#and she’s not a raging royalist so i’m still confused to this day

[besidemethewholedamntime]

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1. Both sides of my family have the same surname (and are most definitely not related) so I’m doubly in the one clan

2. I was either going to be named Diana, after Princess Diana, or Sarah, after Sarah Ferguson, but in the end they went with Rebecca, after nobody

3. I’m really afraid of speaking in groupchats. Even with my flatmates or my closest friends. I will agonise for so long over a message that there’s usually no point in sending it if I do

[failureoftheyear-blog]

I will go down with this ship: Chapter 18

Sasuke's form began to shift; he mumbled something incoherently before his eyes slowly blinked open, adjusting to the semi-dark room, feeling its chill. Taking in the small fireplace that was lit, Sasuke eventually recognised the silhouette of the blond figure sitting in an old wooden chair in front of the fireplace. Sasuke saw he was on a makeshift bed, merely simple wood and rags. Sasuke unhurriedly sat up, his eyes settling on Naruto who was staring intently into the fire, not even regarding Sasuke.

"Do you know why the people in Tsumi drink?" He suddenly spoke, his eyes never leaving the fire. "Why they smoke, fight, fuck?" Naruto continued. Sasuke watched with an unsettled core. "It's because it's the only way to forget their existence, to forget what they go through every day…" Naruto paused, taking a small swig from his bottle of unknown substance, though Sasuke could make an educated guess. "It eases the pain, makes this life more liveable, but it's really the easiest way to kill yourself slowly" Naruto stated, taking a heartier swig of his drink, causing Sasuke to flinch. "You can almost fool yourself that life isn't a bitch" Naruto muttered. It was silent for a while as Sasuke was unable to respond to his speech, but his gaze travelled around the room they were in.

"Where are we?" Sasuke asked softly. Naruto wetted his dry lips.

"My old home" Naruto answered. Sasuke took in his answer and his surroundings. The room was bare, the seat that Naruto sat upon and Sasuke's bed being the only furniture. No pictures, no decorations, no memories of any sort came from the house. Sasuke only saw rotting wood, blackened floors and walls; the weak, cackling fire that spitted out its last moments of breath.

"I thought you lived on the ship" Sasuke admitted.

"I do, I've not been here in 15 years" Naruto stated. Sasuke believed Naruto's words easily, since the state of the home cried out abandonment. Sasuke watched Naruto with a degree of something unknown. It wasn't pity, but neither was it concern, or fear. It was of a nature that prompted him to a reaction of ignorant understanding.

"Naruto" Sasuke voiced, its unspoken message heeded by Naruto. The blond man stood and beckoned him to follow. Sasuke arose from the bed, silently tailing Naruto. His focus was strictly on Naruto rather than on what he had said hours before. Sasuke felt his foot tread on something, he stopped and looked down. He saw a broken picture frame with a portrait inside. Sasuke knelt down and brought the small painting closer. Sasuke tilted his head and squinted, the painting damaged and dusty. Sasuke smoothed away the damage and gazed upon the beautiful image.

A woman with lengthy, red hair; fierce, violet eyes and a smile that Sasuke admired. She wore a black tricorne on her head, herself wearing a jade dress that almost seemed fitted for battle. Her golden broach lay proud upon her bosom, as did her silver necklace. She was by far the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen; he'd been surrounded by many beauties of different lands, but this woman stood out. Sasuke had a difficult time believing that she was possibly real, but such detail and emotion could not be fabricated by the human mind. Sasuke could immediately tell that she held such ferocity; her determined eyes confirming it. Her smirk seemed familiar, though Sasuke wasn't able to place it to a memory…

Sasuke heard Naruto's footsteps getting further and further away; he left the portrait where it was and caught up with Naruto. Naruto still remained silent as they walked through the streets until they stopped in front of one of the many doors. Naruto sighed, standing frozen for a moment until he opened the door and stepped in; Sasuke knew that it was the man that everyone was being so evasive about, the one that no one dared to speak the name of.

Sasuke followed inside to see the humble abode; the best way he could describe it was to say it was what a pirate's office would look like. Messy, slightly dim and filled with forbidden scrolls. Sasuke's eyes landed on the man behind a desk, writing away with a quill. Blonde hair that was longer than Naruto's, but just a s bright. His coat akin to Naruto's, but pure black. His silky, white shirt buttoned up with the traditional leather pants. His only disguising feature being the red piece of cloth that his tied around his forehead. The man looked up and smiled.

