Diamonds and Pearls
Author's Note: This is a YAOI story. That means there will be male x male romantic pairings. This tale is also about pirates. I'm also slowly going back and adding scene breaks. So if you see any chapters without them, you'll know why. If any of that bothers you, you might want to turn back now. For those of you still here, reviews are always appreciated and I hope you enjoy this story.
Disclaimer: I own nothing and make no profit of off any of my fanfics.
Chapter 1
"You've gone mad, surely as the tides roll in and out everyday. You know that is just a legend. Kurama's treasure doesn't actually exist. Every pirate has tried to find it, no one has. Naruto, it can't be done." Gaara informs his friend.
"Yes, it does exist. We'll find it. Unless you are too yellow to go looking for it." Naruto teases the red headed pirate.
Gaara raises an eyebrow. No, not this time. He wasn't going to fall for it. Naruto was forever talking him into all sorts of mischief. He loved the other man as if he was his second brother, but the blonde had a knack for getting into trouble. (This was true even by pirate standards).
"I am not falling for it. I won't let you goad me into a wild goose chase." The Captain of Suna states firmly.
"Oh that's a shame. Captain Itachi was looking forward to working with you. You see this is a massive undertaking, so I put out some feelers. The Sharingan Crew says they will work with us, provided the loot is split evenly." Naruto says slyly.
That stops Gaara in his tracks. The red head had been madly in love with the elder Uchiha brother for years. Unfortunately, he hadn't spoken to the man since he was a child. Itachi was the Captain of the Sharingan and had once saved Gaara's life. He couldn't help but remember that day.
"COME HERE, YOU FILTHY ANIMAL! I'LL TEACH YOU TO STEAL FROM ME!" Came the angry voice of a merchant.
Gaara was only a boy of thirteen summers. He and his siblings were orphans and lived on he streets. Mostly they eeked out a rather meager existence by stealing or begging. The red head had just stolen a loaf of bread.
It was a gamble. Gaara knew if he was caught, that the punishment for thieves was severe. It was likely he would lose one of his hands. With his heart racing with fear, he tried to escape.
"Umpf!" Gaara said as he ran right into someone.
He looked up and was stunned. The man was likely 18 summers or so. He was magnificent. His hair was black as night and swayed alluringly in the wind. He had a rugged sun kissed tan and his eyes were crimson red. His build was that of a leopard, all sleek muscle.
Other than his inhumanely beautiful red eyes, what caught Gaara's attention most was his outfit. The man wore a long black leather jacket that reached to his knees and matching black pants. His vest was the exact same shade as his eyes. The man also had fancy boots that were probably worth more money than Gaara had ever seen in his lifetime. The crowning jewel though was his sword. The beautiful steel glimmered like diamonds underneath the sunlight.
"Is there a reason why you are harassing this child?" The ethereal being demanded.
His voice was like a silken caress to the ears. Gaara had never heard anyone with a voice like that before. It made him shiver and feel things that he never had before. The red head would later learn that unidentified feeling was known as desire.
"He stole a loaf of bread. You know what the punishment for thieves is. Doesn't matter what his age is. He's nearly a man. He damn well knows stealing is wrong!" The merchant thundered at Itachi.
"I don't like it when insects buzz in my face in such an annoying fashion." The man said and slammed the merchant into the side of a nearby building with one mighty punch.
After a pause, he shoved a gold coin in the other man's mouth. Gaara knew the loaf of bread wasn't worth that much. But judging by this man's manner of dress and fine weapon, it was likely the smallest currency he had on his person.
"Consider that payment for the bread. What's your name, boy?" Itachi asked the frightened orphan.
"Gaara." He said simply.
"Well Gaara, you look a little better fed than most orphans. So I'm guessing you have at least one sibling. Am I correct in this?" Itachi asked.
"Yes, Sir." The red head replied quickly, not sure where this was going.
Itachi nodded. Gaara thought he might be pleased at his guess being correct. He honestly didn't know though.
"How old are they? Tell me true. I don't like liars anymore than I like annoying insects." He continued.
"Temari is 16 summers. Kankuro is 14 summers. I'm 13." He answered.
"Old enough, I suppose. Go get them. I have a friend that could use a few more cabin boys and a cook." Itachi ordered him.
Gaara raced off. He soon returned with his sister and brother. Itachi was true to his word. He took them to a ship. Temari almost screamed when she saw the captain. He had BLUE skin and teeth like a shark's!
