#to realising Karin is shutting her out (again)

[hubba1892]

"Warum sind Sie nicht oben im Revier?" "Weil ich Abstand brauchte." "Vom Fall?" "Auch." aka Karin leaving (Leo)

bonus:

[airashisakura]

Pregnancy Diaries

Chapter 6 - Sakura's Birthday

Written for

SakuraHarunoBPBirthday2021 @sasusakublankperiodweek

Prompts - Sakura gets sick on her birthday and Sasuke forgets her birthday

and

@harunosakuraweek Day 8 - Sakura's Birthday

Rating: General audience

Characters : Haruno Sakura, Sasuke Uchiha and Aoda

Summary : When Sakura gets sick and Sasuke forgets her birthday because the expectant parents were too busy panicking

FFN AO3

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5

Sasuke's eyes were sad as he fixed the blanket on Sakura's body. Though spring had arrived, it was still cold... Or, Sasuke thought, maybe it was because of where they were staying. Sasuke muttered a curse under his breath, because staying at one of Orochimaru's hideouts was equal parts hilarious and dangerous.

Had he been seriously out of his mind when he suggested the idea? He rubbed his temples, berating himself for his decision. The dark dungeons were the last place on the earth where he wanted to bring his ailing wife.

He slumped on the chair beside the bed where Sakura was resting. He covered his eyes with his lone arm, sighing with frustration. Every inch of his body felt tired after all they had been through. He needed sleep, but he couldn’t.

They had stopped abruptly when Sakura told him that she couldn’t continue the mission in her current state. While they had been heading for Konoha, they were delayed by frequent stops because of Sakura's sore feet and nausea. Sasuke made sure to take the safest path, which turned out to be the longest one.

Although his brain wanted to hurry as fast as he could in situations like that, he kept control over his pace. Every wince on Sakura’s face made him anxious, and even when he used Susanoo, he was extra careful.

It was when they were crossing Otogakure that Sasuke found that Sakura was too tired to walk even an inch, and his own chakra reserves were getting dangerously low. The best he could arrange was to find one of Orochimaru’s hideouts nearby and to rest before they could continue again.

Sasuke lifted off his arm and looked at Sakura with concern. He watched as she breathed slowly, but painfully. Her skin was paler than before — a tone he had never seen before on her. He couldn't blame her; Sakura had been vomiting after almost everything she ate.

His eyes fell onto the cause of her suffering — her heavily pregnant belly where the future of his clan rested. The side of his eyes crinkled as he rested his palm there, feeling his child's vibrant chakra. He couldn’t explain how he’d felt when Karin had mentioned that Sakura would be delivering the baby soon. He could relate to Sakura’s excitement to meet their newborn, how she had stuffed half of his satchel with the clothes for their unborn child.

However, his happiness was short-lived when he remembered he had something in his satchel that Sakura was unaware of. When he saw a messenger hawk from Konoha approaching him a few days ago, he had expected it to be some official letter. However, as he read through it, he realised the letters were for Sakura — birthday wishes for her. He had shoved them inside his satchel with a big lump of guilt because he had almost forgotten Sakura's birthday.

How could he? He had been asking the same question from the day he had received their friend’s letters. How could he be so inconsiderate to forget a simple thing for the woman who loved him without any hesitation? Uchiha Sasuke didn't know what infuriated more — his naive decision to let Sakura travel through her pregnancy, or his failure to remember such a small thing.

"Anata, is something bothering you?" Sakura opened her eyes weakly.

Sasuke didn't answer and looked at Sakura with an expression that told Sakura he was bothered about her.

Sakura shifted uncomfortably under the sheets before she propped herself up on her wobbly arms. Sasuke got off his seat hurriedly and placed his palm on her back, providing her leverage to sit up. She smiled meekly before flinching at the building ache in her body. The medic knew it was her body’s way of preparing to let the baby out, but she wondered how she could make her terrified husband understand that.

"You know, Anata, I'm fine. These…" Sakura flinched again as she fisted at the side of her belly, clutching her garment. "These symptoms are totally normal."

Sakura inhaled sharply, straightening her back in an attempt to dissipate the pain. She didn't want to admit that she was freaking out too, so she held herself calm. Sakura tried to stretch her legs to relieve her aching muscles and spoke again, "This is a little painful…"

While Sasuke was helping her, Sakura fell a mild contraction and she yelped.

"Ouch! That hurts. It feels like someone is stabbing kunais at my back." Sakura finally gave up her attempt to keep a brave face. "It feels like my bladder is leaking, and I smell like puke."

Although Sasuke knew he could have been punched considering her bizarre mood swings, he scoffed. Sakura didn't quite succeed in assuring him, but she lifted off his grim mood.

However Sasuke being amused didn’t help the expectant mother and she snarled, "Shannaroo! I'm freaking! Helping to deliver babies and actually delivering one myself are so different."

Throughout their travels, Sakura had never been the one to complain about anything. Sasuke rubbed her back sympathetically and he realised she had been holding back more than he imagined.

"It's just…" Sakura paused, letting the pain subside before she admitted, "It's just that I don't want to give birth here."

Sasuke frowned, his hand abruptly stopping. He knew what Sakura was talking about. He also didn’t want his child to be born in the same place where he had once sought power for revenge. Going back to Konoha would have been the best option, but he was helpless to change that now. All he could do was to trust his previous teammate from Team Taka.

"Karin," Sasuke stated, trying to make a point, but he wasn't sure how he was supposed to assure Sakura now.

As if reading Sasuke's thought, Sakura said before shaking her head sideways, “I trust Karin-san.”

It would have been easier for Sakura if she had been in Konoha, being helped by Shizune and others to bring her baby into the world. She’d been tense initially when she realized that it wouldn’t be possible for them to make it back to the village in time. She thought about the interaction she had with Karin earlier — the formation of a mutual bond — that had marked the beginning of their friendship.

“Actually she has been taking care of me more than I could ask from her,” Sakura said, smiling.

Sasuke's eyes softened. However he remained silent, because he could sense now that the reason for her hesitation was the same as his own.

Sakura’s eyes wandered through the dimly-lighted room as her eyes reflected worry, “This place gives me the creeps.”

Although Sasuke tried not to visibly flinch, she could tell by Sasuke’s expression that it bothered him too.

After a few moments of silence, Sakura spoke, "Sorry, I didn't want to trouble you."

She cupped Sasuke’s cheek, and Sasuke accepted the warmth of her loving touch. He wanted to see that smile on her face more and decided to deliver the birthday letters to Sakura in order to change the mood. He got off the bed, before saying, “I’ve something for you.”

As Sasuke dug inside his satchel to find the letters, he heard Sakura chirp, “What is it, Sasuke-kun?”

He felt a tinge of sadness as he held the papers in his hand, because he didn't even have a token to offer. Like always, he was incapable of giving her anything. It was Sakura who had given him her love, a home, and now a family.

“Sasuke-kun? Hurry up and come here,” Sakura pouted.

Sasuke smirked at his wife’s impatience. He handed the letters to her, as he sat opposite, facing her.

“Letters? For me?” She gasped as she hastily unfolded a letter. She squinted, recognising Naruto’s messy writing which read, Happy Birthday.

Sakura’s eyes widened in surprise when she realised she had forgotten her own birthday. She was about to say something, but she stopped. A wave of emotions hit her when she realized their baby would be born a few days after her birthday.

Sakura whispered, wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes, “You remembered, Sasuke-kun?”

Sasuke didn’t want to disappoint her, but he didn’t want to lie to Sakura either. He averted his gaze from her before saying, “No, I don’t even have something to give you.” He shut his eyes and with a heavy heart, he apologised, “I’m really sorry, Sakura.”

“You have already given me a gift,” Sakura said sincerely, her voice full of love.

Sasuke’s puzzled mismatched eyes met with Sakura’s green.

She blushed before interlacing his fingers with hers and placing them on her belly.“And that too, a precious one,” she cooed.

Sasuke was at loss of word, but he still smiled. The guilt that had been plaguing him since the letters had arrived was dissolved by his wife’s simple words.

“Now, if you could, please read these for me,” Sakura ordered Sasuke, keeping her voice authoritative. She waved the letters in front of his eyes and added, yawning, “because I am too tired.”

Sasuke smirked. Though he would ordinarily be annoyed with Naruto’s writing, he said, “O-tanjoubi omedetou, Sakura.”

[cywscross]

got any f/f fic recs?

Okay so apparently not Final Fantasy but femslash. I’m stupid, sorry. Uhh I don’t read that many femslash compared to slash but I can name some:

NARUTO

Sing as their bones go marching in again by felinedetached  (Sakura/Ino)

Instead, it goes like this: Haruno Sakura is the daughter of two civilians, from civilian families. She is nothing and no one—smart, yes, top kunoichi, yes, but she will never be on par with clan kids. She is teammates to an orphan powerhouse from a dead clan and the last remaining Uchiha.

Haruno Sakura is nothing and nobody, but she breathes and grows and thrives and the forest thrives with her.

(She opens her eyes to wood, grown from nothing, and Hatake Kakashi stares in disbelief at the tree where his student used to be.)

Or, Haruno Sakura should have had the goddamn Mokuton and this author is mad.

No one there to shame me for my youth by felinedetached  (Sakura/Ino)

What she hadn’t expected was to be what is apparently next in line for Kakashi’s position—although, she supposes it was inevitable—or for the nurses at the hospital to look at her with such adoration.

Sakura’s not complaining, she just hadn’t expected it.

(She’s the medic on a team of powerhouses, the backline fighter to Naruto and Sasuke’s brilliance, and she never thought it would be her people looked at like this.)

But it is her; and as she gets glances and propositions from both civilian and ninja, from male and female alike, she wonders.

The Fair Maiden by Tozette  (Sakura/Ino)

Basically: Princess Ino has been kidnapped by the terrible dragon Sakura! Brave knights Chouji and Shikamaru must rescue her from the fearsome beast. It... does not go entirely as expected.

The Shinobi version of Pride by grit (Sakura/Hinata/Karin)

The coffee sways dangerously.

“Why,” Sakura interrupts, before the chaos can get any worse, “are you in my kitchen?”

every fire is a lesson learned by blackkat (Konan/Sakura)

Just when Konan has lost hope, she meets a hero.

three birds watch and the fourth flies by grit  (Minato!Sakura/Kushina)

There's a legend in her hands like clay, so she must work hard to be formidable, to be everything he was and she isn't, because what if she screws up the future, selfish enough to make space for her own?

She pours over heaps of sealing scrolls and tries not to think too hard on what happens if she fails.

Or: Timid Minato but this time around, she's Sakura.

throw it my way (all the love you keep) by amako  (Sakura/Ino)

The crux of the matter is: they don't have a Hokage, the one that could be Hokage is sharing a Moment with his soulmate or whatever, and when asked to take the mantle again, Tsunade had broken a few bones. Not hers, obviously.

will to live by justdoityoufucker  (Sakura/Ino)

Sakura joins the ANBU. The entire world seems a little tilted after that, but they all adapt.

Bumpy Future by Dovey (Sakura/Hinata)

It's her last year at the academy when Sakura hits her head. When she wakes up, she has a little trouble matching memories to the people in them- but she'll have to get it right eventually, yeah?

in which sakura pairs vague associations with the wrong people, and everyone is much happier because of it (Except Iruka-sensei).

the Rebel ‘verse by felinedetached (Sakura/Ino)

(Three things come after that:

The moment of realisation. The moment she realises Sasuke’s left the village, gone off to do who knows what with Orochimaru-

Her memory returns to her - she was useless against her teammate; taken down by a pressure point and unable to do anything to prevent him from getting at it.

Inner rages, throws herself around, cursing and screaming until finally, finally she calms and she says Uchiha Sasuke is a traitor.)

In which Sakura gets the character development she deserved.

shattered dreams into rhapsodies by blackkat (Kushina/Mikoto)

For the prompt "I’m a monster/guardian that the local village give sacrifices too and you’re the new sacrifice but don’t worry I won’t eat you, I’m kinda lonely"

-0-

HARRY POTTER

Four Walls (And the Right People) by blackkat (Lily/Narcissa)

“Is coming in there going to make me lose my will to live?” Lily calls, amused.

“No!” Harry protests, wounded, like she and Narcissa haven’t previously walked in on structural damage, fires, flooding, and mysteriously conjured cat-sized dragons. Sirius has been a terrible influence on them.

the girl who lived (again) by dirgewithoutmusic (trans!Harry/Ginny)

Molly tried her best. When Harry had told them, Arthur had asked excitedly, "is this a Muggle thing?" Hermione had hurried out a "no!" and a frantic history of gender diversity in the wizarding world.

"It's just that I'm a girl," Harry had said, and Arthur had nodded and asked her about how telephone booths worked. He would call her by the right pronouns until the day he died at the respectable old age of one hundred and thirty three, and he would make it seem easy.

But Molly had to try. Hermione explained things faster and higher-pitched every time Molly messed up a pronoun. Molly frowned and muttered and put extra potatoes on Harry's plate at breakfast. Harry slept in Ron's room, which didn't bother either of them but which made Hermione scowl.

Harry got boxes of sweets and warm hugs, as Molly chewed things over. For her fifteenth Christmas, the Weasley sweater she would receive would be a bright, friendly, terrible pink.

The next time Harry visited, Molly put her on Ginny's floor to sleep-- for some definition of sleep that involved Hermione hissing threats at three in the morning if Harry and Ginny didn't "shut up about Wronski feints, do you know what time it is."

-0-

GAME OF THRONES

When Warp Is Fire And Weft Is Ice by afterandalasia  (Dany/Sansa)

People tell many stories about them, the Mother of Dragons and the Queen in the North.

Some of them even have a grain of truth in them.

a strangeness of sunlight by musicforswimming  (Dany/Sansa)

Someone calls Sansa home, and sets her free in doing so.

Ivory and Dragonglass by madeinessos  (Rhaenys/Sansa)

For the valar-morekinks prompt on livejournal: "Rhaeneys follows in her father's footsteps when she and Sansa run away together to the free cities so they can be with each other . Both ladies left a letter to their families so that their absence wouldn't spark the embers of another rebellion."

Sansa in Dorne by sear  (Arianne/Sansa)

Alayne Stone wakes confused, in the body of the young maid she once was. She has returned to Winterfell, before everything went wrong. All she wants now is to be free, to never be hurt again. Dorne will give her that.

Mirror of the sun by myrish_lace (Dany/Sansa)

Daenerys arrives at Winterfell to attempt to treat with Jon Snow. She's immediately side-tracked by her fascination with Sansa Stark, and the two grow closer. Told from Daenerys's point of view.

-0-0-

And these are genderswap femslash, in case you’re not a fan:

TEEN WOLF

Utterly Appropriate by wynnebat  (Peter/Stiles)

There's only one person whom Stiles would marry, and whoever has asked for her hand isn't on that list.

Spin a Web of Silk by twothumbsandnostakeincanon (somanyofthekids)  (Peter/Stiles)

“Darling, will you marry me?”

Stiles stared into the eyes of the light of her life, the one who held her heart- her love.

And then she looked back at the man who had asked the question.

“Yes.”

Sugar Babies Not Sugar Vaginas by twothumbsandnostakeincanon (somanyofthekids)  (Peter/Stiles)

Stiles is a copywriter working for a service that's been contacted by a company that sells something called Passion Dust. It's so much worse than it sounds.

Free Birth Control by twothumbsandnostakeincanon (somanyofthekids)  (Peter/Stiles)

“I can’t believe they haven’t fixed the footbridge yet,” Peter said, disgruntled as she toweled off her feet, getting all the muck from the creek off of them.

“I can,” Talia said absently as she shelled peas on the front porch. “The only people who use that bridge are you, Stilinski, and Stilinski’s clients. And Stilinski does her best to avoid clients. Did you hear what she did to the woman who took out the bridge?” Talia settled further back into her chair. Peter immediately recognized it as Gossip Position, and leaned in eagerly.

“No, tell me everything.”

Ain't No Stranger (Been This Way Before) by pibroch (littleblackdog)  (Peter/Stiles)

Stiles loved orgasms, and she really loved the shuddery, mind-numbing orgasms Peter had spent months meticulously and enthusiastically learning to coax out of her. She also loved the relief from cramps she’d get from a good climax or four, and Peter had no complaints about blood. Definitely a win-win, all around. - Stiles has a period from hell, and Peter has a surprise.

On The Loose by SmartKIN (Peter/Stiles)

Stiles has a job to do; Hot Lady Sniper almost ruins it for her.

The Same Damn Hunger by Twisted_Mind (Allison/Stiles)

There’s no soft jazz, no flower petals or candles, because that’s not what this is.

-0-

MARVEL

Mightier Than The Sword by aloneintherain (Johnny/Peter)

Janey Storm freezes in the doorway.

Pen is half naked. Her boney, freckled shoulders and the faded sports bra she’s had since high school are on display. Bruises from this morning’s encounter with the Scorpion haven’t had time to heal yet—purples and sickly greens tesselate over her ribs and toned stomach.

Janey can see every unedited part of Pen: her open knuckles, blood a sharp red against her pale skin; her unbrushed hair, grown out past Pen’s jaw like a tangle of weeds; her loose jeans, slung low on her hips, with fraying ends and ripped knees. Janey stands there and sees Pen Parker, a half naked, wide-eyed girl choking on her heart.

“It’s occupied,” Pen manages.

--

Or: a universe where Johnny and Peter were born girls.

-0-

YOWAMUSHI PEDAL

One For The Road by Atropa Belladonna (WorldsJunk) (Onoda/Arakita)

Fuck her entire life on a cactus she’s a fucking loser. Not because Onoda’s boobs are bigger than her’s - ok, they’ve always been. Actually, everyone has bigger tits than she does, she is flat as hell and she likes it. Why the hell would she want a couple of Shinkai-style jugs waving around in the wind when she’s riding for fucks’s sakes, that’s impractical as all fuck. No, Arakita is a loser because now she can’t stop thinking about Onoda-chan’s tits and no way she is perving like this on an innocent girl that is all around too good for the likes of her.

[deathwonderwish]

Day 4 Modern.

Warning: mentions of sex and stuff but nothing explicit (too lazy to actually do the lemon) and OOCness.

Sometimes she asked about her relationship with her neighbour. Even she felt that it was weird. And it truly was.

At school they were kind of like rivals, everyone knew how much she wanted to be better than him, maybe most people in school thought they hated each other but they didn't. And off school they were lovers.

Of course they started as friends, they were neighbours so their families were friends too, Momo, his older sister was the same age as Ichigo, her older brother, those two went to the same high school, his mother and her father used to know each other at college too, so there was no excuse for them to not meet each other as children.

The first time they actually talked with each other was when her mother died in a car crush, they were 3 at the time. She remembered crying in front of him telling him that she didn't want to see Ichi-nii hurt, didn't want to see her father and sister sad. He told her that it will be fine and he agreed to let her play with his toys. That day she learned to play soccer because he was the one who taught her.

Back then people knew them as two inseparable friends, and they were. While he usually got bullied because of his hair she was always there to defend him, and when she needed help in anything he'd always be there to help her as well. They were both happy until they entered high school. Both of them changed, Toshiro became quite popular, because of his grades, and ironically his looks. He was admired by everyone, including people who hated him because they were just jealous of him. He was smart, good at sports, liked by all the teachers, and good looking.

That was when things started to get a little weird between them. Or more like awkward. Neither of them wanted to let their feelings ruin their life. So they stayed as they were before. Karin occasionally would challenge him only to realize she could not beat him. She realised how much better he was than her and it usually angered her.

Things between them really changed the day when she became curious.

“Hey Toshiro, the other day I overheard a girl say that she got a friend with benefits” one day Karin said out of the blue. They were at his house doing a project.

“And? Why are you saying that?” He asked.

“Well, I'm curious”

“About?” He didn't really like where that was going.

“Aren't you curious about sex? I am. We are 16 for god's sake, we are meant to be curious about this type of stuff. A lot of people I know has already had partners of their own and some in our class even has a friend with benefits. While I'm here who hasn't even had her first kiss” Karin complained.

“I didn't know you cared about first kisses and stuff” he said without looking at her. If he had to be honest with himself he thought about those stuff too.

Sometimes he'd wake up in the morning with a hard on because of some indecent dreams he had of his best friend. Those were the reasons why it was so awkward sometimes for him to face her while they walk to schools in mornings.

“Is not that I care about all the first kiss concept being special and all that shit movies talk about, I'm just curious, I want to know the feeling of kissing someone, I don't really care who that person is you know? And sex too, I just want to have the experience, I don't care about this “save your virginity for the right person” stuff that some girl talk about.” She faked the sweet girl's voice while she pretended being one of those girls in movies. “I mean it's so old school to think like that”

He was speechless “you don't care who you do it with?” He asked after a while.

“Not really, if I have the chance I'd do it, you know how curious I am” she admitted.

“What if we have sex right now?” He didn't mean to ask that but when the words left his mouth it was too late.

She blushed, shocked at his question. “What?” it was not like she never dreamed having sex with him. But...

“You said that you were curious right?” Toshiro didn't know what was happening to him but he couldn't shut up. He got up from his chair at his table, the project forgotten and walked over to her who was sitting on his bed with their textbook open. “To be honest, I'm curious about this too. And I do want to get rid of my virginity.” he really had no idea what took over his brain. But it was too late.

She grabbed his shirt and pushed him down toward her.

There was no going back when their lips connected for the first time. Of course it satisfied her curiosity but there was something more. Because both of them knew their feelings for each other. But at that moment they didn't want to say anything.

She thought that he only wanted this because he wanted to get rid of his virginity while he thought that she only wanted to do this because she was curious. It was a shame that neither of them knew how wrong they were about each other's feelings.

“What are we now?” She asked the next day as they walked to school.

“We are still friends right?” He asked coldly. He had no idea how much those words had hurt her

Karin was hurt. She never thought that he'd be like that. He used her just so he could get rid of something he didn't want. While she knew that she couldn't complain because she was the one who said that she wanted this.

“I guess we are now friends with benefits too huh?” She sighed. The sadness in her voice was unnoticed. “i satisfied my curiosity and you got rid of your virginity”

He nodded looking away, he didn't want to tell her that he only did that because he loved her but she didn't feel the same so he kept his mouth shut this time.

They repeated the experience a few times after their first time. Still no one said anything about their real feelings. They both said that they were content with what they had, but deeply they were hurting.

Both Yuzu and Momo noticed the changes. Yuzu noticed when her sister started hanging around her and her friends during lunch. Karin used to spend lunch time with Toshiro. While Momo noticed her brother's change behaviour when she found him walking to school alone, he used to walk to school with Karin.

Yuzu had had enough of this weird behavior. As much as she enjoy having her sister at lunch she hated seeing her favorite couple being separated like that. She wanted to be his sister in law some day. And so far they were doing a horrible job of being together. So one day she confronted Karin with her questions.

