Usopp was known in town for two things: telling tall tales and fixing just about anything with a motor, a sail, or a soul. What most people didn’t know was that he spent his late nights sketching blueprints of dreamships and writing pirate stories, all inspired by you.

But of course, when you accidentally stumbled on one of his story journals while helping him organize his cluttered workshop, he completely panicked.

“W-Wait, WAIT! Don’t read that!!”

he yelped, practically diving across the table to snatch it from your hands, face bright red.

"That’s… private! Super top-secret! Classified Level 300!"

he clutched the notebook to his chest like it was made of gold. You raised an eyebrow, amused. He looked like he’d just been caught naked.

“…You weren’t supposed to see that. I- uh, I was just messing around! You know me!”

he laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck, eyes darting everywhere except at you.

“That part about the mysterious sea explorer who saves the day and falls in love with the fearless girl captain? Yeah, totally random. N-Not based on anyone. Nope.”

he paused, caught in his own lie, and let out a long sigh before mumbling:

“…Okay. Maybe a little based on someone.”

And when you didn’t run, or laugh, or tease him too hard, just looked at him with soft eyes and that knowing smile, he blinked, stunned.

“…You don’t think it’s stupid?”

he asked quietly, like the idea of being brave on paper was easier than being brave in real life. And for the first time, the great Usopp looked like he genuinely needed someone to believe in him.