serving_love | (no subject)

...maybe? I have no idea. They're good, though. Try one and see what you think.

He loves to make stuff people like, and it'll be your BIRTHDAY, so it's not even a question, seriously.

Once again, there is NOTHING wrong with the way I dress.

...it's pretty big.

I like my theory. Maybe I'll have one the next time I'm in the galley.

Mmhm. Not that I'm especially looking forward to my next birthday.

You keep saying that, and all I hear is this meaningless whining sound.

Yes, it is.

Better hurry though, because they're going fast.

...why not? You're not THAT old.

Hey, YOU started it!! Jerk.

Happy about that?

I'll live. But I do want something to drink anyway, so perhaps I'll go now.

I'm not old for most people, but I am old for me.

♥

Yes, I am.

Grab a couple for me, too?

...that doesn't make any sense. Well, you're...let's see, about twelve years older than me? ...actually, that seems like kind of a lot when you say it like that. Uh. Not that it means you're old. It probably just means I'm young.

That's a heart that means "Yes, you're right Usopp; I love the way you dress. Sorry for being a jerk about it", right?

Figured. I guess it makes sense, though.

Sure. Any others?

What I meant is that a lifetime practitioner of Rokushiki usually lives to be about 45.

Of course, of course.

Well, I did commit treason. And I'm also extremely strong and terrifying.

Chocolate chip and fudge with white chocolate chips would be nice. Since you're offering.

...what? Seriously? ...that can't be right.

Thought so.

...right. Thanks for reminding me.

All right.

It's a good median estimate. It could be as early as 40.

You're higher than four people on the crew and six people with outstanding bounties. Don't have a fit about it like Sanji.

Thanks.

No, I--you never mentioned anything about that before. Anyway. It's probably not right anyway. I doubt it is, that's...

Huh? That isn't--I didn't mean THAT! Like I'd expect to have a higher bounty than YOU.

I haven't? Oh. I'm used to it being common knowledge among people with whom I associate frequently, I suppose. And yes, it is right; there have been studies, not to mention countless examples of anecdotal evidence. I personally had a teacher who lived to be...49, I think, but was crippled at 44.

Then what did you mean? That I shouldn't remind you that I'm strong and terrifying?

...then you should stop doing that Rokushiki stuff!!

You don't really NEED to remind me.

That's not really how it works. If I stopped using it entirely, at this rate, it would most likely have no effect - at most, I may have another couple of years. But I'm not going to stop using it just for that hope.

I'm not terrifying to you, am I? Anymore.

But you're healthy now, aren't you? Does Chopper know about this?? He could probably--I bet he could figure something out! I mean, you're not just OKAY with it, are you??!

...well. No. Mostly not.

It's not something I can be okay or not okay with, Usopp. It's the way things are. I chose this knowing what would happen to me, and now I'm dealing with the consequences, just like any decision a person makes.

...Mostly?

...did you really have a choice, even? I thought you were just a little kid when the government started training you.

Look, I know it's still at least ten or fifteen years away, but this isn't really--I don't want you to DIE. There's gotta be SOMETHING!

I was a genius, though. A prodigy. I knew full well what I was getting into. Admittedly, many of my coworkers did not.

...Usopp...I don't know what you want me to say. Do you want me to apologize for the fact that I have a truncated lifespan? I don't much like it either.

...no, sorry. I just--

...

I...appreciate the fact that you're concerned. I just don't really know what to say, and I wasn't expecting anyone else to be so...upset. I told Sanji, and he seemed to think that I still have plenty of time, so...

I just didn't think you would take it this hard.

...well, I mean. Sanji's RIGHT, you still have time, I just...don't like the idea of you having a...countdown, or whatever you want to call it. I mean, towards the end they told my mom she just had a couple months left, and she held on longer than they thought she would, but it still--

S-sorry, I'm not trying to make you feel weird about it or bad or anything, I just wasn't expecting...any of this.

...I suppose that would...make it harder. Having known someone like that before.

I didn't think of the effect it might have on anyone else. I grew up knowing how much time I had, and no one else would ever have cared before.

...But?

Nothing! Just. You're still a little scary. Sometimes.

Oh.

Don't take that the wrong way!