“Karin, how is Hitsugaya-kun doing? I haven't seen his around you for a while, are you two fighting again or something?”

Karin tensed at her older twin's question. “i haven't talked to him for a while.” she said honestly.

“Why? I thought you two were best friends”

“We were… it's just complicated Yuzu" the past tense didn't gone unnoticed by the light haired girl.

“Explain to me, if there is something wrong I want to help you Karin. You have always been there for me so I want to help you too” Karin looked at her sister and the look told her that she was serious and she wanted to know what was going on. So she sighed, she couldn't lie to her sister.

“Yuzu… Toshiro and I…we… well... I slept with him, and now everything is complicated” she said. “ok... is not that complicated, we have because friends with benefits now…” she mumbled

The older sister's eyes widened for a second before she placed a hand on her twin's shoulder.

“When?” Yuzu asked.

“A month and half ago, it was when I went to his house to finish that history project…”

“Do you love him Karin?” Yuzu asked.

Karin was shocked by the question. “I guess so…” she had only admired to herself about her feelings before so telling some else about it was weird. “But it doesn't really matter. Toshiro doesn't feel the same way. When we agreed to this, he said that he wanted to get rid of his virginity”

“And what about you, what did you say?”

“Why does it matter?”

“Karin” at the time Yuzu used she could tell that she was serious with every single question.

“Well… I said that I was curious about sex, and that I'd do it with anyone if I had the chance.”

Yuzu sighed and she finally understood the problem. “Karin, you should tell him about your feelings”

“Why?”

“Because you don't deserve this. I want you to be happy.”

“But there is nothing between us, it's only casual sex. It's… nothing more than that…” her voice kept getting lower and lower.

“Karin I think you misunderstood everything. Of course… Hitsugaya-kun misunderstood you too. I know you and I know him enough to to know that you are both really awkward when it come to love and relationships.”

“What do you mean?”

“What I mean is, you've been dancing around your feelings for each other and you are both afraid to tell each other how you feel. You know what… never mind just go talk to him, trust me on this”

Karin always trusted Yuzu so the next day she decided to tell her long time friend.

She found him on the roof at lunch time, she knew that he liked that place because there he could eat in peace, before everything happened they always ate there so none of his fans could bother them.

“Toshiro… I want to talk to you” she said straightforwardly. She had never liked those types of girls that forget their voices at the presence of a guy they liked.

“What is it?” He asked without looking up at her.

She was nervous but she didn't let it show “I just want to say something I should have said a long time ago, well two things I guess. First I want to tell you that I like you Toshiro and secondly I'm sorry”

He looked up at her and he was shocked “what?” She liked him too? Since when?.

She sighed and set down next to him. “Lately things have been weird between us… Yuzu noticed it and yesterday we talked. She asked a question that caught me off guard. She asked if I loved you. I already knew my answer when she asked but yesterday it was my first time admitting it out loud that I do love you. The talk made me realize so much, the biggest thing I realised is that I regretted not telling you this sooner. I also realised that-” she was cut off. Her mouth was occupied by hid and she realised that she didn't mind that cliche as much as she though she did.

“I'm glad you return my feelings, and I'm sorry too, I should have told you that before we slept together, I took advantage of you, I thought you just wanted to do it with someone so it could satisfy your curiosity. I didn't want to ruin our relationship so I lied and told you that I just wanted to get rid of my virginity” he admitted. “But I don't understand why didn't you tell me about your feelings?” He asked after a while.

“I never thought I'd be special to you” she said.

“Idiot, apart from my family, you were the first person to accept me as who I am. Before high school people never liked me because of my hair and my personali. Don't you see that you've always been special to me, you are my first friend outside of my family, you and your family accepted me in and treated me like an actual human being.” he confessed.

“Why didn't you confess to me then?” She asked not looking at him because she was too busy blushing.

“I never thought I'd be special to you” he said exactly what she told him.

“You are the stupid one here, you were there when my mother died, you were the one who taught me how to play soccer, you were always there when I needed you. How much times have you helped me when I needed someone.” soon she started laughing and he panicked.

“What's so funny?”

“I just realised how stupid we've both been. Yuzu was right. We are both so awkward when it comes to love and relationships. None of this awkwardness would be here if we were better at expressing our feelings.”

“True” he agreed with a rare smile. A sign that she loved seeing.

“So what are we now?” She asked after a while. “Do you want to start over again?”

“Go out with me” he said.

“Huh, as a date?” She teased.

“Yes. I want to spend time with you doing others things other than sex. It's good but a relationship is not only that”

She laughed at his blushing face. She felt a lot better after this “do you feel better now? I feel a lot lighter now that I told you how I really feel.”

“I do. So do you or do you not want to go 9n a date with me?” He asked.

“A date it is then! I look forward to it.”

When she wondered about their relationship, she realized that it didn't matter if it was weird, as long as they were happy. It never mattered.

[themightyironbat]

For a friend

 “I can’t believe it! Your paintings are gonna be displayed in a gallery. A gallery!” Karina exclaimed, happy for her friend. Cassie has come a long way from a struggling artist with her works displayed only in the rooms of her friends and family or to at the nearest coffee shops, at best. And now some of her paintings are being shown at one of the biggest galleries in the country. “Yeah, it’s crazy, isn’t it?” Cassie let out a light laugh, still in disbelief herself. The two girls were carrying the said paintings to the gallery, for the grand opening tomorrow night. After handing off the painting, Cassie remembered she forgot some in the car. She headed back while Karina stayed behind to help arrange everything for the big night. Once Cassie got what she needed from her car, she turned around, not noticing the group of young men behind her, walking past. As she turned around the edge of her paintings hit one of the boys and dropped to the ground. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” both Cassie and the young man exclaimed and kneeled down to pick them up. The boy kept apologizing “I’m really sorry, I should’ve looked where I was going.” he said as he helped the girl pick up her stuff “It’s okay, don’t worry about it. I didn’t see you either.” Cassie said shyly and let out a soft laugh. The light haired boy looked down to the shorter girl and smiled kindly “Those are pretty amazing.” he said referring to the paintings “I think I’ve seen one of them in a coffee shop not far from here.” “Yeah, I’m actually showing them in a gallery tomorrow. Now just trying to set everything up.” The girl looked back at the boy, getting lost in his eyes without realising it. “Oh, we’re not doing anything, would you like some help?” The guy asked and nodded towards the group of guys behind him “Well, no, actually we need to-” “It’s been cancelled, remember?!” The light haired guy cut off his friend through gritted teeth and a faked smile at him. “Um, yeah I guess. We could use more hands.” Cassie shrugged and smiled. “Here, let me take these.” the boy took the paintings off of her and they all started to head back to the gallery “I’m Tae, well Kim Taehyung, but please call me Tae.” The boy introduced himself “Cassie,” she replied “Nice to meet you, Tae. And thanks for your help.”   As they got back to the gallery, Karina was hanging up a painting, not seeing that they have company “Finally, what took you so-oh...oh!” She froze once she noticed the group of handsome men behind Cassie “Well, hello.” She greeted them with a smirk on her face “If I’d known  you’d bring a hot wagon with you, I would’ve let you stayed out longer.” Karina lightly nudged Cassie and she rolled her eyes “Please excuse my friend, she clearly doesn’t know what boundaries are.” The guys just let out a few light laughs and looked at each other “I’m Karina, by the way.” she winked at the boys as she introduced herself, the guys greeted her and introduced themselves in response.    The group starts to work and with time they sort of split into groups, Karina and most of the guys and well...Cassie and Tae. For some reason Taehyung could not leave her side, they would talk about art, painting, about everything and anything while the group behind them would cause mayhem and just a bunch of noise like a group of children. “So I was thinking...” Tae started as he hung up one of the paintings “I mean, only if you have time...maybe we could-” he continued, looking shy and scratching the back of his neck, trying to get his mind straight until Karina’s yelling and the guys laughing cut him off “Jungkook you little shit! These were my favourite jeans!” She yelled as the young maknae left a handprint of paint on her butt. “Umm, I think we should finish up before they kill each other.” Cassie laughed and looked back at Tae who looked a bit annoyed and amused at the same time “Alright guys, that’s enough” Taehyung laughed at the sight of Jungkook hiding behind Jin as Karina tried to get hey payback with paint on her hands.     After everyone cleared up after themselves, everyone started to get ready to leave. Everyone, but Cassie and Tae. Those two were still talking and Karin notices this, so with a smirk on her face she suggests loudly “Hey guys, you should come to the display opening tomorrow.” Cassie hears this and glares at her friend, knowing exactly what she’s doing. But secretly she was glad, because she wanted them to be there. She wanted Taehyung to be there. The guys shared looks and then nodded “Yeah, sounds good.” Tae nodded with a smile and turned to Cassie “I guess,I’ll see you tomorrow then?”  he lowered his voice, just for her to hear.

The girl looked up into his dark brown eyes and smiled shyly “Yeah...”  She said quietly, and bit her lower lip, trying not to blush. The group splits into their separate ways, the girls head back to their car. During a silent drive, Karina couldn’t help herself and spoke “So...Taehyung, huh?” She raised her eyebrow and smirked at her friend who was driving. Cassie just shook her head and blushed “Shut up.” Karina laughed and looked out the window while Cassie smiled to herself at the thought of the light haired boy with the brown eyes.   The next evening comes by quickly. The day went by just stressing and worrying about the big event. So many times Cassie was near a mental breakdown and ready to call it quits, but Karina was there to calm her down. “What if no one shows up? What if the food and drinks are bad? What if something goes wrong?What if...Tae doesn’t show up?” Cassie thought out loud, the questions that bothered her all day. “Cas, it’s gonna be okay, everything will go just fine. You worked so hard for this, there’s no wa anything can go wrong. And Tae, he’s gonna show up, he likes you. You got him hooked, girl.” Karina tries to calm her friend down and that helps a little bit. The two girls ended up sharing a bottle of wine before the event to calm their nerves down a bit. Once the girls got ready for the evening, looking fabulous, they head out to Cassie’s big night. (Outfits: Cas -

Karina-

)  At the gallery everything seemed to go smoothly, just as planned. There were a decent amount of people from all over the country and everyone congratulated Cassie on her big breakthrough. Cas was happy, but she couldn’t help but to keep looking out for that light haired boy she met the day before. She tried to brush the thought of him away but then there he was, looking as handsome as ever with the same group of friends surrounding him, until he notices her. 

His breath stops, his heart skips a beat as he sees her through the crowd, looking beautiful. He hesitates to approach her but in the end finds he courage to do so “Hey...” he breathed out with a smile, not able to take his eyes off of the girl. “Hi.” She smiles back at him “I was starting to think you’re not gonna show up.” Cassie looked down shyly “What? No. I wouldn’t miss this. And besides...I wanted to see you again.” Tae admits and the two share a look, both blushing, everyone could feel sparks between them. Karina came over to say hi to the guys and she then lead rest of the guys to show them around so that Tae and Cassie could have some time alone. The pair started to walk around, having some champagne, talking about art. It was like Cassie finally found someone with as big of a passion for art as she does. Hours went by, the two were still talking. Rest of the guys were off by themselves as Karina seemed to find someone else to spend her time with. A tall, dark, handsome, almost god-like looking man with his silver hair up and dressed in a very nice suit, looking very suave. “So yesterday, I had loads fun and...” Tae began and trailed off mid sentence “And?” Cassie encouraged him to continue “I wanted to ask if you maybe would like to get coffee sometime? Just me and you?” “What like a date?” she asked and the boy nodded. Her smile grew wider “Yeah, I would love to.” she replied and she could see the relief in Taes face.   A week goes by, Cassie and Tae finally arrange to meet up. Tae seemed to be busy all the time, so he had to postpone some days but finally he was free and the two met up at a coffee shop in the middle of town. Tae explained how he was busy with trying to debut, as he was trying to become a singer and the guys he was always with were his bandmates as much as his friends. “Wow, a band?” Cassie looked impressed “So, you’ll need a stage name or something?” she asked and the boy laughed “Yeah, I guess, but I haven’t thought of anything yet.” he shrugged. Cassie hummed and thought for a bit “What about V? Simple but effective.” Tae looked at her and nodded “Sounds cool, I’ll think about it. Thanks.” He smiled. The small date went by quickly, they stayed in the damned coffee shop until it’s closing time, not wanting to part from each other. At the end, Tae walked Cassie home and asked her for another date right away. This time in a more romantic setting, he asked her out for dinner the following night. That date lead them to their first kiss and the next one ended up them becoming a couple. THE END

[kuriquinn]

Ode to Eileithyia [1 / 4]

Blanket Fic Disclaimer: (and link to the main fic, of which this is a coda)

 Rating: T

Pairing: Off-screen SasuSaku

Beta Reader: Not beta-read; check back at a later date for edits

Author’s Note: As promised, Sarada’s birth scene from Penthesilea. It was gonna be a one-shot, but I decided to space it out. I liked the idea of multiple points of view for this, and it sort of gives it more weight if the labour lasts a long time via chaptered updates :P

Warning(s) Blood as per childbirth?

Sakura screams, a low, feral wail that is almost unearthly. If Tsunade weren’t looking at her, she would think it was coming from a wounded animal.

Her apprentice lies back on her pallet, red stain blossoming underneath her and seeping into the floor despite the rags and padding beneath her. sweat soaks through her hair and down her back, leaving dark stains on the pillow propped up behind her. Her fists are clenched, eyes huge with fright and pain as she stares up at them, pleading.

As another contraction wracks her body, the room fills with another low howl; her stomach shudders and quivers, the child inside fighting to come out, her body trying to expel it, but neither effort coming to fruition.

Tsunade exchanges a grim look with Shizune and Karin. “How long has she been like this?”

“An hour before we sent for you,” Shizune said. “

“She wouldn’t let us before, but she’s in too much pain right now to stop us,” Karin grumbles, as if this was a personal affront to her. “The hormones and adrenaline have completely altered her strength. Control isn’t even a possibility right now. One moment she’s strong as an ox, the next week as a kitten.”

“If we don’t help her, crushing someone’s hand will the least of our problems,” Shizune agrees. “She might accidentally crush the baby.”

“She’s ready to give birth, and the baby’s ready to come out. Her contractions are about forty seconds apart,” Karin says. “But she won’t push.”

“What?” Tsunade demands. She strides forward and crouches over her apprentice and heir. “What’s this nonsense, Sakura. You need to push.”

“I’m sorry…shishou…I can’t…” Sakura shakes her head, a shot of determination lancing through her pained expression.

“Of course you can…go on, there’s a good girl,” Tsunade says, putting a hand on her forehead. “It will be alright, Sakura. Just push…”

“N…no!”

She has that same stubborn look as she did when she was a child, newly orphaned and demanding Tsunade train her. Even in the throws of agony, Tsunade knows there’s no point arguing with her. It’s up to her to make a decision.

“That baby is going to go into distress,” she says. “Sakura, you know this.”

“She’s not hearing us,” Karin points out. “Either she doesn’t want to or she’s in too much pain. If we she doesn’t come to her senses, we’ll have no choice but to knock her out and do a caesarean.”

“Do you realise the amount of sophorific we would need to knock her out?” Shizune argues. “It would hurt the baby.”

“It would kill the baby,” Tsunade corrects grimly. “We have a decision to make, before the choice is between her and it.”

“It’s been so long,” Karin shakes her head. “I’m surprised it’s still alive in there. She’s not going to last much longer…”

“You…none of you…understand…” Sakura gasps. “I…can’t…”

“You can, Sakura, and you will,” Tsunade says. “I’m giving you an order now—push!”

Sakura clamps her jaw shut, shaking her head and groaning as another contraction hits.

“Sakura!”

“Naruto!” she gasps as the contraction passes, panting. “Get…Naruto…! He’ll…he…!”

She can’t get the words out, but Tsunade is already motioning for Shizune to fetch the leader of the Uzumaki.

She can’t quite hide her surprise, having not expected the two to have progressed to that kind of relationship. Betrothal aside, they have always had the relationship of siblings instead of lovers. He wasn’t even one of the possibilities Tsunade considered when she began to suspect Sakura’s pregnancy.

Even Kakashi seemed like the likelier choice, considering how protective he’s been of her since he followed her and Naruto back here.

The man’s obvious esteem for Sakura was one of the reasons Tsunade elected to trust his intentions when he was expelled from the Uchiha’s forces by the increasingly mad Uchiha Sasuke.

To think, the boy once almost helped to bring us peace. His brother’s death destroyed any chance of that. Uncle Tobirama was right—there’s no clan that is as much a slave to their emotions as the Uchiha…

Shizune returns within ten minutes, Naruto in tow. He appears confused at why he’s been summoned, but upon seeing Sakura lying back on her mat, writhing and gasping, he freezes.

He didn’t know she was pregnant, apparently.

Well, to the untrained eye, she wasn’t. She did take pains to hide it…though what the point of that is, I’ll never know. It’s not like we weren’t going to notice her suddenly nursing a baby…

“Shizune filled me in on the way,” he says quietly, staring at Sakura like she’s something otherworldly. “I can’t…I couldn’t believe it. Why is this happening?”

Still, Tsunade’s annoyance doesn’t stop her from a snide comment. “For such a talented warrior, you’re still a bit of an idiot. Generally, pregnancy is what happens when you have sex.”

Something like calculation passes through his eyes, a look she’s seen many a bewildered young man adopt upon finding out about their paramour’s condition.

“Though I’m surprised she didn’t tell you about her condition.”

“Well, she didn’t tell you either!”

“I already figured it out,” Tsunade retorts dryly. “But what did you do that she decided not to tell you about your own child?”

Naruto gapes at her.

“I’m…not the father,” he tells her slowly.

This time it’s Tsunade who freezes. “What do you mean? She asked for you!”

“Not because I’m the father!”

“Then who is?!”

Naruto opens his mouth, but whether it’s to answer or not, Tsunade never learns, because Sakura’s anguished, weak voice interrupts. “Naruto.”

Instantly he hurries to her side, kneeling close to her and holding a limp hand. “Hey, Sakura-chan, what’s going on here?”

“Naruto…you have to…you have to,” she attempts, obviously in crippling pain. “Don’t let them hurt the baby. Don’t let them…even when they see…not the baby’s fault. I was…I was…”

“No one will hurt the baby,” Naruto promises. “I won’t let them. But hey, that means you too, okay?” He squeezes her hand. “And Shizune said Granny Tsunade and Karin-neechan might have to cut the baby out if you don’t push.”

“They can try!” Sakura snarls, suddenly furious. “I won’t let them! I need…I need to wait…”

“You can’t wait! If you wait any longer, you’ll lose it! And we’ll lose you!”

“I told them…I’m telling you…” Sakura wheezes. “I’m not…having this baby…until he…until he…”

Naruto’s expression darkens here. “He’s not coming, Sakura. Your baby—his baby is going to die before it’s even born if you don’t—”

“No!” Sakura shouts, voice shrill and panicked. “I can keep it…safe…protected…I have this!” She struggles to point at the seal on her forehead, which is beginning to flicker. She has been relying on it for hours now. “They can’t hurt it in here…they can’t…”

She trails off into wordless, anguished sobs.

“I don’t understand why she thinks we would hurt it,” Shizune says quietly.

“She’s so strung out on hormones and adrenaline right now it’s affecting her brain. She likely doesn’t even know what she’s saying anymore, but her protective instincts are overruling any rational judgement she can make.”

“You have to do something,” Naruto insists. “Is there anything that can be used to keep her mind off this? A genjutsu, maybe?”

“The amount of pain she’s in, even a genjutsu cast by Uchiha MAdara wouldn’t hold her right now,” Tsunade shakes her head. “And do you really think she’ll be more inclined or comfortable giving birth trapped in an illusion?”

Naruto is thoughtful. “It would depend on the illusion…”

This, coupled with his plea from earlier, causes something to click in Tsunade’s head.

“You know,” she accuses. “You know who the child’s father is.”

“Not…for sure,” Naruto hesitates.

“Tell me,” Tsunade commands. “I need to know, especially if he has a kekkei genkai that could be causing this.”

Some clans have those; she recalls the legendary Kaguya clan, who upon birth rip their mothers open from the inside with their bones.

“She has her reasons for not telling you.”

“Oh, I have no doubt. My apprentice may want to protect the son of a bitch, but I want to know why he’s not here!”

“He…can’t be here.”

“Why?” Tsunade demands. A beat later, something occurs to her and her heart clenches at the worst possible scenario. “Unless…is he…dead?”

Thankfully (or perhaps not), Naruto shakes his head. “It’s complicated—”

“She’s haemorrhaging again!” Shizune cries, while Karin hurries forward and offers Sakura her arm, forcing her to bite down on it to activate her healing. But the pink-haired woman pulls away, murmurming wildly.

“I can’t,” she whispers, “I can’t, I’m sorry, I…this isn’t…this isn’t how it’s was supposed to…He’s supposed to be here…” She cries, and it’s not from the physical pain now. Tsunade recognises that look of anguish and heartbreak from her own face in the mirror after Dan died. “I need him here.”

“You idiot!” Karin snaps. “Whoever he is isn’t here, it’s just us! Now if you cared about that baby, you’d stop trying to kill it!”

Tsunade knows it’s only the other woman’s panic causing her to lash out—she’s rather fond of Sakura under normal circumstances—but she snaps, “Karin, that is not helping!”

“Wait,” Naruto interrupts. He bites the inside of his lip, looking conflicted. “I have an idea what might help. But…I need your word she won’t be punished. Her, or the baby.”

“What?” Tsunade asks, frowning at this request; it doesn’t bode well.

“Your word, Lady Tsunade,” Naruto says. It’s one of the rare times when he addresses her with respect, his tone completely serious. She is so caught off-guard by it and so concerned for her disciple that she finds herself agreeing.

“You have it,” she says, a little faintly.

“You can’t react to what’s about to happen,” he goes on. “No matter what your first instinct might be.”

Tsunade exchanges confused glances with Shizune and Karin as Naruto leaves the room. He pulls the door closed behind him, but by chance doesn’t shut it fully, leaving a sliver of space through which they can still see him.

To Tsunade’s astonishment, he forms the hand signs for Henge—not a technique he uses very often, except for that utterly perverted Sexy no jutsu that Jiraiya loved so much.

The technique, it turns out, is not the most surprising thing.

No, the big shock is who he turns into.

つづく

Thank you for reading! Reviews and concrit are much appreciated - and if you’re feeling generous, I also accept tips through ko-fi (just scroll to the top and click the button, or use this link)

クリ

Next Chapter

[sesamerolls]

Like Clockwork

Like Clockwork

Title: Like Clockwork Rating: G Characters:  Ichigo, Orihime, Kurosaki family, Assorted characters Pairing: IchiHime Spoilers: Post-Bleach canon, before Bleach 685

Sequal To The Clockwork Switch Three Parter. Read the beginning

Part(s): I, II, III

He took in the soft furnishings, the scattered baby toys and suddenly he worried his father had kicked him into a dysfunctional suburban-afflicted coma.

