.”

Zoro heard it was Ace’s voice.

“What’s up?” He said, curiously.

“Stop swooning my brother already! He’s going off about you like you’re some kinda god.”

Zoro started to turn red.

“What?”

Luffy nagged Ace to get off of his phone and snatched it away from him.

“I’m sorry Zoro- he’s just being-”

“I like you.”

Luffy’s mouth opened slightly. His heart started racing rapidly and his hands slightly twitched.

“Uh…”

“No, I think I love you. I love you. Be my boyfriend.”

Luffy heard this and blushed even more. He smiled and laughed.

“Yeah, I will! So uhm...I’ll see at school?”

“Of course. See you.”

Zoro hung up. He felt like a whole load off his chest was released. He let out a little smile and went back to dinner.

…

Luffy grinned, his face crimson red.

“Well? How’d it go?” Sabo asked, excited. Ace covered his face, ashamed.

“He asked me if I wanted to be his boyfriend,” Luffy said, touching his hair.

“That’s good! I hope you guys stay together for a long time!” Sabo said, cheerfully. Ace sulked on the couch and gave the remote to Sabo. The blonde took the remote.

“Aw, why can’t you be supportive? He seems like a nice guy.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m just worried he’s gonna go around hurting Luffy.”

Sabo chuckled.”Funny you say that when he was the one to protect Luffy from Bellamy.”

“Yeah, sure.” Ace said, gazing at the colors of the tv screen.

[twsted-princess]

Dreams Really Do Come True

(This a redo of my old one that I’m really proud of and I want to give it some love)

Another Princess of Hearts fanfic! Based off the wonderful post done by my dear friend @asa-de-ouro.

It was supposed to be another Saturday morning. I mean, it started normally. I woke up, brushed my teeth, checked my notifications on phone, went to my kitchen to make some tea. No one else besides my sister is up, just another day. That’s when it changed. As I went to the study my eyes focused on a oddly placed red button by the front door. There was something written by the button “Those whom you ship yourself with become real and are happy to see you , This includes those whom you shipped yourself with in the past”. Reading the note, my heart swelled at the thought, the idea of those who I adore with all of the heart being here in the world of reality, being with me and loving me unconditionally. My hand was hovering over the button, but my mind was racing. Maybe this is just some prank bro put out for. “But if that’s true, how does he know that I have fictional crushes? This could only be a sick joke.” My thoughts fought with each-other for a while until I finally decided. “If this is really a joke, let’s put to the test” I say to myself as I press the button.

Nothing happen….figures. I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes, it was my own wishful thinking. Disappointed with myself, I’m about to sit down at the seats in the kitchen when the doorbell ring. “It’s probably the mailman or something”, raising to get it, the teapot warming up the water is the background noise. I peek through the glass on the door connecting the porch to the outside, there’s what I can assume a head of grey hair and a brilliant pair of teal eyes. “No, that can’t be….” my body wanting to open the door while my brain tried to process the events. I opened the door and standing only a few steps away is Philip. His eyes met mine and he gave me a smile seeing only love and accomplishment, like I’m an oasis made by the gods. He kneels before me, placing a closed hand against his heart, I’m taken back and from his mouth “It’s been too long my princess” comes out.

 “Is this really happening?” is all I’m thinking as he rises. We stand there for some time until he coughs, “So can I come it?” he speaks, his smile not leaving. Snapping at the trace, blushing at the fact that I standing there like a idiot “O-Of course.” comes out. I lead him to the living room where he sits in on the sofa. There’s an awkward silence on my part when the teapot signals it’s ready, “Uh…D-Do you want something to eat, or drink, or something?” I say nervous as all hell. “Not really.” he replies, his eyes not leaving mine for a second “W-Well, If you don’t mind I-I’m going to make some tea”. Speed-walking to the kitchen my mind is racing for answers “This has to be a joke. Yeah, that’s right. He’s just a professional cosplayer that paid to do this. He would never actually fall in love. I’m not pretty, or smart or anything worth loving. I’m annoying and stupid and AGH!”. As I’m pouring the tea and loathing myself for falling for the prank that my brother is probably laughing his ass over, I noticed that Philip is staring at something on the wall. Following his line of sight my eyes are now noticing that there’s a clock that was never there before. It’s counting down the time, 133:55, that’s weird. He sees that I’m focused on the clock when he chuckles, again snapping me out of my foolishness. “Don’t worry about the clock, I’m just waiting for the rest of the gang to show up” he turns to look me still in that adoring stare. “Wait! There’s more comin-” I can’t get the rest of the words out when the doorbell rings agains. “This is a dream” I say repeatedly to myself as I head to the door, opening it, my eyes laid more figures that I know more then anything. Kiyomasa Senji (Deadman Wonderland), Vash (Trigun), S-Sha (Hyperdimension Neptunia), Theodore (Persona 3) and tower above them was Blue Diamond (Steven Universe).