"This is Captain Kisame. His…exotic appearance means many people are too scared to join his crew. But he's a good man, in his own way. It will mean a full belly. It's your choice. I've done my good deed for the decade." Itachi said simply and walked off.
That was how Gaara became a pirate. He started off as a cabin boy. Eventually, he worked his way up to First Mate. Once he had saved up enough, he bought his own ship. He named it Suna and had been a Captain ever since. It was all thanks to Itachi. The man who had stolen his heart when he was a mere boy of thirteen summers and never realized it.
"Naruto, I swear that if you are lying to me, I will slit your throat. Did he really say that? Did he really say that he was looking forward to working with me?" Gaara demands.
"Yes, Gaara. I swear it on me mother's grave. You're just as much of a pirate as he is now. People have heard of you. Why wouldn't he acknowledge your skills?" Naruto asks.
The red head considers this. Naruto wouldn't swear on his mother's grave unless he really meant it. Could he really do it? Could he fight alongside his beloved diamond and maybe even win his heart? Did Itachi even take men to his bed? Gaara didn't know.
"Alright. I'll do it. I'm probably going to end up regretting this, but what's life without a little risk? After all, we are pirates, not pampered nobles." Gaara asks with a smirk and Naruto beams.
"That's the spirit!" The blonde chirps merrily.
Meanwhile two brothers were in a tavern. Sasuke was wondering if his Captain had lost his mind. He wanted to WHAT?!
"Not only do you want to go after Kurama's treasure, you want to sail with the Captain of Suna and Konoha?!" The younger Uchiha exclaims in disbelief.
"That's correct." Itachi replies and he downs his flask of rum.
Yes, Itachi had gone mad. Sasuke couldn't believe that his brother was actually going along with this. He wanted to sail with two rival captains to go after a treasure that didn't even exist!
"Why?!" Sasuke thunders at him.
"Oh I have very little hope that we'll find Kurama's treasure, but I'm sure we'll find many other treasures along the way. Besides, I am curious what became of that boy. Gaara has his own ship now. He's made quite the name for himself and don't deny that you are curious about Captain Naruto. I have seen you perk up when his name is mentioned." Itachi states plainly.
Sasuke could feel his face heat up. He glares daggers at Itachi for what the other man was implying. It was not like that. It wasn't like that at all.
"Naruto actually managed to escape the Spanish fleet. Of course, I am interested when he's mentioned. The man is practically a demon on the seas." Sasuke defends himself.
"Of course. I'm certain that's all it is. You just appreciate his skills as a pirate." Itachi teases him.
"Exactly! That's all it is." Sasuke says and Itachi shakes his head in amusement.
Sasuke orders another ale. He wasn't going to put up with Itachi's teasing while he was sober. Alcohol was one the best friends a pirate would ever have. Many a time it had saved him from attempting to strangle his brother. He loved Itachi with all his heart, but the man did enjoy provoking him.
"You are my First Mate. I trust you more than anyone else, Sasuke. That's why I want you to sail on Konoha with Naruto. I will have Gaara aboard Sharingan. It's simply too noticeable sail with three pirate ships at once. Suna is built for speed. If it comes to naval battle, it is at a disadvantage compared to Konoha and Sharingan." Itachi says.
"You want me to sail with Naruto?! You want me to sail with a man that I've never met?! What if something goes wrong? What if Gaara decides run you through while your back is turned?" Sasuke asks.
Itachi smiles. He pokes Sasuke on the forehead. Those were all very valid questions, but his little brother needed to learn how to relax.
"Yes, I want you to sail with him. I know you are perfectly capable of handling yourself. You will also be taking some of our men with you. You won't be alone. As for Gaara, I saved him when he was a boy. Without me, he'd probably be dead or a beggar at best by now. He knows this. I believe him to be a man of honor. If he isn't, well I'll shove him overboard before he can even think of unsheathing his blade." Itachi says with a smile and flicks Sasuke's forehead.
Sasuke growls. He rubs his forehead and shoots his brother a dirty look. He still thought Itachi was half mad, but he would follow his brother to Hell itself. Itachi was the only person in his life that he could honestly say he trusted completely, save for Jugo.
"Why do you always do that?!" Sasuke snarls.