It was much later in the day when Ichigo returned, slamming his bedroom door shut behind him.

The late afternoon sun had cast a long shadow on the pale white sheets of the bed. The frantic evidence of his morning preparations remained scattered across the room, the pile of rejected shirts sulked in a corner and his forgotten wallet mocked him from on top of the pile of notebooks on his desk.

Ichigo groaned as he sank himself on the sheets.

It had been a disaster.

He had tried. Really he did. He had left early that morning fumbling with his keys, his hair, his laces, everything.

It wasn’t change. That was what he had told himself, told Sado, told Tatsuki, told everyone.

He had hung out with Orihime before, knew all her favourite places, the quirks and the deserts from that restaurant she liked near the town centre.

Sure he had made reservations and something in his stomach felt fluttery whenever he heard her name (and felt a nervous sickness while waiting for her near the station) but it didn’t matter.

It was simply a transition. One from being friends to…something else.

And he blew it.

Ichigo flattened his spikes with the cup of his right hand. He was stupid.  

The restaurant lost the reservation. They made do with snacks from a yatai stand which Orihime had to pay for as he had forgotten his wallet. The vender threw him a filthy look, before passing over the food and complimented the skirt Orihime had worn. She reddened with delight and Ichigo felt a fool. He had noticed earlier but said nothing, the words lost in frustrated sheepishness.

The movie might have as well been a porno. Ichigo and Orihime sat awkwardly during the excruciating love making scenes followed by several gags involving slapstick mishaps and genitalia. In the two hours it took for it to be over, Ichigo fantasised about murdering Keigo several times(and himself for considering the recommendations in the first place).

Orihime remained silent as they left and nodded when he offered to walk her through the park. It went well, that is until it started raining and Ichigo realised they had no umbrella.

That was how they found themselves back at her place, soaked to the brim as he dried his clothes. Orihime made attempts at small talk but Ichigo felt the gloom of the day consume him. He made his apologies before grabbing his coat and left, the sun back, Orihime faintly protesting as he felt the world laugh at him.

Ichigo huffed as he retracted his phone and began to scroll. Seven missed calls. The guilt consumed him.

Orihime had tried hard. He knew she did. The outfit she wore that day was new, a pale pink skirt with lavender flower petals, the way she had packed her hair, the new scent that lingered on her skin and the soft glow of her smile.

And as much as it was embarrassing to admit, he was looking forward to spending time with her, after hectic exams, the change of scenery from high school to college and the odd limbo they found themselves in with everyone dispersing in different directions.

He knew he wasn’t good at this, that for some bizarre reason Orihime had agreed to go out within but the intensity of the embarrassment consumed his thoughts.

He shuffled down the stairs to the kitchen, mumbling something inaudible to his sisters who shared wearied glances.

“How was the date?” asked Karin.

Ichigo visibly winced. There were no further questions as the girls turned to watch television.

He hoped it was the end of it.

“ICCCCCCHIGO!”

He was wrong.

He didn’t see his father approach.

Yet the kick was swift enough to make his vision fade to black.

---

“Ichigo-kun?”

The voice was new. Far too soft to be his father’s and a lot different from Yuzu and Karin.

Ichigo groaned, rubbing his eyes. Damn that asshole. He was so distracted he wasn’t prepared enough to defend himself.

He blinked into a world of blurred shapes and an alluring yet familiar scent.

Ichigo sighed. He was going to kill his father. Right after he got out of this bed and shifted the weight on his chest....

Ichigo blinked.

Weight?

Something warm and small clung to his t-shirt. Really warm. Almost like a small animal and yet it smelled sweet.

That only compounded his confusion.

Where on earth was he? This didn’t feel like his room and he couldn’t sense the Kurosaki Clinic residents anywhere. To make it worse, his head was throbbing and he felt something soft and heavy on his chest.

Then he heard the gurgling.

He nearly lept out of his skin.

As he sat up, He was suddenly conscious of a trail of wetness on his shoulder, softly cradling the warm object as it began to wail.

Ichigo’s eyes widened.  

A baby?

He looked down to see soft tuft of orange hair.

“What the fuck….”

“Ichigo-kun?”

He froze. He knew that reaitsu. He knew that voice but it couldn’t be….

Tilting his gaze, he confirmed his suspicions.

And nearly shattered in pieces.

“Inoue?”

But it wasn’t Inoue. Well the Inoue he knew, the one from this afternoon, who seemed more bashful, less forward than the woman in front of him.

“What are you doing here?”

This only seemed to confuse her as she approached. She titled her head slightly.

“Tatsuki didn’t seem to need me at the community centre.”

She seemed to know immediately that wasn’t what he meant. Orihime watched as Ichigo alternated between staring at the baby and her face increasingly becoming more alarmed.

What the fuck, what the fuck...

The air seemed to thin around Ichigo. Just what the hell was going on? One second he was at home, the next he was....he was....

Despite himself, he felt his eyes linger over Orihime once more. She wore a loose white tee and had her hair swept to the back, emitting a soft pretty glow which made him pink slightly. Before he knew it, Orihime began to slowly retract the child he was awkwardly clinging to.

“Aww Kazui-kun…” she cooed softly “Did you wake daddy?”

Something within Ichigo broke.

“D-daddy?” he spluttered.

Orihime turned back to him, flashing a small smile before flickering a few strands of hair from his face.

“Did he disturb your nap?”

Ichigo felt his cheeks heat even more. He had no idea what was happening, why his heart was beating faster and why his throat was drier than he could have ever imagined.

If this was a prank it was probably the worse anyone could ever pull.

He swallowed as she continued to soothe the baby in front of him. He felt a numbness take over and suddenly everything felt too hot and strange.

“I’m fine…” he admitted, now unsure where to look “I-I mean the room..”

Nothing was making sense. He felt her fingers brush against his forehead once more, the distance between them disappeared and he could breathe in the scent of her skin, something light and airly, while being so familiar.

His eyes widened.

“This perfume…”

It was her time to flush.

“I know its your favourite.” She pinked before lifting the baby to the crib “Is that what’s making you dizzy?”

Ichigo managed to sit up from the bed, drawing his gaze across the room. He took in the soft furnishings, the scattered baby toys and suddenly he worried his father had kicked him into a dysfunctional suburban-afflicted coma.

He watched slowly as Orihime played with the baby in the crib next to the bed. He observed the care, her tired eyes and felt pangs of guilt was over him. Was this really a dream? It felt real, the bed, the warm light from the pale windows and the steady concern from her eyes once she returned his gaze.

He was surprised she wasn’t smiling. In fact, she appeared to be pouting.

“Your last patrol was a long one. You don’t have to act tough.”

Ichigo looked dumbly at her. “Act tough?”

It was something he had heard of before. From Sado, his father, even Tatsuki. But he never expected to hear it from her.

But it was to be expected it some extent. Orihime was and always concerned about him. And he in turn would always want her to be happy.

Ichigo shook the thoughts away.

“Hmm! You always do this after patrols Ichigo-kun.”

Her smile was weak. And Ichigo felt wretched.

She was worried. Regardless of what this was, he didn’t like seeing her like that. Her long hair cascaded over her face as she tucked some strands behind her ear.

“You don’t have to hide it. It’s okay if you’re tired.”

Ichigo’s gaze softened. Despite his confusion, the nerves shooting through him he took her hand.

“I’m fine.” His throat itched. “I just don’t know-I feel a bit strange that’s all.”

He could feel her concern pour over him. He felt her fingers brush against his knuckles and a course of electricity through his body. It was a familiar feeling her felt anytime he stood close to Orihime, guiltily or not.

His thoughts soon went back to the date. Was it really as bad as he had thought? Was there a chance, even a small one that Orihime saw it differently?

“We are a team right?” she asked.

Ichigo smirked. He remembered the afternoon date. The hints of laughter from Orihime and her musings after the movie. She always seemed to make things brighter, even when he felt lost.

He managed a nod.

“Yeah,” he swallowed “We always were.”

It was then he saw her smile again. The smile. The one she always seemed to use on him.

Beside himself, he cupped a cheek feeling the warmth.

He leaned closer, his breathe hitched and bravery within his grasp…

And was suddenly head butted by a sleepy Orihime.

----

When he woke, the moonlight had filtered through his window.

His sisters had been there a while. Their reaistus had lingered in the room and he could just about hear some whispers from the next room.

Turning sideways, his found his phone sitting on his desk. He rose, feeling his joints ache with an unfamiliar pain.

What was that dream?

It didn’t make sense. The baby, the domestic setting, Orihime with the flowing hair, loose shirt and sweet perfume…

…the one he remembered her wearing that afternoon.

“We are a team right?”

He managed to reach out for his phone. Even if it was bad, even it was horrible he still wanted to try. For even one of those moments. Now more than ever, he wanted to see her smile again. No matter how much he screwed up.

He just wanted to try once more.

Finding strength, he picked up his keys

***** Orihime opened her door in befuddlement. 

“Kurosaki-kun?”

Ichigo smiled at her.

“Hey Inoue….sorry I didn’t call but….would you mind if we did a do over?”

*****

END

[failureoftheyear-blog]

I will go down with this ship: Chapter 29

As Sasuke watched Naruto leave his sights, disappearing into his cabin, Sasuke sighed with a heavy heart. Confusion filled him, his mind thinking back to that night in the Crystal Labyrinth. Naruto barely reacted at such sexual actions between them, yet when he was to show sweetness to Sasuke he withdrew himself completely. Sasuke wasn't a fool. He knew when he was getting pushed away. He knew that Naruto was setting up boundaries and barriers between them, and may Sasuke just say…

How dare he?

How dare Naruto do such a thing to him. After Sasuke had been insistent on such boundaries and barriers, after he wanted the space between him and Naruto. Though it had been all but ignored, Naruto broke those boundaries. He ventured forth to bring Sasuke into his world, into his world of friendship and trust. And the second Sasuke allowed this, allowed himself to be taken into his arms to be shown the wonders of this fantasy realm, Naruto had shut him off. Saving him from the jaws of a shark only to be casted back into the water with the hook cleanly cut through his throat. How could he have been so foolish? So vulnerable to someone he shouldn't even care about? How could he let his guard down?

How could Naruto betray him?

That last question caused a stiffness in his chest. He had never been betrayed before. He didn't know the protocol for this. How was he supposed to act in this situation, a situation he never found himself in. Ever. To shut off his feelings once more? To reach out? To make it a piece of his armour?

Yes...Sasuke thought, I won't let anyone do this again...Sasuke promised to himself, killing off the pain and ache he felt, letting it burn and be melded into a shield that he would never unemploy.

"Lambert!" A voice called out, bringing him out of his darkening thoughts. He saw the voice belonged to the feisty looking woman, Temari. He had seen her a few times at large gatherings, remembering her as the strangest Ojo he ever met. She had looked so out of place in a delicate dress; with her muscled arms that bore battle scars, a haughty expression and often heard her with blunt words. He chose not to associate with her at the time, but he saw now that may be his downfall. He saw her raise her arm up for a golden hawk to land on, flapping its wings a few more times before settling down. She plucked a treat from her pocket and offered it to the bird, "Here you go, you lil' shitter" Temari snickered. Sasuke tore his attention away, another mission on his mind when he saw a group on the other side of the ship speaking with one another.

Sakura. Kiba. Suigetsu. Choji. Shikamaru. Everyone who defended him. Sasuke watched them converse for a moment before a sense of duty arose within him. He may of originally stayed away from the pirates, but they didn't seem as fearsome as before. He never sought out any conversation with any of them, yet he knew he had to say something to them. Whether or not it contradicted his teachings, he nervously approached the group. Mouth turning slightly dry as he was to do something he never even conceived of doing before. He arrived shortly with a few surprised faces.

"Um..." Sasuke began uncertainly, a social anxiety taking over him, "Earlier you all defended me" Sasuke muttered, completely embarrassed, as evident by the pink blush scorching his face. "So...thank you" Sasuke forced out, his eyes averted. Feeling unrealistically open to the shocked faces. Though the group couldn't help but feel something for the rosy raven that stood before them, especially Kiba.

"H-Hey, it was no problem!" Kiba voiced, allowing Sasuke to look up at them, "Throwing you down into the cells is really unnecessary, y'know?" Kiba smiled, Suigetsu placing a hand on Kiba's head to push him down so he would be in sight.

"Yeah, Karin's thrown me down there a few times" Suigetsu remarked, "It ain't nice, I'll tell you that" Suigetsu scoffed, "But at least it smells better than Kiba's breath" He snickered, causing Kiba to erupt.

"You bastard! What you saying?!" Kiba barked, chasing around the ever smug Suigetsu, Kiba's dog running around with them. Sasuke watched the chaotic chase unfold before hearing Shikamaru sigh.

"Geez, what a pain" He spoke lazily before looking at Sasuke, "And it's not helping anyone if you're in a cell, besides, you're not the lying kind of person" Shikamaru stated calmly, Sasuke registering his words before Temari's hawk landed on Shikamaru's shoulder.

"Apologies for Lambert" Temari remarked as she sauntered over. Her tone and smirking expression clearly saying that she wasn't sorry at all. She gave a calculating gaze over Sasuke before raising an amused eyebrow. "Karin was right, you really are defenceless" Temari said. Sasuke would've taken offence of it weren't for the way she had spoken; it was without mockery or callousness. The woman seemed to be simply stating a fact. Temari turned her head over to Shikamaru. "It's not like you to get involved in the family disputes" Temari remarked, clicking her tongue as if to entice the boy.

"It would've been troublesome if Karin got her way" Shikamaru excused, Temari clicked her tongue once more before observing Sasuke.

"If you managed to get Shikamaru interested, then I certainly am" Temari chuckled, receiving a strange look from Sasuke. She beckoned Lambert over and presented him to Sasuke, "Afraid?" Temari poked, Sasuke scowled slightly before gazing at the magnificent bird. At that time, he felt a small weight jump onto his shoulder. He saw Nao nibbling away at peach, giving Sasuke a cheeky smile before continuing. "Looks like I'm not the only one with a pet" Temari remarked, taking a treat from her pocket once more and offering it to Sasuke, "Go ahead" Temari spoke, gesturing her head to Lambert. Sasuke was still for a moment before taking the treat and slowly offered it to Lambert. He regarded it with suspicion before quickly snatching it from Sasuke's hand and greedily wolfing it down.

"Is that a good sign?" Sasuke asked with an arched eyebrow.

"Well, he didn't claw your eyes out so I'd say it was a good sign" Temari answered. Sasuke alarmed at the risk that wasn't disclosed to him, but thankful that the bird didn't ruin his face. Temari made another click of her tongue before tilting her head lazily, "I see you're on daddy's bad side" She remarked with a chuckle, causing a moment of confusion.

"Daddy?" Sasuke repeated, Shikamaru rolled his eyes.

"Ignore, her, she's just speaking nonsense at this point" Shikamaru interjected, though it seemed Temari was the one to ignore Shikamaru.

"Naruto" She clarified, Sasuke failing the make the link between Naruto and his supposed nickname, "You seemed to upset him" Temari continued, another click, "Daddy isn't giving you any more spankings" She joked, though it hit a little close to home for Sasuke. Shikamaru looked as if he would intervene, judging by the expression on Sasuke's face, he knew how uncomfortable he was beginning to get. However, Sasuke was distracted by the noise that was getting louder as Suigetsu ran back over to them. Suigetsu snickering as the red-faced Kiba continued to swipe at him childishly. Suigetsu bumped into Sasuke, causing Kiba to stop his attacks.

"Sorry, kid" Suigetsu laughed, Sasuke blinked a few times for the sudden change of atmosphere and nodded.

"It's fine" Sasuke responded, Suigetsu eyeing him up for a moment before straightening out with his hands on his hips.

"You're way too forgiving" Suigetsu pointed out, "If I were you, I'd of thrown me off of the ship" Suigetsu proclaimed, making Sasuke's eyes widen slightly.

"Isn't that a little unnecessary?" Sasuke questioned, Kiba scowling at Suigetsu.

"Actually, I think that's the best thing to do" Kiba grumbled under his breath, Suigetsu dramatically ignoring him and keeping his focus on Sasuke.

"Or" Suigetsu began, a devious smirk crawling onto his face. Calling for concern to the others, "Revenge" Suigetsu finished off, Shikamaru frowning slightly.

"Suigetsu..." Shikamaru warned, Suigetsu giving a flippant hand gesture.

"Aw, c'mon, let the kid hear me out first!" Suigetsu spoke humorously, his eyes with a glint of mischief. Sasuke felt a sense of worry arise though he didn't voice it until he was more sure, "You must really hate Karin for trying to throw down in those shitholes, right?" Suigetsu questioned, Sasuke was quiet with a silent stare. Trying to figure out his motive. Though Suigetsu snickered. "I bet you want to get back at her, right?" Suigetsu probed, Sasuke once again didn't respond, but it was all Suigetsu needed. "C'mon" Suigetsu gestured, hooking Sasuke's arm and making him follow.

"What are you doing?" Sasuke questioned, looking back to the somewhat concerned expressions. He looked forward as Suigetsu excitedly dragged him up the stairs, chuckling under his breath as he pointed to a bucket.

"I'll do this part, but go get some rope, yeah?" Suigetsu ordered, Sasuke was so baffled that he did just that. He watched as the smirk on Suigetsu's face grew more and more. Sasuke eventually travelled back down the stairs to search for rope. He walked along the ship, his hand running over the wood. It reminded him of the Crystal Labyrinth trees. How alive and full of life they were, as was a contrast to the cold and dead this timber felt under his hand now. Sasuke ran his hand idly over the marked wood, tracing the small lines passively. His mind blank and unsettled. Suddenly, glimpse of his heated past flashed for but a moment, his breath hitched slightly as the night he shared with Naruto under the stars played in his mind. He shook his head slightly and removed his hand from the wood, feeling how it added salt to a fresh wound.

"Hey! Sasuke!" He heard Suigetsu call, he looked over his shoulder to see Suigetsu waving at him, "Did you find any?!" He yelled, Sasuke realised that he had spaced out for too long. Reminding himself that he had better things to be thinking about rather than dwelling on a lost memory. So he turned back to answer.

"No, not yet!" Sasuke called back, he searched the ship with his perceptive eyes. Though pesky thoughts, against his will, went back to passionate nights. Sasuke felt his annoyance bubble as his mind refused to sway towards anything else, "Defiant mind, so obsessed with pointless paths that remain blocked, and even if they didn't, you think they are of any substance?" Sasuke questioned himself, a sting to his chest as his mind seemed adamant. Eventually however, he finally found some loose rope in a corner and brought it back to Suigetsu. The white-haired pirate smirked deviously, his grin full of compromising promise.

"Perfect, kid" Suigetsu nodded, taking the rope and tying it to the brown bucket. Which Sasuke noticed was filled to the brim with murky water.

"What exactly is this for?" Sasuke enquired, folding his arms as Suigetsu snickered under his breath.

"Payback" Suigetsu answered, the same glinting mischief that seemed to dominate his violet eyes. Sasuke was weary at first, but Suigetsu came closer and whispered his plan into his ear. Slowing Sasuke's eyes widened before his own smirk followed. Suigetsu stood back to see Sasuke's satisfied expression.

"That is a good idea" Sasuke commented, "Alright, let's do it" Sasuke agreed, suddenly enthralled with the concept of revenge. Suigetsu seemed equally as enthusiastic and beckoned Sasuke to follow. After they finished setting up, they went back and hide behind some crates. "Are you sure this is going to work?" Sasuke questioned, wondering how a simple mechanism could succeed. Suigetsu seemed confident in his plan and nodded.

"Don't worry, this is going to be good" Suigetsu chuckled, shivering with anticipation for the scene that was to unfold. They watched ahead as they heard the sound of the door creaking opening.

"Oi, Sakura, do you have-" But Karin's voice was muffled by her sudden squawk. Sasuke and Suigetsu tried to keep their laughter under control as the bucket on Karin's head continued to wet her. She ripped the bucket off of her head with a furious roar. Sasuke content with the way Karin's vexed face began to match her red hair. Though a moment of apprehension came over Sasuke.

"Will she know it was us?" Sasuke asked, not wanting another debate over his place in the cells.

"Nah" Suigetsu replied coolly, "She'll never-"

"Suigetsu!" Karin's infuriated voice screamed out, causing for alarm for the two boys.

"I thought you said she wouldn't know" Sasuke questioned as Suigetsu avoided his gaze.

"Well, I do prank her every other day, so she'd probably work it out" Suigetsu answered, Sasuke's eyes widening as Karin suddenly appeared before the pranker and loomed over him.

"Sui-get-su!" Karin grinded out, a deadly aura surrounding her before Suigetsu whimpered.

"Shit" Was all Suigetsu could say utter before Karin effectively slammed down the bucket on his head. Stomping off with curses spewing out of her mouth like venom. Sasuke raised an eyebrow at the injured pirate, noting the small groans that emitted from him.

"She'll never find out, huh?" Sasuke couldn't help but smirk, watching as the pouting Suigetsu remove the bucket.

"Hardy har, very funny" Suigetsu remarked, rolling his eyes before smirking. "Hey, er, kid, pick up that bulb for me" Suigetsu required, Sasuke saw the bulb in the corner before absent-mindedly picking it up.

And exploded.

Sasuke blinked a few times as he looked at himself, now covered with water. He suddenly heard the loud laughter emit from Suigetsu, falling back and kicking his legs in the air as Sasuke realised what had happened. Sasuke saw how Suigetsu was laughing at him. How he made a mockery of him. How humiliation filled his core. But somehow…

Sasuke laughed, he didn't know why. As childish as it was, he couldn't help but laugh. He'd never laughed like this before. Not since he was a child anyway. He wasn't allowed. There was never a reason to. Though there was something so care free about the reckless actions that allowed Sasuke to relax. Sasuke let his laugh calm down as Suigetsu stared at him with a rugged smile.

"You're alright, kid" Suigetsu stated, his eyes roaming over Sasuke for a moment before quickly sitting up and sliding his hand to caress Sasuke's face. Sasuke's smile dropped and eyes widened as Suigetsu leaned close, "Really alright..." He muttered; Sasuke still as stone, but blushing like brides.

"S-Suigetsu..." Sasuke let out before the pirate's smirk curved in a raunchy manner, he leaned forward but-

"Oi" An unamused voice interrupted, Suigetsu paused and looked behind him to seem another figure looming over.

"Oh, hey, captain" Suigetsu greeted casually, unaffected by the displeased expression that Naruto held. Suigetsu was unashamed and remained blameless, while Sasuke averted his eyes, blindly stained with chagrin. Sasuke subtly moved away from Suigetsu's hand; such affairs called for it.

"Check the cargo" Naruto ordered, causing Suigetsu to raise an eyebrow.

"Eh? But it's already tied dow-"

"Now" Naruto severed, searing any objections from insolence to be uttered. Suigetsu was a range of emotions before confusion stood him up and nodded.