"Naruto, what a surprise, a pleasant one at that," The man spoke kindly. Sasuke observed the blond man with blue eyes. His features akin to Naruto's, his gentle smile then found Sasuke, "And you've brought company, delightful" He spoke positively. Naruto returned the warmth with biting ice.

"I'm not here for pleasantries, Kira, I need information" Naruto responded. The man's smile faltered.

"Right, as usual, but I'm happy to see you're well" He replied.

"Shut it" Naruto hissed, offended by his kindness. Sasuke was confused to say the least. Naruto may not be the most mannerly boy, but he wasn't impolite and debauched. At least, that's what Sasuke initially thought. Sasuke could see that it somewhat hurt the man, but it appeared it was simply reopening old wounds.

"Naruto, son, you-"

"You are no father of mine" Naruto jeered, his eyes glimpsing red. Sasuke made the inevitable connection and was in absolute shock as to how Naruto treated the man. His father... Sasuke continued to watch in silence. "Namikaze is something I rejected long ago, so don't insult me further, Kira" Naruto abused. The man sighed.

"What is it that you desire to know?" He enquired.

"A man named Zabuza attacked us, I need to know of him" Naruto explained. The man raised an eyebrow.

"Zabuza? I'm surprised to say the least that he attacked you, he doesn't attack without reason" He stated, his eyes drifting over to Sasuke, "Unless, you have something that doesn't belong to you" He added. Naruto ignored his implication.

"No matter, who is he?" He asked, narrowing his eyes.

"He's a classic pirate; skilled with a sword and pistol, lust for money and power, revelling in fear" He started. "He'll do anything for anyone when paid; he's more of a bounty hunter if anything, but it's his partner that's the true worry…" He trailed off, rubbing his chin in thought, "Haku, I believe, has inhuman speed and deadly needles; you wouldn't necessarily categorise him as a pirate, but he loyally follows Zabuza" He informed.

"Is he a worry?" Naruto questioned, the man sighed and made a vague gesture.

"Depends who sent him and how much he's paid, other than that he's persistent until death, legend has it that he killed his target whom was swallowed by the Kraken" He versed.

"I'm not here for myths, can you call him off? You have the authority, don't you?" Naruto responded. The man shrugged.

"I'll assume that whoever hired him is after your friend there" He gestured to Sasuke. "Meaning they're not of pirate nature and I have no authority over Royalists" He stated, Naruto scowling slightly at the information. "As long as you keep a distance from him then you should be fine, but he's a skilled tracker" He added, at which Naruto nodded.

"Then we're done here, Kira" Naruto finished, turning to walk out. Sasuke had watched with aversion how Naruto was treating his father, the man that was supposedly the pirate king. Sasuke shook his head.

"How discourteous" Sasuke muttered under his breath, not expecting to be heard, but the man spoke up.

"I'm used to it, young maiden" He spoke wistfully, stopping Naruto in his tracks. Naruto's unsettled aura had already been prominent, but now it seemed to have snapped. He whipped around and glared maliciously towards his father.

"Kira! What did you say?!" Naruto barked, his eyes flashing red, Sasuke flinching at his sudden temper.

"I was simply reassuring the lovely maiden" He answered without malice, but Naruto remained angered.

"You've no business talking to him" Naruto growled.

"That's his choice, son" He replied, Naruto nearly shook with anger.

"You have no right to call me by that name" Naruto snarled. "You know the vehemence it causes me" Naruto stated, though the man's lack of apology seemed to agitate Naruto even more. Naruto stomped over, slamming his hands down on the desk, "That's it, fucking get up!" Naruto demanded. The man sighed as he arose.

"Always resorting to violence" he responded casually, his eyes glancing over at the concerned raven. His theory developed, he now sorted to confirm it, "Say we make this interesting, how about a remuneration?" He suggested. Naruto remained suspicious, though he let him speak, "To gain the favour from the young maiden" he offered. Sasuke's eyes widened and gave Naruto a glare that clearly stated his displeasure. Naruto glanced at Sasuke before answering.

"Fine" Naruto agreed.

"Excuse me?!" Sasuke squeaked, though he silenced himself when he caught Naruto's darkened eyes. He remained hushed as the men drew their swords.

"Let's do this, Kira" Naruto hissed, holding his silver sword mightily, the candles surrounding them were gleaming on his weapon. It was then that Sasuke noticed an inscription on the sword; he wasn't able to read what it said, but made note of it.

"I look forward to experiencing your new skills" The man stated. Naruto growled and thrusted his sword forward. The man dodged by sliding to the side.