"Because it's something that only we share and it vexes you greatly. You are rather amusing when you are annoyed. Let's go tell the crew. We have much preparing to do." Itachi says and pays for their tab.
Sasuke nods. They would need to make sure their ships were well stocked with supplies and that everyone was ready to set sail the next day. It would be a long night. The Uchiha brothers walk off to do exactly that.
The next morning the three crews meet. Everyone was in the midst of introducing themselves and checking to make sure all the ships were properly prepared. It was chaos.
"This is Sasuke. He is my First Mate and brother." Itachi says as he introduces himself and the younger Uchiha to everyone.
"A pleasure to meet you." Gaara says and extends his hand towards Sasuke.
"Likewise, Captain Sabaku." He replies and shakes his hand.
"This is Captain Naruto Uzumaki. He is my closest friend and one of the finest sailors that I have ever met." The red head continues with the introductions.
Sasuke nods. That's when he made the mistake of looking up as he offered his hand to the other in greeting. So this was Naruto. He could certainly understand now what the barmaids were all talking about when they said he had eyes bluer than the Caspian Sea. Sapphires even paled in comparison.
"Nice to meet you." Naruto says cheerfully and shakes Sasuke's hand.
The blonde looks up at the last minute. He must have met a couple hundred men so far today and the introductions were getting to be a little tiresome. Still he knew that Sasuke was important. He was a First Mate and likely would have been a Captain of his own ship, if he wasn't so loyal to his brother.
He had heard the rumors of two handsome pirate brothers. Still Naruto had never put much stock in rumors. Half of them were started by pirates who only wanted to 'earn' a more impressive reputation. The rumors this time though, didn't do justice. Itachi was a handsome man, Sasuke was a beautiful one.
"Likewise." Sasuke says simply.
Midnight black hair that was spiked exotically in the back and two long bangs framed his face. His eyes were red as rubies. His skin was more luminous than any pearl that Naruto had seen and so soft to the touch. How the Devil did Sasuke have such soft hands when he was a bloody pirate?!
"We should get going. It wouldn't do well to linger too long. The authorities might get suspicious." Gaara points out.
The pirates all nod and finish boarding the ship. The brothers exchange a dignified embrace and quickly head off with their respective new partner in crime. It didn't take long for the ships to set sail.
"So welcome to Konoha. The finest ship to ever sail the Seven Seas." Naruto says with a smile.
"The second finest. Sharingan is superior, but I must admit it is a very lovely ship." Sasuke says with a smirk.
Naruto raises an eyebrow in amusement. Well he supposed he should have expected that. Most pirates were rather competitive when it came to their ships. Still Sasuke was talking to him and seemed to be in relatively high spirits. So that was a good sign.
Speaking of high spirits, Naruto was rather liking the way his long sleeved white shirt was half opened, displaying his well sculpted chest. Oh and those dark blue pants flattered his perfect backside. The only thing that kept Naruto from grabbing said fine backside was the fact that Sasuke had a sword displayed rather prominently on his left hip and a reputation as a skilled swordsmen.
"Well as long as we are in agreement that is a very fine ship, I think we'll get along well enough." Naruto says.
"Good. Which cabin is mine?" Sasuke asks.
"Oh right. Come on. I'll show you." Naruto says as he leads Sasuke to his cabin.
Sasuke follows him to the cabin. Once inside, he looks around in approval. There was a large canopy bed with red silken sheets, pillows, and drapes. He saw a large dresser with a vanity on it and a table. There was a bookshelf as well and a trunk to stash his valuables.
"It'll do." He says and Naruto raises an eyebrow.
He couldn't resist trying to get a rise out of the stoic man. Maybe it was just his boisterous nature, but something in Naruto wanted to see the other man lose control.
"Oh well I'm glad that it meets with his majesty's approval." Naruto says and bows with a flourish.
"It does indeed. You are dismissed." Sasuke says with a smirk.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Please don't hesitate to summon me, if you need anything." Naruto says and walks off.
Sasuke tilts his head as the blonde did so. He'd never admit it out loud, but the blonde did cut an impressive figure. He shakes his head. Such thoughts were foolish and a waste of time, he'd never see him again after this heist.
On the Sharingan, Itachi was showing Gaara around. It was a strange feeling. In a way, he felt like a proud father. The red head had become one of the most well known and feared pirates on the seas. On the other hand, he felt a little dirty. Said red head had also grown up to be a very attractive man. A man that he remembered as a starving boy, who he should not be admiring in such a fashion.