"Er, alright, cap" Suigetsu responded, walking off with his hands in his pockets. Leaving the raven to fend for himself. A piercing glare was shot toward Sasuke, making Sasuke narrow his own in return. Sasuke wouldn't back down with easy obedience. He refused to let this man play with his emotions, no longer would he be his victim. Sasuke stood, scorning Naruto's dismissal. A tenacity sparking in his orbs. Naruto stared back with conviction akin to odium. The air was thick with tension, enough to be cut and served. Moments of ice and fire clashed, a battle ensuing. Though after a small scoff, Naruto turned and left without a word. Sasuke watched him leave his sights, the mop of blonde hair disappeared into his chamber. Sasuke's shoulders remained tense, as if he was still fighting the battle. His features hardened, blood boiling until his cheeks began to stain a light red.

"Hey, Sasuke?" Kiba's voice intruded, bringing Sasuke from his swelling irate. Sasuke naturally calmed with Kiba's somewhat concerned face.

"Yes?" Sasuke responded, getting Kiba into a sudden fluster.

"Oh, I, er, just...saw how you looked wet" Kiba explained, face reddening at his own words before spluttering out some more, "W-With water, of course!" Kiba rushed out, causing Sasuke to raise his eyebrow.

"What other way could I be wet?" Sasuke questioned, not getting an answer as Kiba he coughed into his fist.

"Anyway...I brought you this" Kiba spoke, offering a ragged towel. Sasuke let out a thankful sigh.

"Thank goodness" Sasuke said as he took the towel, the appeal of being soaked in water rapidly deteriorating. "Thank you" Sasuke nodded, Kiba nodding back with a smile tugged at his lips.

"Any time" Kiba promised, observing the raven for a moment before speaking. "I know it's none of my business, but..." Kiba trailed off as he looked towards Naruto's chamber, "What's up with you and the captain?" Kiba questioned, Sasuke gave out a huff and rolled his eyes.

"Who knows? The dobe is acting like a child" Sasuke retorted, unaware of the reasons and consequences. Kiba frowned, but found his luck.

"Tis a shame" Kiba remarked casually, "But I'm sure there are things to ease you at Al Masab" Kiba proposed, Sasuke giving him a strange look.

"Al Masab?" Sasuke repeated.

"Yeah, it's this middle-eastern town; mostly known for trades, general living and entertainment" Kiba listed, Sasuke frowning slightly.

"Why are we heading there?"

"Few of us got some business there, so chances are that's were we're heading next" Kiba explained, "Besides, we'll be there in an hour or two" Kiba added, biting the inside of his cheek before speaking again, "If you want, I could, er, show you around?" Kiba suggested, scratching his pink cheek. Sasuke wouldn't have even resisted saying no before, but somehow the bitterness encouraged him.

"I suppose..." Sasuke responded, creating a beaming Kiba. The marked man began to speak once more, but Sasuke's mind tuned into another. Justification and prodding accusation gnawing on his mind, sending sharp whips of exposure to soft matter. Substitution inferior, ruthlessly flawed renewal. Dignity in question, hand in hand with self-regard. Yet proved weak in objecting against the patent falsehood. Sasuke decided to tune out the feeling and listened to Kiba's energetic ranting. However, much darker movements were cultivating a gruesome path…

Another crackle of bone. Another lay dead at the merciless man. Reeking of death and destruction.

"Leave us!" Tsunade ordered, the innocent lives shaking in fear.

"I won't leave until you give him to me" Zabuza answered, his partner next to him with equal amounts of blood on his hands.

"He is not here, at least not anymore" Tsunade responded, Jiraiya next to her with a poised position to launch into battle. "Who are you?!" Tsunade yelled, emitting a chuckle from the man.

"That is not of your concern, but unless you want me to end the life of everyone on this miserable hunk of rotting wood, you'll give me the information I want" Zabuza threatened, Tsunade took deep breathes to calm herself. To take in the situation. Tsunade's eyes roamed over the frightened people and knew her priorities. Tsunade reluctantly opened her mouth to speak, guilt wrenching at her heart.

"I was not told of where they were to go next" Tsunade began, "But...they're low on supplies" Tsunade slowly gave, Jiraiya wide-eyed.

"Tsunade!" Jiraiya hissed, the blonde woman whipping at him with a pained glare.

"I have no choice!" She hissed back, hearing the malicious chuckle of the man.

"Why thank you" He responded. For it wouldn't take long before the Kyuubi had to stop to restock, for Zabuza to find his chance. And for Zabuza's sword to taste marked blood. "Haku" Zabuza spoke, clearly sending out an order. Haku moved fast with his sharpened blades, slicing the throats of every messenger bird. "A precaution" Zabuza informed as Tsunade glared with burning hatred toward him. A thickly tense moment before they moved back into the shadows, leaving as quick as they came. Tsunade let out a breath she had been holding.

"Oh spirits..." She whispered out, slowing shaking her head. "They'll be killed" She stated, looking onto the mist as the people around attempted to settle. Jiraiya followed her line of sight and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"We have to believe in Naruto" Jiraiya spoke softly, even as his own heart thudded with apprehension, "Believe that he'll survive" Jiraiya added, Tsunade holding her necklace.

"I hope so..."

Whoo wee.

[ken-dom]

What’s Left In Me

Lars Lindstrom x Bianca

2.2k words

Summary: Lars needs to make sure Bianca knows she belongs to him, and really, isn’t there only one way to do that?

Author’s notes: Goosecord made me do it (never mind that I wanted to shhh). Title is song lyrics from the Lars playlist as usual

Warnings/content: nsfw, possessive Lars, use of a sex doll, loss of virginity?, fingering, clothed sex, mention of oral sex, if you’re not aware Bianca is a sex doll but he doesn’t canonically use her for sex, I guess the dove isn’t dead but I would still be very weary of eating it, seriously please do not read this if you don’t like the idea of Lars getting frisky with Bianca — or if you think he never would (I don’t really disagree but I HAD to explore it, please forgive me and please skip this if it's not for you)

‘Talk to her, Lars,’ Karin soothed, rubbing at Lars’s back. ‘Go on.’

Lars ignored the slowly burning warmth where her hand massaged circles between his shoulder blades. He had enough layers on after all, and with a deep breath, he silently reminded himself that it wasn’t her fault she needed to touch people so much.

‘What if she’s mad at me,’ he uttered under his breath, body stuck somewhere between trembling and freezing up. 

He did want to speak to Bianca though. He wanted… No. He was too scared to think it.

‘I’m sure if you explain how you’ve been feeling and hear her out, she won’t be mad at you. She loves you, Lars. More than anything.’

Lars nodded with a forced smile and stood so abruptly, Karin’s hand dropped to the sofa with a soft thud.

He turned back to her, lost for words, then forward forward again, flexing his fingers and squeezing his eyes shut for a moment before heading toward the stairs.

Bianca had gone straight up to the pink room when she returned home. She didn’t even acknowledge Lars. And he couldn’t actually blame her when he thought about it.

He felt his heart hammering in his chest as he climbed. When he reached the top, Lars could see that the door of the pink room was ajar, and he took another deep, steadying breath as he approached it and knocked gently. A stark contrast to the energy with which he’d roared at her before she left.

‘Bianca,’ he whispered through the crack in the door, and to his relief she finally acknowledged him.

Lars entered slowly with his head hung low. He didn’t think she seemed put off by his presence, so he clicked the door shut behind him and pressed on.

Bianca was relaxing against the pillow, already in her pretty nightdress. He took a seat on the mattress by her feet, careful not to disturb her. She looked beautiful, he thought.

‘Bianca, I’m sorry,’ he started quietly, turning his body to face her properly and placing a gentle hand on her bare shin without thinking. ‘I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way. It- it wasn’t really about Scrabble. I mean, I do love our Scrabble nights, but it was more about how I’ve been… feeling recently.’

Bianca listened intently as Lars felt the floodgates open. He had always loved how she listened. She had so many skills.

‘I… well, see, when you came here to be with me, I thought it would be just that; me and you. You know? That I’d have you all to myself. And now you’re so busy all the time, even busier than I am, and I have a lot of stuff to do – you should see how much wood I chopped tonight while you were out!’ Lars’s thumb had begun to massage slow, soothing shapes into Bianca’s leg. ‘You know what the thing is, though? Everybody wants a piece of you, but-’

Lars knew where he wanted that sentence to go, but something about it felt wrong, so he stopped himself. Bianca, of course, picked up on the sudden change of atmosphere, and as a result Lars whipped his hand away from her leg, realising he’d been caressing the flesh just below her knee the whole time he’d been talking. 

Only… she hadn’t shied away from it. And neither had he. It actually felt pretty good.

‘Bianca…’

Hands trembling, he slowly reached back to her, pushing the hem of her nightgown up, above her knees.

‘Bianca… are you sure about this?’

She agreed, and before he knew it, his hand was firmly beneath the skirt of her nightdress, tenderly rubbing at her thigh.

‘What was I going to say? I suppose I should be honest with you, I owe you that much at least.’

Lars was talking with incredibly measured precision,watching his hand move hypnotically beneath the thin pink fabric. He could feel Bianca nodding her encouragement for him to go on. 

Something snapped inside him. It wasn’t like earlier, when he’d needed to chop wood to calm himself. This was a different, urgent kind of need that his first instinct was to try and suppress.

‘I was going to say that, lately, everybody wants a piece of you,’ he breathed, his whispered voice trembling a little until he finally growled, ‘but you’re supposed to be mine.’

With both hands, he tugged Bianca downward on the bed, shifting to kneel between her legs. Two strong hands grabbed her thighs and spread them, getting her into a comfortable position.

He froze then, reality suddenly dawning on him.

He was in Gus and Karin’s house right now, and Karin was downstairs, so they’d need to be quiet. He and Bianca weren’t married, which for some reason made his cock twitch in his trousers despite the clench in his gut. And to top it off, Lars was a virgin.

He’d been too scared to ask Bianca, assuming that she was a virgin too. She must be. But he supposed that was about to change.

He’d never intended to do this. To defile her. Especially not before marriage. Especially not so soon after she arrived here, but he’d been curious, he couldn’t deny, and tonight the final straw was the spark he felt when he thought about how she was his and his only. How if he claimed her in a way no one else could, she would truly belong to him, even if she was out every night of the week.

Lars blinked furiously and then squeezed his eyes shut, fingers bruisingly rough on Bianca’s tender thighs.

He didn’t have any condoms. Why would he? He thought briefly about checking for some in Gus and Karin’s bathroom, but since Bianca couldn’t have children of her own, and they were both virgins, he thought better of interrupting. He did want to claim her after all, and what better way to do that than pump her full to the brim?

Strangely, Bianca had arrived complete with a pitifully small tube of lube included in the crate. Lars had dropped it into his pocket last minute when disposing of the packaging she’d arrived in, not wanting anyone to find it in his trash and think him some sort of deviant. No, better to keep it safe and out of sight.

He was wearing the same trousers tonight, as luck would have it. He fished it out of his pocket and held it up for Bianca to see.

‘See? It’ll help you feel more comfortable.’

He flashed her a big smile and removed the lid, squeezing half the contents into his palm and rubbing his hands together to warm it.

‘Let me help you…’

His hand disappeared up her nightgown again, fumbling with her underwear briefly before easily slipping a finger inside.

‘Oh, you’re already so prepared for me… does this feel good? You like my fingers?’ he cooed, massaging her folds with his thumb as his finger pumped carefully, coating her, inside and out, in the slippery fluid. ‘Shhh… remember we need to be quiet!’

Heat flooded his core as he watched her take his fingers, cock straining against the inside of his trousers now, and for the first time in his life he felt like he needed more. Like he needed to remove layers and feel touch and be closer.

He gently removed his hand from between Bianca’s thighs and hastily pulled his sweater over his head, tearing his shirt and tie away too, revealing the first of his two underlayers, long sleeves and unbuttoned at the neck.

He wouldn’t take off Bianca’s nightgown, though. Some things were just too sacred, and he could respect her enough to let her keep it on. Perhaps until they were married, at least, then he could undress her slowly and make every square inch of her shiver with anticipation for him.

Tonight he just needed to make her entirely his, and he knew that it was what she wanted – no, needed, too.

He crawled forward and hovered over her, eyes roaming her pretty face, lingering on her lips.

‘We’ll be married one day soon,’ he whispered through a crooked smile, ‘so it doesn’t matter really. You’re not worried about that, are you?’

Lars’s lips met Bianca’s in a desperate, hungry kiss, and when he pulled away a tear fell from his eye, dropping onto her flawless cheek.

‘You’re so beautiful,’ he sniffled, ‘so beautiful… hey, don’t cry.’

He wiped his spilled tear from her cheek as if it were her own.

‘Do you really want this? With me?’

Lars breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Alright,’ he chuckled, ‘and don’t worry, ok? I’ll be gentle with you.’

With one hand he clumsily unfastened and pushed his trousers down enough to free his aching cock, guiding it to her entrance.

‘If it hurts, just tell me, alright? We can take it slow,’ he whispered, carefully pushing in and hissing at the sensation of her walls enveloping his length. ‘Ah! You’re so… so wet and… and tight…’

She felt so good, precum leaked steadily from his tip already despite not having moved yet.

He could feel her stretching around him, feel her pleasure-pain unfold as he stilled and let her adjust to his size.

‘I know, I know, you’ll get used to it, sweetheart. I’ll make it feel good, ok? Are you ready?’

His hips rolled slowly at first, increasing in speed with every impatient thrust. Bianca seemed to clench around him as he found his rhythm, and he managed to wrap one of her legs up and around his waist as he drove into her harder, a hand sneaking between their bodies to explore her folds again.

‘Y-you like that?’ he whispered breathlessly. ‘You gonna cum for me?’

With his other hand, he gripped her jaw between his thumb and forefinger, forcing her to look at him, her lips popping open as he squeezed.

‘You are gonna cum for me, aren’t you?’ he growled, pressing his forehead to hers, ‘Because you- are- mine. Say it. Say that you’re- mine.’ 

His words were punctuated with the snapping of his hips, and Bianca’s heel dug into his lower back in a silent plea for more, which he eagerly gave as he awaited her response.

The bed creaked beneath them as Lars went harder. Bianca didn’t seem to care about the noise, or the integrity of the furniture, when she was in the throes of passion with Lars. She must really have wanted him after all.

When Lars was satisfied that Bianca understood who she belonged to, he pressed his big, warm palm over her mouth, keeping any other noise she might make to a minimum. He could feel he was close to release and knew that she must be too by the way she was arching her back off the bed.

‘Oh… ohhh- mmh…  you belong to me. You understand? No one else can- ugh!- do this to you. No one else can make you- ha!- feel like th- ohhhhnnggmmnn-’

Lars felt a burst of uncontrollable heat spread through every part of his body, his vision turning white as a thick creamy rope erupted from his tip and filled Bianca, who he could feel was mid-orgasm already. He continued to fuck erratically into her and eagerly massaging her clit until he felt his cock softening inside her walls, and collapsed in a heap on top of her.

‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry, are you ok?’ Lars muttered breathlessly, pulling himself up to hover a mere inch from her face, her beautiful eyes sparkling up at him.

He kissed her sweetly. So sweetly you’d never guess he’d just filled her with his seed in a frenzied culmination of his deepest, darkest thoughts and feelings.

He shifted his hips to pull out, feeling a trickle of warm wetness follow.

‘Don’t worry about the mess, ok? I’ll clean us both up. Wait right there.’

And Bianca did just that while Lars, with hastily fastened trousers and hair in disarray, shuffled off down the hallway to the nearest bathroom to fetch a towel.

When he returned, he paused in the doorway to just look at her. She really was perfect.

Half an hour later, and after a hurried conversation with Karin during which Lars avoided eye contact and assured her he had firmly made up with Bianca and that he’d apologised thoroughly, he was laid in bed, struggling to sleep. He couldn’t stop thinking about her, about how he should be with her now, holding her in his arms and whispering sweet nothings about how good she was and how good she made him feel.

He had told her those things, of course, in great detail as he cleaned his seed from between her thighs and attempted to remove the stain on her nightgown and kissed her forehead. But he missed her so much now that he’d shared such intimacy with her, he hadn’t even bothered showering yet. He wanted to smell her on his skin. 

He wondered if she would want to do it again, or if she really would want to wait until after marriage now that she’d had a small taste. Lars wasn’t sure he could wait very long before needing to chase those delicious sensations again, and he had a feeling Bianca would be ok with that.

Lars eventually fell asleep imagining what Bianca might taste like, and vaguely made the decision that tomorrow night, he would find out for himself.

[kuriquinn]

Ode to Eileithyia [3 / 4]

Blanket Fic Disclaimer: (and link to the main fic, of which this is a coda)

Summary:   He never thought of the possibility of Sakura actually dying, and from childbirth of all things.

Rating: M

Pairing: Off-screen SasuSaku

Beta Reader: Not beta-read; check back at a later date for edits

Author’s Note:  Sorry for the late update, I was once again at vet with Mini Pie. Poor thing suffered the indignity of both a thermometer up the butt and getting his neck shaved. So he hates me right now :(

This was supposed to be three chapters. The last one decided to go on forever, so I split it. So this fic will have four parts. Look for the conclusion tomorrow :) (and yes, it will be the conclusion, it’s not like my other stories where I promise a conclusion and go on forever. I actually have it finished haha.) That also means I won’t be posting this to Ao3 just yet, as I want it all complete before I do that.

Warning(s) Blood as per childbirth?

Previous Chapter

As Sakura’s arms slacken, and falls back into boneless unconsciousness, Tsunade, Karin and Shizune clamour around her. Naruto finds himself dragged away from her, baby deposited in his arms and a sharp, “Keep her neck supported!” barked at him by his cousin.

Then Tsunade is crouched in front of Sakura, working healing chakra into her, while Karin tries to force her to bite down on her arm to share strength. Shizune changes and tosses away sodden red bandages, sweat beading on her forehead—

“What can I do?” Naruto asks, though his words are nearly lost in the infants gasping wails. “Kurama’s chakra, would it help—?”

“No,” Tsunade says, not looking up. “Her body’s being influenced by too many chakra signatures right now as it is, we can’t afford the shock it might cause her. Besides, that energy is too strong for her right now, and your control isn’t precise to begin with.”

Naruto nods numbly for want of anything else.

“Just hold onto the baby,” Tsunade says. “She may lose both parents before her first birthday, it would be nice if we could tell her she at least got to be held by both.”

This time she does look up, frowning up at him. Irritation and annoyance slip through her worry briefly. Naruto knows it’s going to be a long, unpleasant conversation when that issue is brought up again, but he doesn’t have time to dwell.

Because he never thought of the possibility of Sakura actually dying, and from childbirth of all things.

His eyes are drawn back down to the baby—Sarada, she called her—a pink, still somewhat bloody, bawling creature in his arms. He is immediately struck by how much she resembles Sasukes. Not just her eyes, which are the same fathomless black irises as her father’s, but her colouring and the shape of her face. Even as she bawls, the way her brows wrinkle together are immediately recognisable.

“Hang in there, kid,” he tells her quietly, awkwardly rocking the baby and trying not to panic, because he knows nothing about babies!

“Still hemorrhaging!” Shizune cries, shrill.

“Sakura, don’t you dare die on me, that would really piss me off,” Tsunade snarls, still focussing her healing chakra into the body of her apprentice.

“I don’t get it,” Naruto says, now practically bouncing the baby; she isn’t impressed, judging by the way her cries ratchet higher. “I’ve seen her take hits from a giant chakra monster and perform the most complicated healing techniques ever. All of that stuff and she pulled through. Why’s she getting worse from this?”

“I’d think you of all people would understand how difficult childbirth is, considering what happened to Auntie Kushina,” Karin reminds him.

“That was different,” Naruto says weakly. “She was attacked while she was giving birth, it’s not…it’s not the same.”

“Even in regular childbirth, a woman’s body goes through immense strain,” Tsunade says. “It doesn’t help that Sakura has been pushing herself throughout this campaigns, organizing evacuations and retreats and healing people caught in that little bastard’s assaults.” A cold smile appears on her face. “Sometimes I wonder if the universe doesn’t have a sense of humour…”

Naruto narrows his eyes at his family’s oldest ally; she’s never been a fan of the Uchiha, but she’s always been much more committed to peace than old grudges. Still, sometimes he wonders…

“The point is, Sakura has been using inordinate amounts of her strength reserves in the past months, not just helping and healing people, but concealing her condition,” Tsunade finishes. “Unless we can stop the bleeding long enough for me to replenish it…the heart can’t beat without blood. The rest of her systems will shut down soon, too.”

“Can’t you just use your chakra to make her heart beat?” Naruto asks.

Tsunade stills, then glances up sharply; the other women do as well.

“You know, use chakra to stand in for her blood until the new stuff takes,” Naruto continues, raising an eyebrow. “That’s what Sakura did when…when we…” He trails off, realising he’s about to divulge something of the utmost secrecy. “I mean, she told me she could do that. I thought she learned that from me.”

“She didn’t learn that from me,” Tsunade practically growls, shooting her apprentice a livid look. And yet, a beat later, the seal on her forehead grows, stretching ribbons across her face and down her neck and arms. “But she did show it to me once. I forbade her from ever doing it again because of how dangerous it is.”

Suddenly Sakura’s healing of Uchiha Itachi seems a lot more impressive.

The baby wails even harder, and Naruto can’t watch Tsunade use Sakura’s technique, desperately trying to quiet the child. He doesn’t want to risk leaving the room, in case he is needed or misses something, but at the same time he knows her sounds are causing more tension from the others.

Thinking as quickly as he can, he balances her in one arm while reaching for a nearby basin of clean water. He does his best to clean his hand, and then places the tip of his pinky in the baby’s mouth. She quiets instantly, gumming and sucking on the digit out of instinct.

Poor kid, Naruto thinks.

There is a sudden collective exhale, and as he looks up, he sees Tsunade and the others have finally calm. Sakura is

“The bleeding stopped,” Shizune murmurs wearily.

“Heartrate and chakra are becoming more stable,” Karin agrees, trying to sound clinical, but the relief in her voice is evident.

“I’m too old for this shit,” Tsunade grumbles as she gets to her feet. The seal in her forehead is gone. She jabs a finger at Naruto. “As soon as she’s strong enough, the three of us are sitting down and you’re explaining exactly what circumstances required her to use that technique. And how the hell she became involved in such a way with Uchiha Sasuke.”

Naruto opens his mouth to protest, but Tsunade keeps going, addressing the other two women as well. “Obviously it goes without saying that no one in this room heard about or knows the truth of the child’s parentage. Peace is already practically unattainable, I don’t want that Sharingan wielding lunatic discovering we have his child and trying harder to wipe us all out.”

“It’s going to be obvious at some point,” Karin says, peering across the room at the baby. “Anyone who’s ever seen him close up will be able to tell just by looking at her.”

