And then the second call to his flight sounded, it was time to let go, after all those years.
Usopp inhaled slowly, giving a final sigh. He was saying goodbye to the last memory of what was once the happiest period of his whole life.
The memories never returned, he tried and tried a million times to fix it after the accident but he just needed to confront the new reality -his husband was gone. Far away were the moments they spent together, even after struggling with their different ways they complement each other. Now he was just half completed, a void that forever remains and he has to live with it until his last days.
Even keeping the album feels wrong, but what else he could keep? The man in front of him just doesn't care about the photos because it does not make him feel any sort of way but uncomfortable.
Usopp would do anything for him, and now he was doing that. If this was the only way he can be happy figuring his new life, so be it.
He was not going to cry right now, tears were lacking since weeks ago, little after signing the divorce papers, he just stares at the house -the same he modified through the years -the beautiful garden a creation for himself and his lover, giving one flower everyday with a poem he would think it's really bad but the other has reassured him that it was perfect.
Usopp gulped before finding the correct words, although they really weren't, they shouldn't be.
"Thanks for coming" he was returning the blonde's line he used to say everytime he was insecure about the outcome of their relationship.
It didn't help that the standing figure hearing it didn't catch the deeper meaning behind those words.
"Yeah, I guess I could do at least this" nervous voice and shaking hands, trembling but not other emotion besides chivalry.
Then the final call.
"I guess this is goodbye" now he started overthinking he was a coward and should fight to win him over again.
Usopp shut the thoughts down, he already fought and nothing worked. He really didn't want to give up, it was not his decision though.
A blue eye avoid his stare and there was silent for a few seconds.
"You can go back to the others, I-it's only for passengers from here" the statement a not-so-subtle signal that the other can relax now, he was free.
"Please don't lose contact with the crew" something similar to pain hidden in the chef's tone.
"Yeah, I promise, next time-I mean" the artist wet his dry lips, "yeah, next time they all will be invited to my exhibition in the Great Red Line Museum" he said attempting to light the mood, he couldn't say it but he only wanted a last smile before turning around.
"Take care Usopp..." unfortunately it was another wish not granted.
With all his willpower, he began walking towards the door, an uncertain future, moreover, a future without him.