 My brain is almost ready to explode when Philip comes up behind me, “Hey, guys! Nice to meet you finally!”. Vash two-finger salutes him, Blue Diamond waves while the others nod. They see me and they all smile with the same simile of love. “Well, don’t just stand there! Come on it, there’s tea if anyone wants some.” He said heading inside. They follow, passing by me, Diamond transforming herself into a smaller but still tall enough height. “It’s good to finally meet you” Senji spoke while passing me patting my head. The once fictional characters entering my house while I stand still trying to make out if this is real or fantasy. “I have to be dreaming, there’s literally no way this is actually happening...” going back inside I see that everyone has settled in and are now chatting. Gaining some confidence I clear my throat “Can anyone please explain to me what’s going on here?” everyone heads turn to face me “Am I just the willing participant in a elaborate joke?”. The questions hang in the air for a bit, “You can admit it, I know you’re doing this just to get a laugh…I don’t mind. You’re all just cosplaying those characters to get a reaction out of me about how stupid I am, aren’t you?” I added.“What are you talking about? We’re here cause you called us, isn’t that right?” Satan spoke up. “But, that’s impossible...you guys aren’t real.” I tried to explain as S-Sha walked up to me taking the hold on my hand. “We’re here to be with you, it’s that simple.” her voice was true and sounded genuine. She guided my hand to her sliver hair allowing me to feel. It’s was so soft, and I couldn’t feel and wig cap underneath. Again the doorbell rang.

“I’ll go get it.” Senji said as he rose from the seat. S-Sha sat me down and Blue Diamond got me my tea that I ignored. I took notice on the strange clock again it now reading 100:09. The door swung open and another bunch of the people I love walked into the living room. This time a group of ten. Their faces all too familiar to me as everyone greeted each other. The group would then come over to me, with hellos and how much they missed me like I’m a loved one they haven’t seen in a long time. My heart is beating so fast and I felt like I was going to pass out from all the attention. “Maybe this isn’t a dream after all.” I ponder the thought as I get up to make the new guests more comfortable. Making some tea and coffee, I offer the refreshments to them. Some take the offer while some recline. There’s chatter with laughter as stories are being told along with some lighthearted arguing, I stand against the wall enjoying the scene. Another ring from the door, rushing to get it, the clock changes to read 100:00. The next group of ten enters as I’m now greeted with hugs, head pats, even kisses on the hand and/or cheek. Some of them even brought gifts of flowers and even a small crown to me. The living room and kitchen are almost full so I direct the party to the garden outback the conversations continued outside. Soon enough, my parents and my older brother walk downstairs to witness the party at hand. All three of them are stumped speechless at the size of the group. “Oh! Morning you guys! I’ll explain everything later!” My simile is now slightly hurting but I couldn’t care less. This is a dream come true and I don’t want to wake up. My twin sister has now joined the party, having almost the amount of excitement as me. My parents don’t want to question the fact that we’re having the time of lives so my dad started to breakfest while my mom talks to guests. I pulled my brother to the side “Okay, so was this your plan for a joke or something?” I asked in all seriousness. “No! I have literally have no idea what’s going on!’ he said in total honestness.  My eyes was against fall in the clock as another group invites themselves in. The time reads 80:15, the dots connect in my head. It’s counting down every single character I’ve had a crush on. I giggle at my own forgetfulness as i rejoins the party.

Everything is going smoothly as more of the people I love come through the door. Everyone is having a grand time. My parents are getting along with the guest, my sister looks like she’s going pass out from seeing fictional characters in real life while my brother is confused as fuck but is going along with her. The talking is pleasant and the food is almost done. I’ve talked to the loves of my life. Seeing them so happy and even loosen up a bit fills my heart with joy. I smile at the crowd, not wanting this moment to end. There’s a knock at the door “Coming!” I shout as my feet rush to the door. On my way to the door I see that wonderful clock counting down. 7, 6, 5… my steps matched the timing as my hand grip the knob 4, 3, 2… I open to the door and stare at Roronoa Zoro, my very first fictional crush. “It’s been forever, Melanie” are the only words he gets out as I leap into his arms. Hugging him with every fiber in my body I feel tears beginning to fell. He hugs back as the group see that the final guest is here at last. “This really isn’t a dream, is it?” I asked looking up at his face, our eyes locking. “Not at all” a warm grin spread across his lips. It’s just like the stories, dreams really do come true.