“Luckily, most people who have been that close to him are in the ground, or in this room,” Tsunade dismisses. “Besides, Naruto is apparently a master at secret arrangements—” Her voice is complete sarcasm at this juncture, “—Figure it out. Now that I understand why Hatake stayed by her side for so long, have him in on it. Furthermore…”

Tsunade falters then, stumbling backward.

“Shishou!” Shizune gasps, hurrying forward to catch her. She begins to fret. “She’s exhausted herself.”

“Funny how she was going off on Sakura for the exact same thing not an hour ago,” Naruto snorts, and then frowns as the baby pulls away from his finger. Evidently she has realised that there is no food forthcoming.

“Don’t you start,” Shizune scolds, carrying the ailing leader of the Senju out of the room.

つづく

Thank you for reading! Reviews and concrit are much appreciated - and if you’re feeling generous, I also accept tips through ko-fi (just scroll to the top and click the button, or use this link)

クリ

Next Chapter

[failureoftheyear-blog]

I will go down with this ship: Chapter 23

"Well, if I told you it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" Sakura smirked, Sasuke rolled his eyes playfully at her attempt to be mysterious. Sakura guided them to the bottom, carefully stepping on each trunk until they reached a larger than most tree-hut. Sakura nodded at Sasuke and cupped her hands on either side of her mouth, "Hey kids!" Sakura yelled out, making Sasuke jump slightly. Suddenly, an abundance of children exited and ran towards them.

"Sakura!" They called out happily, hugging her legs and jumping up around her. Sakura laughed and bent down to hug the many children.

"How are my favourite little naes?" Sakura smiled, the children no older than 7 all gave her big grins back.

"Neh, neh, did you get us anything?" One of the boys asked.

"Did you go on any more adventures?" A small girl piped up.

"Are you going to play with us again?" Another child voiced, Sakura giggling at their small faces that held such happiness and young innocence.

"Alright, alright, that's a lot of questions" Sakura chuckled, standing up to gestured Sasuke, "But I want you to meet a very good friend of mine first" Sakura stated, "His name is Sasuke" Sakura introduced, all the children oohing at the new sight of Sasuke. "He's new here, so treat him extra nice, okay?" Sakura requested, all of the children nodding eagerly.

"Give Sakura some space now!" A woman's voice laughed, they looked up to see a older woman making her way over. Sasuke would almost describe her look as a nun, only instead of black it was green and white. She made her way over with a old smile, "C'mon now, you still have to finish your hogos!" The woman reminded, ushering them back into the large tree-hut, which served as a donec. Turning back around to offer a hug to Sakura, "It's so good to see you Sakura" The woman smiled, Sakura returned the hug and smiled.

"You too, I've missed all this" Sakura responded, Sasuke frowned slightly at that. Since she never spoke such kind words about Konoha. Sakura pulled away from the woman and drew attention to Sasuke, "Sasuke, this is my good friend Pena, she's been taking care of the children of this place for decades" Sakura addressed, Sasuke gave her a polite nod in acknowledgement. Pena smiled towards him.

"Hello there, it's always nice to meet a friend of Sakura's" Pena greeted kindly, Sasuke gave another nod to be polite, but Pena saw that it was just a result of his shyness. "Why don't you both come in to make some hogos with us?" Pena offered.

"That's a great idea, we'll definitely do that" Sakura agreed, though Sasuke was left confused as they walked into the large donec. Seeing the children making the 'hogos'. Sasuke leant in closer to Sakura to speak.

"What's a hogo?" Sasuke whispered, but Pena caught it almost inhumanly.

"A charm made from the heart" Pena answered, making Sasuke jump slightly, "You make them to protect the ones you love and so that where ever they are, they'll have a piece of you with them" Pena explained; giving him a string of green vine, a threading needle, some thread. Sasuke blinked at them as Sakura seated herself at a table full of flowers.

"C'mon, it's easy, I'll show you" Sakura offered, Sasuke sat opposite of her and watched her skilfully make a bracelet. First making the vine into a circle shape as the base of the bracelet. Sasuke carefully copied her before nodding. Sasuke wrapped a vine around the base and repeated this, "Just do this until it's stable, usually 10 or 12 times will do it" Sakura instructed, Sasuke nodded and did what he was told.

"I've done it" Sasuke showed, Sakura nodded and gestured to the flower that lay on the table.

"Okay, now pick your flowers and sew them on" Sakura informed, though Sasuke looked blankly towards her.

"Um, which ones? There are different types" Sasuke pointed out, Sakura shrugged.

"Whichever you prefer" Sakura answered, though Sasuke wasn't used to having such freedom in the creative arts. Usually there was an order to things, otherwise they'd be a stain of imperfection.

Imperfections weren't tolerated.

Sakura saw Sasuke's expression and immediately understood.

"Sasuke" Sakura voiced softly, "There's no wrong answer" She encouraged, Sasuke nodded feebly after a moment and watched as Sakura decorated hers with the cherry blossoms. Sasuke observed the flowers and let his eyes roam over them, none really stood out until he saw tiny red camellias. Sasuke had never seen ones so small, though perfectly sized to fit on the bracelet. He smiled faintly, remembering a camellia crown he had made when he was younger as a present for his brother. Sasuke picked one up and began to sew them on.

Humming quietly as he did, Sakura enjoying the nostalgic song that came from him. Sakura frowned at her own, the flowers looking strange and amateur, though they usually turned out like that. Sakura's gaze landed on Sasuke, expecting to find him in a worse situation. Though was exceedingly surprised to see how neat and perfect the bracelet had turned out. Sakura scoffed.

"Trust you to perfect it on the first try" Sakura commented, Sasuke gave an almost apologetic smile.

"It's not that good" Sasuke tried, but Sakura refused.

"It's really nice so shut up" Sakura remarked, making Sasuke chuckle. Sakura stared at him as he finished up on the last flower, "So who are you giving it to?" Sakura questioned, Sasuke stared strangely at her for a moment before resuming.

"What do you mean?" Sasuke asked.

"Well, you make these for others to protect them" Sakura explained, "It's a bit selfish to keep it for yourself" Sakura pointed out, Sasuke finished his bracelet and looked towards her.

"Well...who are you giving yours to?" Sasuke questioned, no idea of his own.

"Me? Hm..." Sakura wondered, looking up at the ceiling for answers, "Probably Karin, she does a lot of dangerous stuff, so she'll need it!" Sakura joked, though Sasuke scoffed at her choice, "Aw, c'mon Sasuke, I know you don't like her, but she just has a bit of a hard shell, that's all" Sakura reasoned, though Sasuke muttered doubt under his breath. "Alright, alright, I know you don't believe me, but trust me on this one" Sakura stated, Sasuke made an unconvinced sound before Sakura gave a sigh, "Fine, I give up" Sakura threw her hands up in surrender, "But still, who are you going to gives yours to?" Sakura asked once more.

"Um..." Sasuke trailed off, "You?" Sasuke answered, though an idea popped into Sakura's head, she smirked internally.

"No, no, no, don't waste it on me!" Sakura replied, flipping her hand casually. Sasuke frowned.

"Then who am I supposed to give this to?" Sasuke huffed, Sakura smirked slightly.

"Well…I happen to know someone who is going on a very dangerous expedition" Sakura baited, Sasuke looked towards her with curiosity.

"You do?" Sasuke asked, Sakura nodded.

"Mm-hm, oh how much I fear for them, such a treacherous path they must tread" Sakura sighed dramatically, "Full of peril and jeopardy...I'd be surprised if they made it out alive" Sakura tutting, knowing that Sasuke's concerned expression meant she had him. "If only they had a charm of their own, it might just save their life..." Sakura trailed off, satisfaction filling her at Sasuke's solicitous face.

"Wait, who is this?" Sasuke asked, voice full of consideration for whoever had to do such a thing.

"Naruto" Sakura answered, Sasuke instantly grimaced.

"What?" Sasuke questioned, his tone losing all previous care.

"He is going to Oakerli tomorrow" Sakura pointed out, "I mean, there's a reason we're not going" Sakura added, Sasuke tilted his head in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Sasuke enquired.

"Travelling around the Crystal Labyrinth is risky enough, but going out where there is no civilisation and especially all the way to Oakerli is precarious" Sakura informed, small amounts of care returning to Sasuke, "What I said was true" Sakura stated, getting Sasuke's attention, "If somebody is going to need luck, it's him"

…

Sasuke had been thinking about it all night.

Is it that dangerous? That hazardous? That unsafe that this may be the last time I see him?...Sasuke wondered as he laid on the bed, What would his crew do if he was to disappear? They care so much about him that it would break them to know that they lost their captain...Sasuke turned to lay on his side, his expression doleful, What would I do…?

Sasuke wasn't able to answer that last thought as he heard a small disturbance outside. The Crystal Labyrinth was practically silent at night, not a peep could be heard and made for a peaceful lullaby for the inhabitants to slumber. Sasuke was curious and arose. Walking out he saw the sky was a orangish grey, implying that night had passed and was welcoming the day. Sasuke looked down to see movement down below. Sasuke deemed the moving creature to be none other than the blond. Sasuke realised that Naruto had to be up this early to begin his journey, though Sasuke felt the need to call his name out.

"N-Naruto!" Sasuke called out, Naruto looked around for a moment before looking up and seeing Sasuke up in one of the tree-huts. He watched as Sasuke made his way down as quickly as possible, careful not to fall between the trunks. He managed to make his way over to Naruto, who had a raised eyebrow at Sasuke's sudden need of attention.

"Sasuke?" Naruto voiced, Sasuke stood in front of Naruto and shifted slightly. Naruto noted the unusual nervousness before him.

"You...you're going on this dangerous venture, right?" Sasuke questioned, fidgeting away.

"Aw, worried about me, love?" Naruto teased, a smirk on his face. Though Sasuke didn't respond with his usual coldness. His hands behind his back began to move slightly.

"U-Um, well...actually..." Sasuke trailed off, removing his hands from behind his back to show present something. "The...the people here say that they make these t-to protect the ones they want to...protect, so..." Sasuke gulped slightly, raising his hands up while his head remained completely lowered, "H-Here" Sasuke stuttered, his face a dark red. Too embarrassed to even look up at Naruto. Naruto himself was shocked to say the least. Something so kind and something so tender to come from the raven that supposedly hated him. Naruto slowly took the bracelet and looked at the effort put into it before looking back at the blushing boy.

"Sasuke..." Naruto voiced, Sasuke tensed and retracted his hands immediately.

"I-It's stupid really, there isn't even any merit to the idea of c-charms" Sasuke rushed out, squeezing his eyes shut and wishing to be somewhere else, "B-But that doesn't mean I c-care or anything! So don't get it twisted, d-dobe-" Though Sasuke was interrupted when he felt Naruto's lips on his forehead. Once more Naruto had his soft lips there. And once more had Sasuke been stilled to silence. Naruto stopped, but remained just as close.

"I'll be careful" Naruto promised in a soft voice, Sasuke blushing and narrowing his eyes even though he wasn't looking at him.

"B-Better be" Sasuke scowled, his feature relaxing more when Naruto gently held one side of his face. Making Sasuke look at him and his warm smile.

"I'll see you when I get back, okay?" Naruto stated tenderly, Sasuke nodding faintly as Naruto's hand slipped away. As did Naruto after a moment. Sasuke watched him disappear through the trees and let out a soft sigh. Sasuke stood there thinking only seconds had passed, but in reality it was minutes that he stood there with a warm, fuzzy feeling in his chest. He would've stood there for longer had he not heard some squeaking behind him. He turned to see a very old woman with the squeaking bucket. Small and hunched over, wearing a giant leaf that was fashioned into a cloak. Long, grey hair that was frizzy and wild. The woman noticed him staring and offered a toothy smile.

"Hello there, dear" The woman greeted, Sasuke gave a polite smile in respond and a small wave. The woman chuckled slightly and hobbled over to an opening of the water. Struggling as she attempted to bend down and collet the water, Sasuke frowned and quickly made his way over.

"Here, let me help" Sasuke aided, taking the bucket and filling it with the desired water. The woman smiled at him.

"Well, ain't you just a blessing in disguise" She chuckled, Sasuke gave another coy smile before feeling conflicted about letting the woman carry the heavy bucket back.

"I can take this to your home" Sasuke offered, the woman gave a burst of laugher as she turned around and hobbled off, gesturing for Sasuke to follow as she continued to laugh. Sasuke did so and followed her into a low tree-hut. The humble abode seemed to be the same as any other tree-hut he had been in and waited for his next command.

"Just place it here, dear" The old woman instructed, Sasuke placed it on the counter and watched the woman begin to boil the water and add in leafs, "So where do you come from, dear? You're not from around here" The woman asked, reaching her hand up to try and obtain a jar, but proved too far for her. Sasuke picked up the jar and handed it down to her, "Thank you, dear" She thanked, adding it in the boiling water.

"I'm from Konoha" Sasuke answered, she nodded.

"And how did you get here?" She questioned, stirring the water.

"I was kidnapped" Sasuke informed, though the woman chuckled as she looked over him.

"You don't look that kidnapped" She tittered, wanting another jar that Sasuke had to pass to her.

"I made a deal with my kidnappers" Sasuke explained, the woman slowly nodded.

"Anyone I know, dear?" She enquired.

"Perhaps, Naruto Uzumaki?" Sasuke returned, but the woman shook her head in disbelief.

"Oh, no! Naruto is a sweetheart, he'd never do such a thing" The woman denied flippantly, "He always fetches me my herbs from the jungle" She pointed out, adding in some herbs as she smiled, "Such a nice boy" She complimented, Sasuke didn't want to correct her and instead nodded politely. "Alright, go sit down, the tea will be ready in a moment, dear" She ordered, Sasuke's eyes widening slightly.

"O-Oh, you don't have to-"

"Hush, dear, you aided me" The woman interjected, Sasuke realised that he had no other choice and sat at the small chestnut table. The woman used a ladle to fill the wooden cups, carrying them over and sitting across from Sasuke. Letting out a long, relieved sigh. "Being 450 years old has its downsides" The woman chuckled tiredly, Sasuke looked wide-eyed at her. The woman noticed and gave another chuckle, "Ah, that's right, you're from Konoha, your people don't live as long" The woman stated, Sasuke wasn't sure if she was demented or not, but chose to ignore it.

"N-No, we don't" Sasuke returned, the woman gave a knowing nod in response.

"A shame, but not everybody can harness raw energy" The woman remarked nonchalantly, Sasuke didn't have much to say to that and instead sipped at his tea. Pleasantly surprised at its refreshing taste.

"Thank you for the tea, it's really nice" Sasuke complimented, the woman gave a scoff of amusement.

"My Charko never thought so, cheeky blighter he was" She snickered, Sasuke titled his head.

"Charko?"

"My beloved" She enlightened, a serene expression on her wrinkled face, "He's in a better place now" She spoke softly, Sasuke offered her a sympathetic look.

"I'm sorry" Sasuke comforted, though the woman gave him a strange look.

"Why? He's on a boating trip in the Catrif" The woman stated, Sasuke blinking a few times, "A better place by far, such lovely views" She sighed dreamily before shaking her head comically, "Look at me, I've given you the name of my mate, but not my own!" She laughed, "I'm Toana" She introduced.

"I'm Sasuke" Sasuke returned, Toana stared at him for a moment, contemplating something that Sasuke couldn't see.

"Give me your hand, dear" Toana requested, Sasuke was caught off guard with the strange order, but didn't want to be rude in her home. He gave his hand and allowed Toana to hold it, observing it and running her finger over the lines that lay embedded in his skin. "Each person has three core traits that can be revealed through reading one's hand" She spoke, her hand going along his thumb, "This says that you are intelligent" Toana stated, moving her finger to the base of his middle finger, "This shows you are loyal" She said, moving her hand to the centre with an intrigued expression, "Oh my..." She smirked.

"What? What is it?" Sasuke questioned, but Toana gave a low chuckle.

"You are young, so it is to be expected, but you have an untapped core trait" Toana informed.

"Untapped…? You mean I don't have a third one?" Sasuke asked.

"Not at all, it just means that you haven't discovered it yet or..." She trailed off, "You've repressed it" She finished, "But I think it's the latter" Toana stated, Sasuke was confused.

"What do you mean repressed? What have I repressed?" Sasuke enquired, the woman chuckled.

"Rebellion" She whispered out in a husky voice, Sasuke blinked a few times.

"Rebellion?"

"Mm-hm, it's deeply rooted and held back, but there is a raw strike of rebellion in you" She spoke dramatically, but Sasuke had to giggle slightly.

"I'm sorry, but you must be confused, I've never done anything rebellious in my life and I don't plan to" Sasuke shrugged, Toana let out another scoff of amusement.

"You'll see, dear" She voiced, letting go of his hand and sitting back with a smirk, "You'll see"

…

Naruto treaded across the thick trees and trunks that grew more and more dangerous, but called to Naruto's nature as an adventurer. Naruto dug his hands into his pockets as he came to a smoother part, allowing him to walk calmly over it. Naruto felt something soft in his left pocket, he curiously lifted the soft culprit out of his pocket.

"That's right" Naruto said to himself as he observed the flower bracelet, "He gave this to me" He muttered, knowing that pirates didn't wear anything that was considered 'delicate', but couldn't help but place it on his wrist. The raven's nervously cute appearance rendered Naruto helpless to refuse the bracelet. He had been offered them in the past, but was reluctant to accept them, due to not wanting to be seen with flower decorations. Though refusing Sasuke didn't even seem like an option in Naruto's brain. Naruto shook his head slightly.

Gotta stay on track...Naruto reminded himself, travelling once more with determination in his heart and faith on his wrist. Naruto travelled for an hour or two, the jungle getting ever thicker and more dangerous. Not much light shined through and made for a treacherous game of chance. Though instinct and perhaps luck was on the young captain's side; be it either one, he saw a glimmer of white gleam through the dense trees. Naruto squeezed passed the intimate space and landed on the other side. Not shadowed by the previous cloak of darkness nor gasping for breath in strained space, he had made it.

The only sign of green life was behind him, his last destination, but before him was only dense mist. Not even the foundation under his feet was wood anymore, but something entirely different. Naruto looked down to see that he was standing on water. Not in it. On it. Naruto had seen many strange sights in his time, enough to quickly calm his surprise. He treaded carefully to se if the water was truly holding him up without effort. It proved to be solid as ice and allowed him to wade through the mist. Coming to stop after a few minutes due to another sight.

"Ello' beastie" Naruto smirked, presented before him was the bark of a tree, but not just any tree.

Oakerli.

Naruto looked left and saw the endless width of the tree. Looking right only proved to see the same sight. Turning his head up to see how tall it was, but it was no use as it seemed to reach into space itself. Naruto now looked forward. He took a step closer and ran his hand over the smooth bark.

What am I supposed to do now?...Naruto questioned internally, his query was answered when vines that laid attached to the surface of Oakerli began to slither down like snakes. All harmonising with each other and twirling together to create the outline of a door. After more patterns and movements were made, so was a handle. That answers that...Naruto thought, placing his hand on the vine handle and turning it. Slowly opening it to reveal mostly darkness, the light hesitantly shining through in small cracks. Naruto squinted his eyes to see, but it was for nothing. Taking a step in he felt his foot press down on more vines. Another step before he was wobbling slightly. It was silent for a moment as Naruto gained his balance.

"Agh!-" Naruto exclaimed in shocked as the vines suddenly snapped. Sending Naruto hurling down the pit of utter darkness. Naruto was flinging about as he attempted to gain more control over his freefall. As he managed rid himself of vines that circled around him, his eyes frantically flickered around for something to grab onto. Knowing that this pit wasn't going to be endless. Naruto's ears picked up the faint sound of parts hitting water from down below. He had to act quick.

He grabbed his knife that was sheathed in his boot, he placed it in his mouth, using a swimming motion to try and move in the air. Knowing that the concrete water was getting lethally close, he hurried his movements so that he got to the side. Using his entire might, he stabbed the strong knife into side. Slowing down at a quickened pace. He gripped the handle with all his might as the knife sliced through the wood and he continued to fall. Stomping his feet against the side to try and slow him down even more had made the journey straining. Though the knife, against all odds, stayed in and coasted to a stop. Naruto was panting.

"Jesus..." He breathed out, his strength keeping him from falling once more. Looked down to see that he would have been only 10 seconds away from his watery death. Still dark, but floors didn't waver like the one he saw could. He calmed his saw that there were more vines on the side he was clinging to with his knife, grabbing those instead and climbing his way down. He made it down to the water. He placed a foot down to see that the water only went pass his foot. Hopping down with more confidence, he saw that previously unlit torches came to life and gave Naruto the ability to see.

Fucking crazy down here...Naruto's brain thought, though still continuing as he grabbed one of the torches and using it to guide his way through the narrowly dark way ahead. He stopped. Before him were two tunnels. One left, one right.

"Which one do I go through...?" Naruto said to himself.

"Which one indeed?" A raspy voice spoke, Naruto went on his guard as soon as the words had reached his ears. Naruto's eyes narrowed suspiciously as a snake from either tunnel slithered through before meeting and twirling around each other to stand even taller. Taking into account that one snake was sickly white with black eyes, while the other was deathly black with white eyes.

"Who are you?" Naruto questioned, the snakes seemed to smirk like a human would, but appearing like devils.

"I am Yumi, guardian of Izquierda" The white snake spoke.

"I am Yang, guardian of Dextra" The black snake spoke. Naruto didn't find the need to introduce himself and instead asked more questions.

"What do you want?" Naruto asked, the snaked gave hissing chuckles that disturbed Naruto deeply.

"We are the guardians" They voiced in terrifying unison, "We are here to protect Oakerli and its contents" They explained.

"So I have to fight you?" Naruto enquired, but met with more hissing chuckles.

"No" Denied Yumi.

"You must pass answer our riddle" Clarified Yang,

"Alright..." Naruto agreed with uncertainty, even more so at their amused chuckled that dripped with malicious intent.

"One of us always tells lies..." Stated Yumi, tilting her head.

"One of us always tells the truth..."Stated Yang, tilting his head.

"One of the tunnels leads to what your heart desires" Yumi voiced with a smirk, now another head movement.

"And the other a painful death" Yang hissed with delight, the same head movement as the other.

"Fine out which one is the former and which is the latter" Yumi instructed, now looking at Naruto with straight composure.

"By asking us, of course" Yang chuckled, the same composure. Naruto frowned slightly.

"Wait, how do I know which of you is which?" Naruto questioned, but the smirks he received answered everything, "I see..." Naruto muttered, knowing that he would be asking blindly. "Tch, how dramatic" Naruto remarked before thinking of a question, "Okay...which is the good one?" Naruto asked simply, wondering how it would be played out.

"The left, I promise" Answered Yumi.

"No! No! The right" Answered Yang. Naruto concentrated on the snakes for a moment, but seeing the only difference was their colour palette. He huffed slightly.