"Too eager, son, I'm afraid you've already lost" He stated. Naruto immediately spun to slice the man's head off, but the man dropped to the floor and swung his leg under Naruto's. Naruto fell straight onto his back, glaring up at the man who stood. The man's sword pointed at Naruto's throat, "I win" He spoke, giving a glance towards Sasuke. Naruto's body tensed in rage, he battered away the sword and stood. He stomped off indignantly and slammed the door shut.

"Hey, Naruto!" Sasuke called after, but it was of no use. Sasuke sighed, strangely dismayed by Naruto's irritation. The man watched Sasuke's dejected expression overcome his face, knowing it all too well.

"I apologise for my behaviour" He spoke up. Sasuke looked over at him, the man going to his side, "It was unnecessary, I'm sorry you had to witness it" He apologised softly.

"O-Oh, it's fine, it's Naruto, he's the one causing the confliction" Sasuke huffed.

"It's justified to some extent" He responded, Sasuke tilting his head.

"Huh?" He voiced, but the man chuckled.

"I'll refrain from revealing Naruto's past" He stated. "I'm Minato Namikaze, his father if you hadn't already guessed" He introduced as Sasuke nodded, even though questions filled his mind as to why Naruto referred to him as Kira.

"I'm Sasuke Uchiha" Sasuke replied.

"Ah, yes, gem of the Uchiha assets" Minato recognised, raising Sasuke's hand and respectively kissing the back of it, "Pirate king of the seven seas at your service" He greeted.

"You don't act like a pirate" Sasuke pointed out. Minato chuckled and let go of his hand.

"I had a Navy upbringing" Minato informed. Sasuke raised an eyebrow.

"Navy? The only Navy in the world is in Konoha, in the name of Uchiha" Sasuke replied with confusion, but Minato chuckled.

"I used to work alongside the Uchiha a long time ago, twenty years I believe; I even trained the current lieutenant" Minato answered. Sasuke's eyes widened.

"Itachi?" Sasuke voiced in surprise. While it may be true, Sasuke didn't understand why he'd left.

"Yes, a fine young man, he showed great promise" Minato confirmed. "I even managed to save him from the aristocratic conditioning…" He trailed off thoughtfully before looking back at Sasuke. "You're his younger brother? How is he doing?" Minato asked, his sincere nature reassuring Sasuke to speak.

"He's quite well, married with a child on the way" Sasuke informed, Minato smiled.

"I'm glad, he was like a son to me" Minato explained. It was silent for a few moments, then Minato turned from him with no expression available, "I'd like to request something from you Sasuke" Minato spoke up quietly. "I can sense there is some form of connection between you two, so I ask that he remain safe, or at least alive; someone needs to keep his head on straight" He finished, and Sasuke stared at the now silent man. He realised that Naruto was still not in attendance. He turned around and walked out of the building. He looked left and right, lightly jogging down the street his gut had taken a liking to. He continued to travel down, observing any hint that might tell him where the blond captain could have gone. Each resulting in blackened bereavement and uninviting anonymity. Sasuke sighed and nearly gave up, until he saw Naruto trudging down the road.

"Naruto!" Sasuke exclaimed, the blonde never stopping. Sasuke huffed and caught up with him, watching Naruto continue to ignore him, "Oi, dobe! You just left me there, do you mind explaining that?!" Sasuke snapped, Naruto ignoring him once more. Sasuke scowled and placed a hand on him, "Listen to me when I-" Sasuke suddenly gasped as his arms were gripped and he was slammed against a brick building. Sasuke's eyes widened.

Sasuke's voice was stuck in his throat; not because of the harmful force or the shock of being grabbed, but because of Naruto's eyes. They were blood red, slit like a demon's. The pupils staring intensely towards Sasuke, their vicious and murderous intent promising sanguinary. Sasuke's breath was uneven and hitched. The bruising grip and deadly closeness terrifying Sasuke, it was as if he was facing a real cacodemon. Naruto didn't say anything, but his breathing was ragged, one that continued to exert warm air amongst the cold.

"N-Naruto…" Sasuke voiced fearfully. Naruto's eyes remained concentrated on him, blinking a few times before he slowly removed himself.

"Urgh…" Naruto groaned as he shook his head and wiped his eyes, Sasuke saw that they now shone blue. Naruto gazed at Sasuke, silence reigning between them. Naruto put his hands in his coat pockets and lowered his head to the ground. "Sorry" He grumbled out, turning to leave. Sasuke's breath was still shaky, so he tried to calm himself, he gulped slightly before taking in a breath to start walking. Sasuke and Naruto travelled in muteness, neither wanting to speak; had it been an option, they'd have stopped their breathing to let the silence fully encase them.