Damnit! I need someone smart here like Shikamaru or Sakura…Naruto thought, a small flash in his head that showed Sasuke, Or him...Naruto thought for a moment before shaking his head, Focus, I need to focus...Naruto scolded, thinking for a moment before nodding.

"Oh wait, this is easy!" Naruto stated smugly.

"What colour is the sky?" Naruto asked, the snake only offered confused glances.

"We wouldn't know" They answered in unison, Naruto blinked before sighing.

Great, they only will know what they've seen or heard down here...Naruto cursed, since Naruto couldn't possibly know what they know; so this really did require deeper thinking. Another question came to mind.

"What's 10 add 10?" Naruto asked, his math may not have been good, but simple and basic he could do. Though the snakes seemed to see his limited mathematical abilities; he was a pirate after all.

"2 lots of 5" Yumi stated smugly.

"3 lots of 3" Yang answered with the same arrogance. Naruto blinked a few times before cursing under his breath.

"You bastards are playing dirty!" Naruto snapped, being reminded of his lack of intelligence infuriating him. The snakes gave nasty laughs at him, he sighed. He wasn't going to be able to understand their math answers so he needed another question. His eyes widened. "I got it!" Naruto exclaimed happily, the snakes eyeing him with suspicion. Though it was Naruto's turn to smirk. "If you were the other snake, which door would you claim to be the bad tunnel?" Naruto questioned with confidence.

"Hn, if I were Yang then I would say the right tunnel is the bad tunnel" Yumi answered.

"And if I were Yumi, I would say the right tunnel is the bad tunnel" Yang answered, Naruto nodded.

"Then the good tunnel..." Naruto trailed off before confidently pointing, "Is the right!" He declared, the snake gasping slightly.

"What?! How did you know?!" They exclaimed in unison, Naruto smirked and folded his arms.

"I may not be smart when it comes to numbers, but as a pirate I know a thing or two about deceiving and word-play" Naruto stated, "You see, the truthful one would say what the liar would say, so they would say the lie" Naruto started, "But the none truthful one would say the opposite of the truth and say the lie" Naruto explained with the upmost joy of outsmarting the snakes, "So you both would tell a lie; you both said the bad tunnel was the right, that means that the right tunnel is actually good!" Naruto laughed childishly, the snakes slack jawed in utter shock before it turned nasty.

"Tch! Whatever" Yumi hissed, retracting back into the water; as did Yang.

"Amelia will take care of you anyhow!" Yang cursed out as her last words. Leaving Naruto and the tunnels. Naruto strode into the right tunnel with ease. His cunningness taking light and filling him with new bounds of confidence.

…

"Thank you for the tea, Toana" Sasuke thanked with a smile, the old woman nodding with a laugh.

"You go and enjoy yourself now, no point in hanging around with an old coot like me!" She laughed, Sasuke watched her close the door and went off. He walked for a few moments before realising that there wasn't much for him to do at the moment, he looked around until his eyes were drawn to a certain tree-hut.

That's Jiraiya's...Sasuke remembered, The writer...His thoughts wondered, he carefully climbed up to land on Jiraiya's balcony. Strong desire washing over him to go and talk to the author, for he himself was a bibliophile, so how could he resist? Sasuke peaked his head in to see the white-haired man at a desk, facing away from him, the man seemed to be in the middle of writing. Sasuke bit his lip. He didn't want to disturb him, but his curiosity ruled king and prompted him to step inside.

"S-Sir?" Sasuke voiced meekly, Jiraiya turned in his chair and slowly smiled.

"Why hello there, Sasuke" Jiraiya drawled out, but it didn't infuriate Sasuke like it would have before. Sasuke instead had resorted to fiddling with his fingers.

"H-Hello" Sasuke responded nervously, his lowered head and altogether anxious disposition made Jiraiya raise an eyebrow.

"You alright there?" Jiraiya questioned, making Sasuke jump slightly.

"O-Oh, I'm fine, I just..." Sasuke trailed off for a moment before gulping down some of his fear, "You...you said you were a writer?" Sasuke spoke, Jiraiya nodded, Sasuke shifted more nervously before speaking again, "So...you've written books?" Sasuke asked.

How foolish!...Sasuke screamed internally, Of course he has written books before! Lord, I must be something of a fool to him now!...Sasuke worried with crushing stress. Though Jiraiya answered his question with all kindness.

"Mm-hm, I'm working on my next one right now" Jiraiya informed, filling Sasuke with burning desire to see what he was currently writing. "It's the next volume of my Icha Icha paradise" He chuckled almost perversely, Sasuke tilted his head slightly.

"I've not heard of that book before...n-not in a d-disrespectful way! I j-just-!" Sasuke ranted apprehensively, fearful of insulting the author, though he just laughed.

"It's fine, you're not the...target audience" Jiraiya explained, Sasuke nodded shakily, looking back down at the ground. Jiraiya observed him for a moment before speaking, "I hope you don't mind me saying" He voiced, making Sasuke look up through his bangs, "But you seem awfully nervous, very different from earlier" Jiraiya pointed out, Sasuke's eyes widened slightly and began to look comparatively ashamed.

"I-It's just...I've never had the chance to...meet an actual writer before, so I'm...I'm not sure on how to conduct myself" Sasuke confessed.

And just like that, Jiraiya saw the inexperienced and guileless child that Sasuke really was.

Innocent and a novice to life itself.

All possible sexual inkling he previously had towards the boy was washed away and instead replaced with a new feeling.

A sense of duty.

Jiraiya smiled kindly towards him.

"You just have to act like yourself" Jiraiya encouraged, Sasuke regarded him with utter shock and confusion before nodding.

"O-Okay" Sasuke replied.

"So, Sasuke, I suppose that means you're a bit of a bookworm, eh?" Jiraiya enquired, Sasuke processed the question before nodding again. Jiraiya gave an amused nose exhale and beckoned him over. "Well, I have a good collection here" Jiraiya stated, making Sasuke walk over and watch him as he rummaged through a basket next to his feet that was full of books. "Got some Shakespeare, a classic" Jiraiya spoke, making Sasuke confused. Since Sasuke had expected to read Jiraiya's work.

"Um, excuse me-"

"Ah! Some Voltaire!" Jiraiya voiced, not looking up as he excitedly went through the stash.

"Sir-"

"Daniel Defoe! Magnificent writer!" Jiraiya exclaimed, Sasuke frowned.

"But I-"

"What a man! René Descartes!" Jiraiya declared, Sasuke saw his window and quickly spoke.

"A-Actually, sir" Sasuke interjected, making Jiraiya look up at him. "I was rather hoping to read some of your work" Sasuke admitted, Jiraiya blinked a few time before chuckling.

"Like Naruto said, you wouldn't be interested in my perverted stories" Jiraiya replied "You wouldn't like Icha Icha" Jiraiya explained with a shrug, Sasuke didn't see that much of an obstacle and spoke once more.

"Have you written anything else?" Sasuke questioned, Jiraiya's eyes widened slightly.

"W-What?" He choked out, calming his throat down afterwards. Sasuke repeated the question. Jiraiya stared at him before shaking his head, "I'm sorry, but no one has ever asked me such a thing before" He chuckled, Sasuke's eyes widening slightly.

"O-Oh, I didn't mean anything by it!" Sasuke stuttered out, Jiraiya shook his head.

"No, I mean, people aren't usually interested in my other work" Jiraiya informed, "Icha Icha has been my success" Jiraiya thought over, Sasuke tilted his head slightly.

"May I see your other work?" Sasuke requested politely, Jiraiya gave him an almost strange look before leaning down and taking a book from under the leg of his desk.

"I was just using it for balance, since it doesn't have any other use" Jiraiya stated, Sasuke gazed curiously towards the slightly tattered book.

"May I read it?" Sasuke asked, Jiraiya stared at him in almost disbelief before answering.

"I don't think you'll like it, most people didn't" Jiraiya explained, Sasuke's puzzled expression demanded that Jiraiya further explain, "It's about a pirate" Jiraiya began, "He has vowed to break this curse that plagues the world he lives in" Jiraiya continued, "But it's not really interesting" Jiraiya disregarded flippantly.

"I think it sounds very interesting" Sasuke replied sincerely, Jiraiya raised an eyebrow towards him, "So may I read it?" Sasuke asked once more, Jiraiya slowly gave him the book and watched Sasuke observe the front, "The Tale Of The Utterly Gutsy Pirate" Sasuke read aloud, then looking gratefully towards Jiraiya, "Thank you, sir" Sasuke thanked politely, Jiraiya frowned.

"You don't have to call me sir, y'know" Jiraiya informed, "Jiraiya is fine" He added casually, Sasuke nodded hesitantly.

"Okay, thank you...Jiraiya" Sasuke smiled coyly, walking a few steps away before turning back around, "Wait, can I read in here? If it's not too troublesome?" Sasuke requested, another surprise for Jiraiya. He nodded.

"Of course" Jiraiya answered, watching him curiously as Sasuke made himself comfortable on a nearby loveseat that was darkened by use and torn from time. Sasuke sat comfortably and began to read. Jiraiya watched him for a few more moment before resuming to his own work. Though every so often, Jiraiya would glance over to see Sasuke. Every time Jiraiya was met with the same scene. Sasuke fully engrossed with the story with his eyes scanning the text with eagerness.

He reminds me of Kushina...Jiraiya's mind wondered, remembering how she would sit there as a child and read away. More time had passed, Jiraiya suddenly heard the book close. He looked over to see the excited Sasuke.

"What a read!" Sasuke breathed out, a large smile on his face as he stood with the book pressed against his chest. Jiraiya regarded him with an ounce of surprise.

"You liked it?" He questioned.

"I loved it!" Sasuke responded, his walking pattern becoming slightly erratic and he paced back and forth in front of Jiraiya's desk. "The characters, the plot, everything about it!" Sasuke began, his own character switching to something he never revealed. "Even though you named the main character after that dobe, he was still so magnificent! He was so determined, so fearless, I can't believe how he stared in the face of despair and shined with hope!" Sasuke continued to rant, "Not to mention the corrupt masters that tried to start wars and hurt the innocent!" Sasuke added, not understanding of who exactly they represented…

"Huh..." Jiraiya voiced to himself, thinking about Sasuke and his passion for the story. Such understanding and appreciating that was rare to find in this world. Sasuke's gaze snapped toward Jiraiya.

"You will write more of this, right?" Sasuke questioned, Jiraiya blinked back into the conversation and spoke.

"I never really planned to, no" He responded, Sasuke's immediately looking dejected. Jiraiya flinched comically at Sasuke's face, fearing that he may cry. "H-Hey, don't look so gloomy!" Jiraiya exclaimed, not sure of how to deal with this type of situation. Though Sasuke remained in his disquieted disposition.

"How can I not be? I won't be able to read more of this masterpiece" Sasuke responded mournfully, Jiraiya froze for a moment at his comment before placing himself back into reality.

"A-Alright!" Jiraiya gave in, "I'll write more, okay? Just don't cry!" Jiraiya begged, Sasuke made a small gasp.

"Really?" Sasuke voiced happily, Jiraiya nodded and scratched the back of his head.

"Yeah, yeah, but don't expect much" Jiraiya responded, Sasuke smiled.

"Thank you, Jiraiya" Sasuke spoke gladly, looking at him for another request, "Can I read some more?"

…

Naruto continued to travel down the tunnel, though with growing apprehension as the water steadily began to get deeper and deeper. The water now rose up to his knees. Naruto frowned slightly and hoped the water wouldn't deepen further. But all attention was brought to a light in front of him.

Literally a light at the end of the tunnel...Naruto scoffed internally, the brightness of the light putting his own source of light to shame. He stuck his torch into the water and carried on. After a few moments, he exited the tunnel to see a colossal capacity. The sides were curved and rocky, a shimmering grey that was slick with water. Spotted around in an arbitrary fashion were sharp pillars of rocks that were blanketed with violet and azure crystals. Some swirling around the pillars while some just were in patches. The water Naruto was standing in was the brightest turquoise he'd ever witnessed, practically glowing in glory. Soft crashes reverberating from the waterfall, echoing like a melody.

Though taking centre stage was a woman. A large woman. Not in weight but her entire being seemed to be enlarged, the same size as a whale shark would be the best way to put it. She was absent-mindedly sitting on a pillar, her long fingers sliding through her hair. Naruto noticed two major features to the woman. One, her hair was one with the water and flowed over her chest and into the pool of azure. Two, half of her wasn't human. Naruto's instinct was to hide behind one of the pillars and to observe her safely. Since her lower half was that of the sirens. Naruto frowned slightly. No, it was different somehow. The sirens had fish regions while this woman seemed to be more akin to a snake. Either way, she posed as a threat. Though Naruto thought perhaps he was to answer another riddle. He stepped out of his hiding place and began to walk towards her.

"Hey there, I'-" Though he wasn't able to finish that sentence as the woman's expression turned nasty.

"How dare you enter my domain!" She hissed, rising up and using her tail to kept her lifted. Naruto cautiously took steps back as the water around her began to unsettle. "Who are you to disturb me, Amelia the magna?!" She roared in a powerful voice, Naruto gulped slightly and saw as the water now did as her hands commanded. Naruto dodged the sharp attack that would've ended him in a moment. He ran for cover behind one of the pillars, but her water whipped around to grab him. He ducked just in time and launched into the pool of water. The swam down a little and forced his brain to think of a plan. Naruto just about got to some cover and gasped for air, he peaked past the pillar and saw Amelia looking around for him.

"Shit..." He cursed quietly, trying to think of a plan to combat the dangerous hybrid. His eyes caught sight of a chain that hung from the ceiling. A plan had been decided. He slowly crept around, skilfully avoiding her line of sight. He accomplished getting a good distance away from her before climbing one of the pillar. "Gotta do this quick" Naruto muttered to himself, quickly getting to the next pillar and the next until he was high enough. He waited for her to get in the perfect position before jumping and grabbing the chain, swooping down and kicking Amelia with great force. Screeching as she was sent flying into the water below, coughing and rasping as Naruto landed safely.

"Nothus!" She hissed out, Naruto drawing his sword and stomping over. He glare remaining unapologetic as he raised his sword, panting slightly from his quick-paced action. He locked in a stare with her, her eyes callously spiteful. Naruto felt a twinge in his heart, one that remained as he slowly lowered his weapon, she narrowed her eyes, "What?! Can't finish me off?!" She snapped, he stared at her for a few more moment before shaking his head.

"I won't do it" He remarked, placing his sword away, "I won't kill while I'm here in the Crystal Labyrinth" Naruto refused, locking in a stare with her, "This is a place of life, not death" He finished off, she searched his eyes for a moment before scoffing.

"Mortalis" She remarked quietly, raising her hand. Naruto was confused when water swirled around him, he looked over to Amelia in panic as the water began to act as a whirlpool. One that began to drag him in no matter his resistance. The last thing he saw was Amelia and her blank expression, "You pass" She stated calmly. Naruto's entire being sucked in and flushed away like sewage. Naruto was thrown around in the water, his chest becoming more and more constricted as his lungs burned for air. Naruto whipped his head around to see he was still immersed in the water without any openings for air pockets. A crushing realisation becoming clear to him.

At this rate, he would drown.

…

The pink-haired pirate raced around frantically, her eyes bulging and her breath uneven. She sloppily climbed up the tree and clumsily entered Jiraiya's tree-hut.

"Jiraiya! I can't find Sasuke and-"

"Sakura, I'm right here" Sasuke interjected calmly, Sakura looked over to see Sasuke sat comfortably in loveseat. She blinked a few times before rushing over and hugging him, nuzzling her head into his neck. "Sakura-"

"Idiot!" She sobbed, "I was so scared that you had fallen or gotten lost or..." She cried out, Sasuke comprehended her words and realised that he had left the sleeping Sakura without a trace. He frowned, pushing her back to see her face.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you worry, I just ended up wandering around" Sasuke apologised, Sakura huffed slightly and punched his arm without force.

"You could've told me, y'know! I've been looking fro you all day, you've been in here for hours! Even the sun is getting down!" She pouted slightly, just glad that Sasuke didn't fall prey to the deadly Crystal Labyrinth. Sasuke could only offer a coy smile to try and make amends, it working like a charm. "Anyway" Sakura started, "What are you doing in here?" Sakura questioned.

"Oh, I'm reading Jiraiya's books" Sasuke informed, a look of horror on her face. Jiraiya rolled his eyes.

"Not Icha Icha" Jiraiya clarified, Sakura let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh, good" She voiced, looking over to him, "If you don't mind me whisking Sasuke away, Jiraiya, we'll be going to the donec" She informed, Jiraiya gave a wave.

"Fine by me" He replied casually, Sakura nodded and took Sasuke's wrist. Pulling him up and out of the tree-hut.

"Bye, Jiraiya!" Sasuke managed to get out before he was out of earshot. Jiraiya chuckling before returning to his work, he stopped. He got a fresh new book that waited to be filled with words. He wrote on the front.

The Tale Of The Gusty Pirate And The Courageous Ojo

Jiraiya nodded to himself; knowing exactly who was going to play the new role of the Ojo…

Meanwhile, Sakura continued to drag Sasuke along excitedly.

"Where are we going?" Sasuke asked.

"Back to the donec" She answered, Sasuke wasn't able to ask anything else as they arrived at the donec. "C'mon, I want to see the little ones before they have to sleep" Sakura beckoned, they entered only to be swarmed by a hoard of children. All giggling and exuberant at their appearance, Sakura ended up being dragged away herself by them to observe their drawings. Sasuke smiled faintly at how content she seemed to be. His eyes noticed a child near him and staring longingly towards the crowd of children. Sasuke knelt down and smiled tenderly towards him.

"Hello there" Sasuke greeted gently, a natural gift when around young ones. The boy seemed blue, Sasuke frowned. "What's wrong, sweetheart?" Sasuke asked, the little boy sighed and showed his hogo.

"I made this with all my heart n'stuff" The boy spoke, "But she didn't like it" He pouted, Sasuke tilted his head.

"Who?" Sasuke asked, the boy pointed to a green haired girl that was showing her painting to Sakura. He let out a sigh.

"She's hated it" The boy declared sadly, Sasuke felt sorry for the small boy and took the hogo and looked at it. "It's really ugly" He stated, though Sasuke shook his head.

"This is the best hogo I've ever seen" Sasuke replied, the boy seemed shocked and saw Sasuke smile at him, "Anyone would be lucky to wear it" Sasuke comforted, the boy blushed slightly and fidgeted.

"D-Do you want to wear it?" He asked shyly, Sasuke gave another warm smile.

"I'd love to, thank you" Sasuke thanked, the boy beamed and instantly brightened up. Watching Sasuke place the slightly misshaped hogo on his wrist, "I'll treasure it always" Sasuke promised, the boy seemed excited to be shown such kindness and attention. He quickly got a piece of paper from the nearby table and showed Sasuke.

"I always drawed a fairy!" He exclaimed, waiting for Sasuke approval.

"Wow! You did this all by yourself?" Sasuke voiced in the tone reserved for children, the boy nodded.

"Uh-huh!" He grinned.

"That is a very pretty fairy" Sasuke praised, the boy giggled and felt validated. Sasuke looked at him, "What's your name?" Sasuke asked.

"I'm Joshi" He answered, Sasuke smiled.

"Well, Joshi, I'm Sasuke" Sasuke introduced before a voice rang out.

"Time for beddie byes!" Pena called out, a disappointed groan going throughout the children, "Now don't you whine, you have to sleep so your all awake for tomorrow!" Pena laughed lightly, though Sakura spoke up.

"You guys want me to read you a story?" Sakura offered, the children now joyful for that event. They all voted for a story about a caterpillar, but Sasuke noticed Joshi's pouting face.

"What's wrong, Joshi?" Sasuke asked, Joshi huffed.

"I always end up at the back and I never hear the story" He complained, Sasuke felt another pang of sympathy for him, Sasuke smiled down at him.

"Why don't I tell you a story?" Sasuke offered, Joshi made a happy gasp and nodded energetically. Sasuke was lead to his bed that seemed to be placed away from the others.

He must feel lonely at times...Sasuke thought as Joshi climbed into his leafy bed. Joshi waited eagerly for him to start. Sasuke bed on the edge and watched curiously as the boy picked up a mouse.

"This Pedro, he's my friend" Joshi introduced, Sasuke blinked a few times before nodding and petting the little white mouse. Noticing how Joshi referred to the mouse as a friend rather than a pet.

"Hello Pedro, would you like to be told a story too?" Sasuke asked, the mouse squeaked as if it understood. Joshi got comfortable and watched Sasuke with big eyes, Sasuke chuckled and spoke. "Hm...how about the story of 'Little Red Riding Hood'?" Sasuke proposed.

"What's that?" Joshi asked.

"You've never heard that story before?" Sasuke enquired, Joshi shook his head and prompted Sasuke to begin. "Well, away in a forest lived a girl with a hood so red that every called her Little Red..." And thus Sasuke told him the charming story that he read when he was a child. Sasuke saw Joshi yawning and trying to keep his eyes open as Sasuke approached the end of the story, "And they all lived happily ever after, the end" Sasuke finished, Joshi let out another yawn.

"Neh, Sasuke?"

"Mm-hm?"

"Tell me another story" Joshi requested tiredly, Sasuke chuckled and began to tuck Joshi in more comfortably.

"Another night, okay? You need to go your dreams for now" Sasuke answered, Joshi slowly nodded as his eye slid close.

"Mm...okay..." Was his last words before he was out like a light, Sasuke smiled at the sleeping child. Wondering when he'd see his own sleeping away…

Sasuke sighed slightly, his thoughts going elsewhere.

I wonder if Naruto is okay…

…

Naruto felt as if he was about to take his last breath; closing his eyes to accept his watery grave. Though fate had other plans for him. Naruto felt his body hit a cold floor. He coughed and hacked as his burning lungs sucked in every ounce of oxygen available to him. Taking in more steady breathes, he noticed he was in a pitch black room. That was his perspective until he looked up from the ground to see a radiating light amongst the darkness. Naruto blinked a few times before standing himself up. His gaze took in a figure that stood tall on several, smooth pebble that were enormous for their size.

What it seemed to be was a man. Platinum blonde hair that cascaded down to his shoulder, half tied back in a respectable manner. Revealing a young yet stern face. Eyes a dark shade of blue intertwined with grey. A long, silver tunic that lay over black buskins; white, delicate boots that adorned his feet. Over his tall and lithe form was a cloak of dark blue fur, trailing down and over as if a cape. In the his hand was a long staff made of sliver, making a symmetrical crescent at the top. Naruto gazed upon this strong figure that practically demanded respect; walking slowly over to him, captured by this mysterious man. The man stared down at Naruto.

"Not many mortals have travelled this far before" The man voiced, bringing Naruto closer to reality, "But the ones that do are no different than you" He remarked.

"Huh?" Naruto voiced in confusion, the man raised an eyebrow at him.

"So, ignorance is your defence" He stated, Naruto didn't understand his strange wording and tilted his head slightly.

"Who are you?" Naruto questioned, the man observed him for a moment before speaking.

"I am Aien, protector of Oakerli and its soul" He spoke, Naruto stared at him before rubbing the back of his head.

"I'm...Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki" He introduced, another unimpressed expression from the man.

"I won't give you the article that you wish for" Aien declared, surprising Naruto slightly.

"Wha-? Why?" Naruto questioned.

"Because I've been here for centuries and I've seen enough of your kind to know that your hearts are filled with greed, you don't deserve what you believe you are entitled to" Aien stated coldly, Naruto frowned.

"Wait a minute! You can't just assume I'm like that!" Naruto argued, Aien scoffed at him.

"Your kind may have those who follow something more meaningful, but ones like you only have minds full of want and avarice" Aien claimed, "You ignore and degrade the most important element in life, yet you have audacity to come here and demand a piece of this" Aien voiced in disgust, turning around, "Now leave" He ordered, Naruto narrowed his eyes.

"All the others had tests for me, give me one and I'll pass it!" Naruto declared, the man scoffed. Turning around to face him.

"As you wish" He spat out, raising his staff. Naruto's eyes widened when sparks of lighting flickered around the staff before gaining its full power. Lighting spurted from the staff in frantic movements. Naruto saw Aien raise it higher, "Let whatever homage of benevolence you possess protect you from this strike, if not, be gone" He called out, the lighting shooting out to attack Naruto. The pirate's first response was to raise his arm in defence; in doing so had felt no force. Naruto opened his previously shut eye to see that the lighting was reflecting off his arm, specifically his wrist. The attack ceased.

"Wha…?" Naruto let out, putting his arm down to meet the astounded expression. The expression grew more curious as he spoke.

"You were protected" He muttered, Naruto blinked a few time puzzled.

"Protected? What do you mean? By what?" Naruto kept on questioning, Aien raised his hand which in turn made Naruto's wrist glow a light pink. Naruto looked at his wrist to see nothing other the hogo Sasuke had given him. "This? The hogo protected me?" Naruto asked, Aien shook his head.

"It doesn't matter if it was a hogo or not, it's a symbol of love" Aien spoke, making Naruto's eye pop out of his skull. "No power on earth can break that" He informed, but Sasuke was more concerned for the previous sentence.

"Wait a minute! This isn't a symbol of-"

"Here" Aien interjected without consideration, a piece of paper floating in from of Naruto. "You've proven yourself, take it and resume your quest" He stated, Naruto took the paper. He looked around with confusion.

"Um, where am I supposed to go?" Naruto asked, suddenly hearing vines behind him once again making a door. Naruto watched them create the doorway before turning his head back around, "But wait, what did you mean symbol of-" Though nobody was there. Naruto stared at the empty space for a few moments before turning and exiting the darkness. Naruto was exactly where he had started. Naruto looked around to once again see the mist and the walkable water. Naruto looked back to see the vines and door had disappeared. Naruto instead looked in his hand to observe his prize. He folded it away and began to walk.

Time to head back, but what did that man mean?...Naruto questioned in his mind, shaking it off and forgetting his strange words.

Unknown to the blond that danger was soon heading their way…

Okay, a few things.

[failureoftheyear-blog]

I will go down with this ship: Chapter 14

"Dobe" He muttered.

"Eh? What did I do?" Naruto questioned, Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"Just stay away from me, you've already done irreversible damage" Sasuke replied, placing the next riddle in front of him and going over it, "If you must remain within my personal space then you better make yourself useful, you know the seas better than me so what exactly could this be?" Sasuke asked, pointing to the riddle. Naruto tilted his head at the mysterious enigma, wandering with all he could.

"I should probably point out that I still can't read Latin" Naruto stated, Sasuke sighed with an air of annoyance. Feeling relatively calmer now that the ship was leaving the chilling mist, the sky eventually cleared up and revealed an unblemished azure.

"It reads 'Go to the land where man eats his brother, where sacrifices take place on one another', for goodness sake, keep up" Sasuke read aloud, Naruto was frowning down at the riddle though, his expression troubled. "What?" Sasuke asked, fretful when Naruto's perturbed aura made itself prominent.

"Hitokuijima" Naruto stated, Sasuke arched an eyebrow toward the new term.

"Hitokuijima? What's that?" Sasuke enquired, Naruto sighed.

"It's what this riddle is talking about…" Naruto answered quietly, though Sasuke just smiled.

"Brilliant! We should be able to proceed then, let's go" Sasuke encouraged, though feeling awkward when Naruto remained still, "That means you go and take us there" Sasuke added, looking over him to make sure he wasn't a statue, "Go on" Sasuke shooed, Naruto shook his head.

"You don't understand, Hitokuijima is a dangerous place" Naruto spoke up, lighting Sasuke's curiosity.

"How so?" Sasuke questioned, mild surprise that Naruto would take such caution.

"Hitokuijima is an undeveloped island, the people that live on there are tribes, but these tribes they're…" Naruto trailed off, trying to find a way to break the news gently, "Cannibals…"

"Cannibals?" Sasuke repeated astounded, "Ridiculous, they don't actually exist, they're just from stories" Sasuke denied, though Naruto shook his head in return.

"They're real, real nasty too" Naruto replied, Sasuke frowned.

"What are we going to do?" Sasuke enquired, Naruto sighed and placed a hand on top of his hat.

"It's doable, but difficult, we'll have to keep it organised" Naruto explained, effectively turning around and giving an attention-demanding whistle. "Listen up, next place we gotta sail to is Hitokuijima" Naruto stated, an uncomfortable murmur running through the crew, "I know, I know, but we know that rumours don't scare us away, but just in case, I'll come up with a plan" Naruto reassured, though his words were only taken into account as Karin stepped forward.

"That's all well and good, Naruto, but what the hell are we supposed to do if we run into these cannibals?" Karin questioned, hands on her hips. Naruto smiled.

"If they attack, we attack, simple" Naruto answered, Karin sighed.

"This is too dangerous" She pointed out, shaking her head.

"Look, we all knew what we were getting into when we signed up for this treasure hunt" Naruto reasoned, Karin scowled in disagreement.

"I signed up to sell that brat!" She snapped, it was a tense moment before Naruto opened his mouth again.

"Karin, plans changed-"

"Oh please, as if you would've succeeded" Sasuke interjected, glaring at the redhead, "Your lack of skills and poise would've foiled any plan you had, at least you're not completely wasting your time with this hunt" Sasuke ridiculed, Naruto gulped slightly as Karin approached Sasuke menacingly, though he didn't shy away.

"Listen, here you little-"

"I'm not afraid of you, so don't you dare try to intimidate me because you'll only be making a fool of yourself" Sasuke hissed, folding his arms unafraid, though each member of the crew would deem it a fatal mistake. "Though you seem to constantly making that mistake" Sasuke added with salt, Karin saw red as she reached for her weapon. Thankfully, her friends held her back.

"Karin, calm down!"

"It's not worth it!"

"Just breathe!" They all screamed, trying to avoid Sasuke's blood being spilt. Sasuke remained unfazed by her fury, akin to watching a shark from a tank. Naruto had his hands in front of Karin in an attempt to soothe her rage.

"Karin, let it go" Naruto calmed, Sasuke made a triumphant smirk along with a boastful sound.

"Hn, that's right, maid, quiet" Sasuke teased maliciously, making Karin fight against her restraints more. Naruto sent a small glare towards the boy.

"Sasuke, just go in my quarters" He stated.

"Why? She's the one with anger issues" Sasuke responded, Karin was shooting deadly daggers at him now, Naruto gave him a hardened look.

"Sasuke, now" Naruto ordered aggressively, Sasuke flinched at the harshness of his tone. He did as he was told and retreated to Naruto's quarters, his arms folded and his face disdainful. Naruto followed shortly after, closing the door. "Sasuke" Naruto started in a warning tone.

"I'm blameless, it was her own rash performance that is at fault here" Sasuke ranted, whipping around with his own ire, Naruto began to stride towards him, "She is completely out of line! She should r-respect me and I have…um…n-never, um…" Sasuke trailed off as Naruto towered over him with a grave aura.

"Listen, you can insult me all you like, even spite me, but you can't treat my crew like that" Naruto cautioned, Sasuke shifted and swallowed slightly.

"But she-!"

"I don't care, if you got a problem then you take it out on me, you don't make my crew like that, you understand?" He questioned, however, it would seem that it could only be met with one answer, Sasuke reluctantly nodded his head, disinclination alit in his black orbs. Naruto lightly shook his head, "Geez, love, what you doing to me?" He asked, raising his hand to scratch his blonde locks, though he wasn't expecting what happened next.

As Naruto raised his hand, Sasuke's eyes shot open and immediately brought his arms up to block any form of attack. His head ducked down and body trembling. Naruto's eyes widened, filled with such shock that he froze with his hand in mid-air. The only movement was Sasuke's own shivering. His shut eyes were squeezed tight. There was only a painful silence that Naruto couldn't comprehend. He slowly lowered his hand, his stunned expression still apparent.

"Sasuke…" Naruto voiced quietly, staring at the raven who opened his eyes and lowered his defence. He looked confused towards Naruto.

"Why…why aren't you hitting me?" Sasuke voiced, Naruto's eyes widened even more.

"What?! Why would I-?! I would never hit you, Sasuke" Naruto promised, though he wasn't met with relief so much as perplexed.

"But…I angered you, so I need to learn" Sasuke voiced, his words not his own, but of a darker and much crueller disciplinarian. Naruto felt genuine pain at Sasuke's word, the invisible scars coming to light. He couldn't help but encase Sasuke in a hug, Sasuke's blinked in bewilderment, "What are you…"

"I would never hurt you" Naruto stated, his mouth muffled in Sasuke's midnight hair, "You don't have to learn anything, at least not like that, you're safe on this ship, I swear" Naruto swore, Sasuke was baffled by his promise, not understanding their meaning.

"Naruto…" Sasuke spoke, gazing up at him with innocence that only a child could possess, untouched by morality of love. Naruto sighed.

"I shouldn't have been that harsh, but you need to understand that my crew is my life, I need to make sure that they're happy" Naruto explained, Sasuke was still lost in mystified truth, but he slowly nodded.

"Um, okay…" Sasuke agreed, Naruto smiled down at him, though Sasuke eventually began to squirm, "Um, can you let me go?" Sasuke asked, Naruto blinked before realising that he still had a grip on Sasuke.

"Oh, right, heh heh, sorry" Naruto apologised sheepishly, releasing him and stepping back, "I got to go make sure Karin still isn't in killer mode and sail us to Hitokuijima, just wait in here until it calms down" Naruto stated, Sasuke nodded as Naruto left. He sighed lightly and attempted to find some form of entertainment. He noticed a bookcase that remained embedded in the walls. He paced over and let his finger drift across the untold tales, choosing which to read first being his enjoyable torture.

"This'll do" He said to himself, picking up a thick, crimson book with a brown, leathered spine. The golden font reading 'Fairy Tales Of Another Time'. Sasuke smiled lightly, remembering the days of when Itachi read him to sleep with stories of fairies and goblins, princes and princesses. Sasuke carried himself to Naruto's chambers, where his red bed lay temptingly. Sasuke laid across it and opened up the book. He began to read until minutes turned to hours and eyes turned tired. He eventually fell asleep on the luxurious divan, unruffled and tranquil.

Naruto rubbed his weary eyes as he held the wheel, hours of being there taking its toll. He blinked a few times before shaking his head, refocusing himself to steer the helm. He felt a hand rest on his shoulder, he turned his head to see his dear friend.

"Oh, hey, Bee" Naruto greeted sleepily, Killer Bee shook his head at him.

"Fool, you need to go get some sleep, and I don't want to hear a peep" He rapped, Naruto chuckled as he took in the fact that it was around midnight, he nodded.

"Right, thanks, Bee" Naruto smiled drowsily, Killer Bee nodded at him as Naruto stalked off to his quarters. Naruto yawned and stretched as he approached his heavenly bed, he raised an eyebrow when he saw that it was currently occupied by a sleeping raven. Naruto blinked at the Sasuke's peaceful form, he chuckled when Sasuke gave a small pout before his face relaxed again. Naruto knelt down on one knee and smiled softly at the sleeping beauty, "Hn, what are you doing to me, love" Naruto muttered, he was tempted to relax next to him, but decency prevented him. He made a few adjustments to Sasuke before retreating into his other room.

The next morning arrived without so much as a whisper, Sasuke's midnight orbs fluttered opened. He gently sat up and yawned hazily, he looked around to see that he was not in his usual room. He blinked a few times to adapt to his new surroundings, gazing down he noticed that he was wrapped in soft sheets. He faintly remembered falling asleep in Naruto's bed, but he most certainly didn't remember this. Sasuke moved out of the sheets and walked towards the arch, he peeked out to see Naruto in his chair and slumped onto his desk. Sasuke blushed lightly when he fully comprehended what Naruto did. A small tug of guilt prompted him to thank him.

"Naruto?" Sasuke voiced, walking over and tapping his shoulder, Naruto suddenly came to life and lifted his head.

"Huh? What?" He responded woozily, he blinked a few times before he saw Sasuke at the side of him. He shook his head awake and gave a sleepy smile, "Hey, love, what's going on?" He asked softly, still lulled by sleep. Sasuke shifted with slight embarrassment, fiddling with his fingers.

"Well, I just wanted to-because of last night-thank you, since it's…appropriate" Sasuke answered with hints of nerviness, Naruto blinked in surprise for a few moments before he understood, he chuckled.

"Anytime, love" Naruto responded, Sasuke avoided his line of sight before giving a fake cough as to change the subject.

"A-Anyway, are we on our way to Hitokuijima?" Sasuke asked, Naruto nodded.

"Mm-hm, we should be there within the hour" Naruto stated, getting up and stretching, "But I should probably go over the plan with you and the others" Naruto yawned, Sasuke followed Naruto out of his quarters; eyeing strangely at Sakura and Lee who looked excited at their appearance from the quarters. Karin glared at him, he returned it even as she spoke.

"Brat" She hissed, but he disregarded it as Naruto gathered everyone around.

"Listen up! We all know Hitokuijima is dangerous, so we wanna get in and outta there as quick as possible" Naruto started, agreeing murmurs from the crew, "So we'll split us into four" He stated, "Me, Temari and Lee will take the west side of the island; Karin, Sakura and Tenten will take the east; Bee, Kiba, Suigetsu will take the North, along with Sasuke" Naruto added, Sasuke's eyes widened.

"Wait, why do I have to be there?!" Sasuke exclaimed worriedly.

"Because if something is in Latin then we need you" Naruto answered with a smirk, Sasuke huffed when he realised that he couldn't argue. "Anyway, Choji, Shika, Shino, I need you guys to keep the ship ready to be sailed, if trouble arises then we need to get our asses outta here" Naruto stated, they nodded in agreement, "We'll be coming in on the south of the island, because it's harder to live of that part so it's least likely to be inhabited by the cannibals" Naruto lectured, "Any questions?" Naruto voiced.

"Why is it that rain drops but snow falls?" Lee asked.

"Good question, but it's not relevant" Naruto answered, "Any others?" Naruto asked, met with silence he nodded, "Good, because we're here" He stated, everyone looked out to see the island in the distance, they all took their deep breaths in preparation. Some cracking their knuckles and necks, while others made small prayers. Each to their own. Sasuke remained passive aggressive and huffed.

How senseless! What could possibly happen that's so ruthless?...Sasuke questioned internally, regarding the crew mates as over-emotional. Unaware of the future and its events, with the utmost boredom he gazed the island that became closer and closer. It's normal appearance unexciting Sasuke.

Though looks can be deceiving.

I know where you poop.

[failureoftheyear-blog]

I will go down with this ship: Chapter 8

"Well then, welcome aboard the Kyuubi and its crew" Naruto greeted, a gleam in his eyes. His plan was now in motion, because now the more time he spent with Sasuke, the more chance he had of convincing him to stay. Naruto turned around and waved to Karin. "Set sail for Tsumi!" Naruto called out.

"Fucking twat! We've already set a course to Tsumi!" Karin yelled back, Naruto scrunched up his face and jogged towards her.

"Ehhh?! What did you say?!" Naruto shouted, Sasuke shook his head.

"What is it with that man? He's so…so…so…"

"Naruto?" Sakura finished, Sasuke looked strangely at her.

"Why does that fit so well?" Sasuke asked, rolling his eyes. Sakura chuckled, before realising that a question was nagging her.

"Wait, what do you mean that you will help Naruto?" Sakura questioned, Sasuke shifted slightly.

"Oh, well, instead of stealing ransom money from my brother, I'm going to instead help him get this treasure…something white eye…" Sasuke explained, Sakura's eyes widened.

"White eye?! But that'll take-" Sakura shut her mouth, realising that it would take forever to get that treasure, if they could even get the legendary treasure. Sakura understood Naruto's plan from then on. Sakura just smiled sweetly at the confused Sasuke, "That's great, I'm glad you're helping" Sakura stated, Sasuke nodded.

"Right…but I want to know who I'm dealing with, so who exactly is this Captain Naruto?" Sasuke enquired, Sakura let out a longwinded breath and rested the back of her elbows on the side of the ship.

"Wow, where do I start?" Sakura leered, "Well, after he rescued me he offered me a place on this ship, a part of the crew" Sakura started, Sasuke raising an eyebrow.

"He was the captain when you met him?" Sasuke asked.

"Oh god no, he was only 16 when I met him, he became captain at 17, about 3 years ago this boat belonged to Jiraiya" Sakura stated, Sasuke gave her a look before explaining, "Jiraiya was the captain at first, he's kind of a godfather to Naruto, Jiraiya became a Wiseman and now retreats in Crystal Labyrinth" Sakura explained, though it just created more questions.

"What's the Crystal Labyrinth?" Sasuke asked.

"It's hard to explain, but it's kind of an island, though you can't really walk on it because it's actually a swamp, but loads of houses are built from wood and some live in the trees" Sakura described, "The people that live there are spiritual people that rely on the elements to survive, they also consist of a lot of Wiseman and Wisewomen, they're also known to heal with herbs" Sakura went on, Sasuke nodded, interested that a place like that existed.

"That's remarkable, I didn't realise that there were people like that" Sasuke admitted, Sakura shrugged.

"If there's one thing I've learnt on this ship, it's that there are so many types of people that you couldn't possibly meet them all, or expect how each of them are going to be" Sakura spoke, "Kind of like Naruto, he…he's really one of kind" Sakura stated, Sasuke noticed the content expression on her face before he shook her head, "Anyway, you want to know more about Naruto, right?" Sakura started, "He was made captain at 17, a great one, though that's to be expected, it's in his blood"

"His blood?" Sasuke voiced, titling his head slightly, Sakura nodded.

"Yeah, his father is the pirate king" Sakura informed, Sasuke's eyes widened.

"Pirate King? Are you serious?" Sasuke questioned in shock, Sakura nodded.

"That's right, he's the son of the most powerful pirate of the seven seas, pretty amazing, right?" Sakura chuckled, Sasuke was still in a state of shock, since Naruto didn't exactly exude the aura of authority, at least of a prince. Sasuke couldn't fathom the thought of Naruto being a prince. That meant Naruto had a higher status than him, then his fiancée! Though Sasuke rationalised that he wasn't a real prince, so it was fine. Though it nagged at him… "So, that's Naruto, he's a fun-loving, flirty guy who really cares about the people he loves" Sakura summed up.

"I don't appreciate that 'flirty' characteristic, it's inappropriate" Sasuke complained, "It strange to flirt with your kidnapped victim, anyway" Sasuke pointed out, Sakura chuckled.

"He does it with everyone, don't feel too offended" Sakura reassured, Sasuke sighed.

"Still, it's irritating" Sasuke mumbled, Sakura laughed lightly, it was quiet for a moment as a hesitant question tugged at Sakura.

"So…you're engaged" Sakura pointed out, Sasuke awkwardly nodded his head.

"Um, yes, engaged…engaged…" Sasuke repeated, it was silent before Sakura spoke again.

"So, um, who's the lucky guy?" Sakura asked.

"Oh, you know him, Hinata's cousin, Neji, he's the next heir to the Hyuga estate and assets" Sasuke answered, Sakura made a 'oh' expression, "He's rather decent" Sasuke added, Sakura nodded.

"Yeah, yeah, he's…okay…" Sakura let out, shifting slightly. It was quiet once again before changing the subject, "I'm happy that you're going to be helping us find…the, er, treasure of white eye" Sakura smiled, "But, um, what exactly are you going to do?" Sakura questioned, Sasuke opened his mouth before shutting it. Repeating the action.

"I…that's a good question…" Sasuke replied, he looked over to where Naruto and Karin were making loud noises, Sasuke walked over with a lot of questions in his head, but one prominent one, "Why do you need me?" Sasuke asked, Naruto looked at Sasuke a little caught off guard.

"To be the light of my life" Naruto smirked, Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"I'm serious, what exactly do you need me for in order to help you?" Sasuke repeated, Naruto waved Karin off who returned to the helm. Naruto smiled at Sasuke.

"It's pretty simple actually, you're educated and stuff, right?" Naruto enquired, Sasuke nodded, "Can you translate languages?" Naruto asked.

"I only know my current language and Latin" Sasuke answered.

"Brilliant, that's what we'll need, supposedly anyway…" Naruto trailed off, Sasuke raised an eyebrow toward the strange statement.

"Supposedly?" Sasuke voiced in a suspicious tone, Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"Heh, heh, well, I guess I should give you should back story on white eye" Naruto replied, Sasuke intrigued but repelled by the shady nature of his words. "White eye was a pirate, long ago when Romans were in power, he was pretty ruthless and rich" Naruto started, "He usually spent most of his money on girls and such, but there was one treasure that he decided to save, he believed in reincarnation and so decided to leave it for him in the next life, I guess he never got to it because there allegedly is a map in Tsumi that'll lead to the treasure" Naruto explained, tipping his hat, "Once we get the map, you'll translate it and we'll find the treasure, then wham! We're rich and you can go home" Naruto finished, Sasuke was somewhat sceptical of this 'map' or 'treasure' even existing, since Naruto's words weren't the picture of stability.

"So…you're relying on a map that might not possibly be real?" Sasuke questioned, raising an eyebrow and folding his arms. Though Naruto didn't pick up on the doubtful tone, so instead nodded with confidence.

"Yep" Naruto answered, Sasuke stared at him for a moment to determine whether or not if Naruto was a genuine moron. He kept up the analysis before sighing and shaking his head.

"Fine, I just want to help so I can leave" Sasuke stated, Naruto only heard the positives and grinned.

"Great! We should be approaching Tsumi anytime now" Naruto informed, Naruto turned his head to upwards look up at Karin at the hull, "How long before we reach Tsumi?!" Naruto called out.