As they arrived, Sasuke caught the knowing looks thrown his way; some of concern, some of pity. Naruto wordlessly retreated to his quarters as Sasuke sighed and let himself be distracted by Sakura. She attempted to cheer him up without any explanation, though his eyes always lingered on the door, his mind on one person.

Naruto…

…

Night had come with a chill, but also with a sense of restlessness on Sasuke's behalf. Sasuke twisted and turned in his bed, huffing and sighing at his inability to sleep. Eventually he sat up, not able to take it any longer. He knew that everyone was already deep in slumber, so he supposed he could take in the sea air to calm himself. Sasuke stood and walked up to his door, opening it only to be greeted with a slight nip in the air. The composed breeze whispered away in a hidden language as Sasuke made his way through. He wandered with the events of the day in his mind, his eyes pulled to the moon.

The ship was silvered and transformed by the light of the moon, which, at the full, hung like a great luminous pearl on the radiant breast of heaven. Each black stroke of the sky melding to perform for the lonely sailors. The moonlight was a diffuse ocean above them, lessening the inky blackness of the night, but not so bright as to dull the stars that speckled and glittered. Sasuke followed the moonlight's feathery essence to find that it landed on a certain soul.

"Naruto…" Sasuke muttered, observing how the man was leaning on his elbows on the side of the ship, gazing out to the sea with solemn eyes as if searching for an answer to something. Sasuke gently approached him. "Naruto?" Sasuke voiced, but Naruto barely acknowledged him. It was at this time that Sasuke saw the bottle in his hand and the cigarette in his mouth. "I won't enquire about your past," Sasuke started, "But I must question your behaviour" Sasuke stated. Naruto huffed out a waft of smoke, watching it dance away into nothingness.

"And why may that be, love?" Naruto replied with a callous tone, though Sasuke didn't shy away.

"Because you're acting ridiculous" Sasuke responded, "Pouting and dragging your feet as if you're a child, but you're not a child, you are the captain of a ship and you should act like it or you're not worthy of the title!" Sasuke scolded. Naruto scoffed, making Sasuke narrow his eyes, "Make whatever noises you want, but you have to take responsibility, even if you are a pirate, even if you had a hard life" Sasuke continued. Naruto merely took another swig from his bottle. "And that's certainly not the answer" Sasuke said as he folded his arms.

"How would you know?" Naruto muttered, "We may have had different lives, but yours is hardly a fairy tale" Naruto pointed out. "You're beaten to obtain standards that are practically impossible, monitored day in and day out like a piece of china, what do you know of freedom?" Naruto versed in a heated manner, but sighed after a moment or two. "Sorry…" Naruto mumbled, offering the bottle to Sasuke. "Of all things I should be helping to ease the damage" Naruto admitted. Sasuke stared at the offering and slowly took it. "It helps" Naruto stated, still lost in the sea.

"I've never drank before" Sasuke confessed.

"I know, otherwise you'd have done it by now" Naruto responded. Sasuke was silent. He looked at the black bottle in his hands, the cold glass numbing his fingertips, the smooth surface reflecting the moonlight and glimmering darkly. Naruto glanced over to Sasuke, noticing how he was just staring at the bottle with a perplexed expression. "What are you waiting for?" Naruto questioned. Sasuke merely tilted his head at the object.

"I'll get to it, I'm just trying to figure out how this helps" Sasuke answered innocently. Naruto stared at him for a few moments. Sasuke's naivety giving Naruto the strength of an epiphany, Naruto chuckled at Sasuke's virtuousness, smiling as he lightly took the bottle back.

"It doesn't" Naruto chuckled, lightly tossing the bottle into the sea. Taking one last puff from his cigarette he expelled it too into the sea. He looked over to see Sasuke's confused expression, Naruto smiled appreciatively towards him. He stepped closer to Sasuke and lightly pressed his lips against his forehead, Sasuke stood frozen with a burning face. "Thank you" Naruto whispered gratefully before turning and leaving the still frozen raven, returning to his quarters.

Sasuke raised his fingertips to his forehead, touching it with memory of the warmth. It wasn't sexual in any form, but had its essence of intimacy. Sasuke gazed at Naruto's door; he let a small, forbidden smile appear on his face. He felt content to know that his captain had returned to normal. Feeling the creeping touch of tiredness, he turned around to go and sleep.

Lulled to his sleep effortlessly, he slumbered without apprehension.

Nice.