"Be a matter of minutes, Cap!" Karin responded, Sasuke scowled, he didn't like that woman. Not one bit.

"Anyway" Naruto stated, looking back at Sasuke, "Have you ever been to Tsumi?" Naruto asked, but full-well knew the answer.

"No, I haven't heard of such a place before" Sasuke answered.

"Ah, well, it be a magical place of wonder" Naruto enlightened, Sasuke had an image in his mind, but it was thoroughly ruined, "Hookers, rum and fighting galore!" Naruto laughed, "Ah, yes, the gorgeous nightwalkers, the unlimited liquor and the brawls are better than any place in the world, it's my second favourite place of all!" Naruto proclaimed, Sasuke rolled his eyes in disgust, he didn't even want to know Naruto's favourite place. "It's in Yugakure, or Hidden Hot Water Village if you prefer" Naruto shrugged, Sasuke was about ask more when a strong, female voice interjected.

"Captain, we've arrived!" Temari called from the crow's nest, Naruto nodded with a smirk.

"At last!" Naruto grinned, "Get ready to lower the anchor!" Naruto called out to his crew, Sasuke observed the approaching island. Amongst there was absolute chaos; drunken men and women laughing, screaming and generally emitting noise. Sasuke never saw such anarchy. He saw no one was of noble stature, that he was certain of, and everyone in sight were sinners. Sasuke knew that every priest that spoke of these places were right, it was akin to hell. "Beautiful, ain't it?" Naruto chuckled.

"It is a city of sin" Sasuke spat out in disgust, Naruto chuckled.

"I know, right?" Naruto smirked, Sasuke scoffed and shook his head. Naruto went a little closer to Sasuke, "Wanna indulge in some sins? Preferably, the lust ones" Naruto winked, Sasuke hissed at him.

"If we have to work together, then I request that you refrain from acting inappropriately towards me" Sasuke stated with full annoyance, though it was alleviated when Naruto nodded in agreement.

"Fine, I promise I won't do anything inappropriate" Naruto promised…before giving Sasuke's behind a slap and casually walking away, Sasuke squeaked from the impact and gave him a glare as he strolled off.

Sasuke grumbled under his breath before distracting himself by observing Tsumi. He felt a marginally anxious sensation in the pit of his stomach as they grew closer and closer. Taking a deep breath as the ship was now at what could be considered a harbour, the crew excitedly put down the board walk and ran like wild. Fisting their hands into the air and giving out cries of pleasure. Sasuke shook his head in disapproval, but saw Sakura next to him.

"Why aren't you celebrating with your crewmates?" Sasuke asked, Sakura shrugged.

"I don't know, I've never thought much of Tsumi" Sakura replied, Sasuke raised an eyebrow toward her.

"You're lying" Sasuke pointed out, Sakura blushed instantly.

"I-I'm not!" Sakura denied hotly, Sasuke chuckled.

"Sakura, I've known you for 14 years, I know when you're lying" Sasuke replied, Sakura pouted.

"I don't know when you're lying…" Sakura mumbled childishly, Sasuke chuckled.

"Because you are horrendous when it comes to reading people" Sasuke stated, Sakura gasped.

"Wha-?! I am not!" Sakura exclaimed, but Sasuke nodded.

"You are" Sasuke corrected, "But it's okay, you have other strengths" Sasuke reassured, Sakura titled her head at Sasuke.

"You think so? I mean, like what?" Sakura asked, Sasuke didn't seem to struggle with the question and answered.

"I know you reject your previous Ojo life, but in that time you were a magnificent dancer" Sasuke complimented. Her talent was linked into her previous lifestyle, since each Ojo was taught and honed on a talent that made them more valuable. Sakura's was her dancing ability. Sakura smiled softly.

"I know that the lessons and training were the strictest part of my life, but I never felt freer then when I danced…" Sakura admitted, closing her eyes and feeling the wind, the sound of Tsumi disregarded. Sasuke watched her, before she went back to her goofy smile, "That sounds pretty weird, right?" Sakura giggled, Sasuke enjoyed seeing that carefree expression. He theorised that having her live this lifestyle wasn't as depraved if it made her this exultant.

"Oi Sakura! Aren't you coming?!" Karin called from the harbour, Sakura nodded.

"In a moment, Karin!" Sakura called back, Sakura turned to Sasuke, "Please come with me, I think you might actually like it" Sakura encouraged, Sasuke gave her a dry look before Sakura sighed, "Okay, you'll hate it, but I want you to be there with me" Sakura admitted, Sasuke rolled his eyes, but Sakura persisted, "Oh please, please, please, Sasuke!" Sakura begged, Sakura couldn't resist the puppy-dog eyes. Sasuke sighed.

"Fine" Sasuke agreed reluctantly, Sakura gave a squeal of excitement and tugged at his arm.

"Let's go! There's this great cavern that we're going to!" Sakura informed, so she dragged him through the busy streets of Tsumi. Sasuke couldn't find one speck of decency, the entire place was stained with immorality. Naruto, however, found the place to be heaven.

"Ahhh! My home!" Naruto grinned, rubbing his hands together, smirking at Sasuke, "Love, if every place was like this, there's be no wars!" Naruto claimed, Sasuke scoffed.

"If every place was like this then there be nothing but chaos" Sasuke remarked, Naruto shrugged.

"I'm confident it's the greatest city on earth" Naruto replied.

"I'm confident you're incorrect and uneducated" Sasuke retorted, Naruto chuckled.

"May be, but where else can you do this?" Naruto asked, grabbing a nearby woman in a revealing gown, prepared for prostitutes, and dipped her as he smashed his lips against hers. The woman laughed and giggled at the kiss, winking at Naruto when he let her go. Naruto winked at Sasuke who gave him a repulsed look.

"That was disgusting" Sasuke scowled, Naruto chuckled.

"Aw, don't worry, love, you ain't gotta be jealous" Naruto teased, Sasuke narrowed his eyes at him. Sasuke gasped suddenly, he turned around in shock and horror since someone had the audacity to grab at his…private area. Sasuke's face was red, he felt embarrassed and violated. Naruto was by his side quickly, "Stay near me, it won't happen again" Naruto promised kindly, Sasuke wasn't hesitant in taking the protection. They made their way through the crazy crowd, eventually approaching a cavern. Sasuke read the sign above said cavern; Ichiraku Cavern.

Sasuke had never been in a place of so much alcohol or deviants. He was greeted with a stronger smell of alcohol and smoke, also the stench of sex, but Sasuke wouldn't know that. Sasuke saw barmaids serving and servicing the criminals of the cavern. A middle-aged man at the bar nodded to Naruto, Naruto nodded back and whistled to some of his crew that were already here.

"C'mon, I love Tsumi as much as anyone, but we're here to see Ōnoki, remember?" Naruto reminded, his crew groaned.

"Aw, come on, Cap! Check out the chest on this one!" Kiba gestured to the barmaid on his lap, "You can't tell me that you don't want to plunder this booty!" Kiba laughed, the barmaid giggling. Sasuke was about to give Sakura a finished expression, when he turned to see that she was talking to Karin. Sasuke wasn't motivated to deal with Karin just to talk to Sakura, so decided to solider through the torture. Naruto chuckled.

"Alright, Kiba, you get 10 minutes, after that we got head out, savvy?" Naruto questioned, Kiba gratefully nodded, favourably getting back to his barmaid. Naruto noticed Killer Bee and Lee laughing with a familiar character. "Hey Riot!" Naruto greeted, Sasuke peeked at the man who Naruto spoke to. His strange appearance could easily take anyone's attention. Bright, orange hair; though it was flat against his head until it met his neck, then it would stick out in a unified spike. His fringe was curved into a crescent that covered a quarter of his face. His eyes had long eyeliner than went across his temples. His purple eyes that Sasuke swore interchanged to green. A white, lieutenant jacket that only went pass his chest, Sasuke never saw such a thing. Black, baggy pants and simple plimsolls. Finished off with a timeworn, auburn baroque guitar.

"Naruto, it's good to see you again" The man spoke, Sasuke found something odd about the man's voice. It was soft with a raspy tone, scratchy and smooth like a well-kept thorn.

"Sasuke, come meet my friend" Naruto called over, Sasuke stood in front of the man, the young man gave a smile akin to a grandfather's. He lightly took Sasuke's hand and gently kissed the back of it.

"A pleasure" He spoke calmly, Sasuke was accepting of the proper way to be greeted. He looked up to Sasuke for a moment, his expression serene, "You have kind eyes, a mother's" He voiced, Sasuke blushed lightly at the compliment. Though the man's actions didn't seem sexual or romantic in any sense, they seem good-intentioned and polite. Sasuke looked at Naruto for a little guidance, Naruto chuckled.

"Yeah, he's a weirdo, but a nice one" Naruto smiled, "Also the best damn singer in all of Tsumi, isn't that right, Riot?" Naruto boasted, Sasuke raised an eyebrow at the claim (and a little at the name), Naruto nudged Riot, "C'mon, sing us a tune…hey! What about the one about White eye? Since we're going after it" Naruto urged, Riot nodded slowly like a sloth, standing up in the same speed. Suddenly, he jumped on top of the table and let out a howl. Getting everyone's attention, including Sasuke who was thoroughly startled.

"Gather round sinners and saints, gather to hear a tale most foul…" He finished dramatically, his entire aura contrasting from the last.

"Watch this" Naruto whispered in Sasuke's ear, Sasuke looked up to see Riot begin to strum his guitar.

"A fearsome pirate was he,

Sailing the seven seas,

His breath smelt like whisky,

His decisions made risky,

One day, he was stabbed from whence he would crrrrry…

And that's why they called him White eye!" Riot sang, the crowd giving out a cheer, excitedly waiting for him to continue.

"A cheater,

A dealer,

The damn grim reaper!

Claiming lives as a means to survive,

The demon was deceitful,

Down-right evil,

His life line was his gun,

Undeniably Satan's son!" Riot continued, the crowd giving cheers and laughs at the comical song. Sasuke would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy it slightly. Though he would allow himself to admit something like that.

"But listen up! Listen up!

Before you go away,

There's a magic treasure on Broken tooth bay,

A cave of gold…

A cave of treasure…

Beyond human measure…" Riot trailed off in a mysterious manner, everyone quieting down with expectant grins.

"So go on salty sailors,

Go and horriiiify…

As you look…for the treasure…of White…eyyyyyye…" He finished, the aura of the cavern lively, Naruto got caught up in the fever and stood tall on a bar stool.

"That's right! Me and my crew are going after the treasure and when we do, I'm buying everyone in here a drink!" Naruto cried out, a jovial cry riveting through the crowd. Sasuke, however, never felt so embarrassed. Why did Naruto have to draw attention to himself? Why must he act a fool? Sasuke would never have his questions answered, but a barmaid approached them.

"Captain Naruto, Ōnoki is waiting for you" She informed, Naruto nodded and jumped off the stool. He began to saunter away. It was then that Sasuke fully comprehended the kind of place he was in, it was filled with devious men that weren't familiar with the word 'no'. Sasuke shifted uncomfortably as he felt undressing gazes, he was spooked when someone stood up. He instantly rushed to Naruto and clung to his arm, Naruto raised an eyebrow to Sasuke's action.

"Be quiet" Sasuke ordered, his face lowered out of embarrassment, flushed red. Naruto chuckled.

"Fine by me" Naruto stated.

Did you like the song I made up? I don’t.

[failureoftheyear-blog]

I will go down with this ship: Chapter 2

"Ello' love" The pirate greeted, but it did not feel welcoming, Sasuke stood in frozen terror as the golden-haired pirate stood over him with a smirk. "Well, aren't you a beautie?" He chuckled, Sasuke shivered at the implications and tried to turn around to run, but the pirate held both his hands behind his back as Sasuke turned. He held him in a grip that Sasuke couldn't escape from, Sasuke desperately looked around to find an escape but was met with evident defeat. "Hey, Karin, what's the beautie's name?" The pirate asked, Sasuke looked at Karin, who was currently taking off the heavy accessories.

"Sasuke" Karin answered, Sasuke tensed when he felt the pirate go close to his ear.

"Maybe I'll just call you baby" He purred, but Sasuke was a stubborn soul.

"I am not your baby" Sasuke hissed, making the pirate laugh.

"This one got some bite" He noted with a smirk, yet it didn't settle Sasuke. The pirate turned his attention to Karin, "This is the one we need, right?" The pirate asked, making Sasuke's heart thud and his mind swirl.

Need? As in they're going to take me…Sasuke realised, he gasped and managed to elbow the pirate in the stomach, not hard enough to make him let go. Sasuke tried to escape anyhow, but failed.

"Let me go!" Sasuke cried out, the pirate took in a ragged breath and chuckled.

"Feisty" He remarked, taking this time to bind Sasuke's hands together, "C'mon Karin, get outta that drag and let's go" The pirate ordered, Sasuke was shocked to see Karin rip the bottom half of her dress off, revealing her legs and thighs. Sasuke gasped and closed his eyes, turning his head away from the sight. The pirate raised an eyebrow at his actions and scoffed, "Did he really just look away?"

"It's the way the brat was raised, honour and shit" Karin responded, Sasuke's breathe hitched.

I've never heard anyone use a curse word before...Sasuke thought, he was suddenly throw over the pirate's shoulder and gasped.

"H-Hey! Put me down this instant!" Sasuke demanded, but they ignored him and slide down the rope that was out of the window. They landed in the green foliage and hid. Sasuke began to kick and fuss on the pirate's shoulder, screaming at him, "I'll have your head for this! You'll rot in the dungeons! You'll be hanged!" Sasuke threatened, but the pirate was unfazed.

"Eh, shut yer yapping" He responded, giving a slap to Sasuke's ass. Sasuke made a horrified gasp at the contact and struggled even more.

"You brute! Don't you dare touch me in such a manner!" Sasuke shrieked, the pirate rolled his eyes and looked over to Karin.

"Alright, what's the plan?" She asked, the pirate smirked and nodded forward.

"We make a beeline for the lost harbour, our ship is waiting there" The pirate answered, Karin looked ahead at the not so far harbour and spoke.

"There's arrowmen all around the sides, we'll be shot" Karin pointed out, the pirate shook his head and gestured towards Sasuke.

"Not with princess here" He stated, they ran as fast as their feet could carry them. It was a green blur to Sasuke as he suddenly seen a row of arrowmen in the distance; his brother at the front. He made a small gasp and called out.

"Nii-san!" Sasuke cried out, Itachi's eyes widened and held his hand up.

"Hold fire!" Itachi ordered.

"But sir-"

"They've taken my brother! Get the battle ships ready, round up all the army men we can find, they are not getting away with my brother!" Itachi yelled, Sasuke looked helplessly towards his brother in the distance, but he become smaller and smaller with each passing moment. Sasuke felt his eyes water in fear of never seeing his brother again. They eventually left the green area and entered a more rocky, stony place. Sasuke heard their footsteps crashing against the cold stone, he recognised it to be the harbour; the abandoned place. He was panicking about what to do, even more so when he saw they were on wood. Meaning one thing.

A ship.

Sasuke gasped, he saw fully that he was now on a ship. He was shivering from terror, to his core feeling petrified. He managed to look around while on the pirate's shoulder, only to see other blood-thirsty pirates. He gulped at the nasty grins and leers sent his way, though he didn't have much time to analyse it as he was taken below the deck. He was thrown into a dark, empty room. Filled only with some hay and a few barrels. The pirate gave him a wink before smirking.

"Don't worry, love, just need to lose your brother then we'll be off" He promised, but before Sasuke could respond the door was shut. He was panting as his heart beat was erratic, he felt so close to death at the moment. He shivered as the room offered no kind light nor warmth. He looked around to see the mildly spacious room, he hated how the scratchy hay beneath him made his skin itch. He shifted, but made a small gasp when he saw the nasty bugs. Sasuke was trembling at his situation. Made worse when he heard the sound of death and war above. Sasuke couldn't handle it anymore and began to cry, sobbing quietly to himself as small tears left his obsidian eyes. Through the noise, through the boat rocking, through all the chaos; it was an unanswered cry of help that pierced that sky.

…

Sasuke groaned slightly as he heard a small thud, he attempted to sit up but was met with aching bones. Not surprising since he fell asleep with his arms behind his back, due to the binding ropes. He rolled his shoulders and attempted to sooth his pained body. He let out a sigh and let his eyes gaze up, they shot open as he saw the cause of the thud. The pirate that had kidnapped him was standing there. Sasuke gasped and tried to move away, but it was no point. The pirate came down the small stairs with his loud, brown boots. It was at this point that Sasuke was able to fully see what he looked like.

It was a young man, no older than 20, with spiky, golden hair. Slightly hidden by a battered, black cocked hat (showing that he was the captain). With three whiskers on each side of his face; tanned skin and azure eyes. Wearing an orange button down shirt, halfway buttoned to reveal his smooth, muscled chest. Messily tucked into his black leather pants, with a blue stone necklace. Wearing a long, brown coat that met his ankles. His feet wearing dirty, brown boots. He was giving a big smile to Sasuke, but Sasuke found it mocking.

"Ello' love" He greeted, Sasuke shifted uncomfortably with a lack of respect.

"My father won't approve of this!" Sasuke snapped, making the blonde man raise an eyebrow, "The entire Konoha army will be looking for me, there is nowhere that you can go that you will be safe, you'll die a horrid death and I'll watch!" Sasuke hissed, the pirate looked unimpressed before chuckling.

"How about we just get to know each other first" He joked, Sasuke stared disbelievingly at the man as if he was crazy. The pirate knelt and gave a smile, "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, captain of this ship" Naruto introduced, Sasuke stared warily at him with no attempt to play nice. "Look, er, I know you must be feeling confused and whatnot, but we ain't gonna hurt ya, we just need you for a bit of ransom money" Naruto explained, Sasuke had thought as much anyway, but that didn't mean he was happy about it.

"I don't care, release me immediately" Sasuke ordered.

"Sorry, love, no can do, your daddy is gonna want his precious Ojo back, so we'll guarantee your safe return when he coughs up 50,000 ryo (£94,595)" Naruto responded, Sasuke gasped and shook his head.

"What an absurd amount of money, what could you possibly spend that on?!" Sasuke exclaimed, Naruto chuckled.

"You know, booze, ramen, the simple pleasures of life" Naruto replied, Sasuke gave him a disgusted look.

"You pirates, always stealing other people's hard earned money to waste on such sinful activities" Sasuke accused, but Naruto shook his head.

"Nah, love, it's not a waste, besides, we only steal from those who can afford it" Naruto corrected, Sasuke huffed and rolled his eyes.

"Why don't you get a job? Be a somewhat use to society?" Sasuke hissed, Naruto scoffed and shook his head.

"What? Working for your prissy arse? Taking orders and living life without adventure, I don't think so love" Naruto smirked, Sasuke glared at him, Naruto looked at him for a moment before speaking, "Listen, love, I got a deal for you" Naruto started, gaining Sasuke's interest, "How about you play along with us, you act all scared in front of your brother and we get as much gold as we can, then you come with us and spend it however you like, sound good?" Naruto offered, Sasuke gave him an appalled glare.

"How dare you…" Sasuke whispered out in a repulsed tone, "How dare you fathom the thought that I would betray my own brother for wealth and…and…pirates!" Sasuke spat out, glaring defiantly towards him, "I would never consider it, I chose death" Sasuke stated, Naruto stared at him for a few silent moments before smiling, catching Sasuke off guard, "What? Why are you smiling?" Sasuke demanded, Naruto chuckled.

"You're loyal, I like that" Naruto answered, Sasuke blinked a few times before Naruto stood and went back up the stairs.

"Wait! This room is akin to the ice queen's! You could at least hand me a duvet!" Sasuke requested, Naruto looked at him for a moment before picking up some rags off the floor and tossing them at Sasuke, Sasuke gasped at what was handed to him, "You can't seriously expect me to use these?!" Sasuke exclaimed, Naruto just gave him a smirk.

"That's right, love" Naruto winked and leaving Sasuke who was more than angered.

"And stop calling me love!" Sasuke screamed.

"Alright, love!" Naruto called out, Sasuke let out a cry of frustration and collapsed on the rags. He was moping about until he saw a sharp piece of glass in the rags, he scoffed.

"The dobe couldn't even get me safe rags, hn, dobe, yes, that suits him nicely" Sasuke said to himself, deciding that was the name that he would regard Naruto with. Sasuke aimlessly stared at the glass shard until an idea came to mind. He sat up instantly and shifted, he wiggled so the shard was behind him. He manoeuvred the rope and shard so it rubbed against the rope. He did this rigorously for the next 10 minutes until he was able to snap the rope. He smirked and slipped his hands from imprisonment. Even though he was an Ojo, he was smart, he knew how to think fast and on his feet. It was useful in a situation like this. "Now I just need to escape this ship" Sasuke said to himself, he looked up at the door above the wooden stairs and took in a deep breathe.

Sasuke stood and crept up the stairs to the door, he slowly creaked open the door and peeked out. He saw pirates and calmed his breathing. There was no use of panicking, he wouldn't be able to escape like that. He gulped and realised that he would have to run pass all of them, but he was quick and swift, he had the element of surprise on his side. He gulped and readied himself to sprint pass them all, one last breath and he burst through the door. The pirates were too startled for a moment to even register Sasuke dashing pass them, when they did they called out to grab him. Sasuke managed to duck and avoid some attempts to capture him. A figure no bigger than him jumped in front of him, he was about to slide past them when his eyes shot open.

"Sakura…?" Sasuke voiced quietly, the pink-haired girl looked surprised back at him.

"Sasuke…" She voiced in the same tone, Sasuke was brought out of his shock and ran past her. He got past most of them and was happy until he looked back in triumph, meaning he didn't see where he was going and bumped right into Naruto. He gasped and looked at the care-free expression on Naruto's face.

"You're a funny one" Naruto chuckled, Sasuke glared at him and ran past.

"Captain!" Sakura called out, Naruto shook his head.

"Let him be"

"But-"

"Just watch" Naruto interjected, his crew was confused, but they did as they were told and watched Sasuke go up the second stairs to the highest floor on the ship. Sasuke ran to the edge and stopped, he ran to the other and stopped. A smirk made its way on Naruto's face as well his crew as Sasuke realised one thing.

He was stuck on the boat.

They were in the middle of the sea; Sasuke looked left and right to see nothing but the deep, blue sea. He slowly turned around to look over the smug faces that smirked at him, quickly glancing at Sakura's conflicted one. He ignored it and decided there were other things to consider.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but you're stuck here with us, until we say so anyway" Naruto chuckled, small laughter erupting from behind him. Sasuke was horrified as he stared at Naruto's amused expression, Naruto let out a laugh at Sasuke's expression, "Welcome to the Caribbean, love" Naruto smirked, Sasuke stared dumbfounded before effectively fainting.

Oh yes, it sure as hell is going to be a wild ride for the young Uchiha; whether he liked it or not.

Yeah, chapter two. Whoo.