"So what do you think?" Itachi asks after awhile.
"It really is a beautiful ship. Wherever did you get the money for it?" The red head asks and Itachi smirks.
"It's quite the long tale. Come I'll get us some ale and we can discuss it in detail, if it pleases you." Gaara nods and follows the elder Uchiha brother to the liquor cabinet.
Itachi pours them each a drink. He smiles as he begins the story. The Captain remembers it like it was only yesterday.
"Itachi, she is a good match for you. She's a woman with a title, good breeding, and a pretty face. What more could you possibly want?" Fugaku roared at his son.
"I want love. I don't want to marry some broodmare that will bore me to tears. I am naught marrying her." Itachi thundered right back at his father.
Itachi was vaguely aware of his younger brother, watching them from behind the corner. He sighed. Itachi certainly didn't want Sasuke to see the row that was about to happen. But there was nothing he could do about it. Once his father started, there was no going back.
Oh Fugaku Uchiha had never struck his children with his hand. His words were another matter. He had been a stern man. The Uchiha Patriarch expected full obedience from his children. So did most fathers for that matter. When he didn't get it, things tended to get rather loud.
"If you do not marry her, I will disown you!" He threatened.
"Then do it. Sasuke can be the heir. I am not going to marry someone that I do not love." Itachi snapped at him and raced off to his room.
He knew that he had to pack quickly. This was not going to be an easy separation. Itachi expected his father to follow him. He was surprised when he saw his little brother peer into his room cautiously.
"Take me with you." Sasuke said.
"Sasuke, your place is here. This is not your fault. You should stay with father and one day you will be Lord of this castle." He told his brother.
Sasuke shook his head. It was on that day, that Itachi Uchiha learned just how stubborn his younger brother could be. Once Sasuke got an idea into his head, there was no going back.
"I'm going with you." He said firmly.
Somehow they found themselves at the docks. There was a beautiful ship there. The brothers had no plan in mind, they were just admiring it. That's how they met Orochimaru.
"I see you have Sea Eyes. Your eyes both shine with love for the Sea and this ship. That's rare for nobles." The man said.
Itachi knew the man to be a pirate. He was missing a hand. In its place was a hook. Sasuke seemed fascinated by this and perhaps a little frightened. Itachi didn't blame his brother for the last part.
"We are no longer nobles. Our father disowned me and my brother insisted on coming with me. I tried to talk some sense into him, but alas, he is stubborn." Itachi replied with a shrug.
"You both seem like strong, healthy boys to me. I can always use an extra hand on the ship. Come with me. You can see the world. It's not as though your other options are particularly compelling." He mused.
Itachi looked at Sasuke. Sasuke was only twelve summers. He was not quite considered a man yet. It would be difficult for him to pick up a trade this young. Still he was too old to get much sympathy as a beggar on the streets. Itachi might fare better, but it would hard to provide for himself and his brother. Like it or not, the hooked man spoke the truth.
Eventually, Itachi and Sasuke ended up killing Orochimaru. Orochimaru had grown dangerously obsessed with them both. It was kill or be killed. After they disposed of their former mentor, they took his ship. Ever since then, they were simply referred to as The Brothers. Very few pirates were blessed enough to rival them in wealth or reputation as they had learned well from their late teacher.
"You killed Orochimaru? The man was a legend." Gaara gasps.
"Well Sasuke and I killed him together, but yes. That is what happened. The Sharingan has been ours ever since. I don't regret it. The man was unhinged. I do not allow anyone to threaten myself or my brother and live to tell the tale." Itachi says and pours them another glass of ale.
The red head could scarcely believe it. He knew that Itachi was an honest man, but still. Orochimaru had terrorized the High Seas for decades. Even Kings and Queens had been afraid of him. Yet, the brothers had killed him with apparent ease and stolen his ship.
"Remind me, never to make an enemy of you or Sasuke." He muses as he savors his second cup.
"I don't think that you could ever do so. Besides, you are intelligent enough that I don't think such a reminder is necessary." Itachi muses.
Gaara fought back the impulse to shiver. There was just something seductive about the way Itachi had said that. If such a thing were possible, he would wonder if Itachi had any Siren blood in him. His voice was truly a gift.
"That is very kind of you to say." He replies.
"I'm not in the habit of saying things to be kind. I prefer honesty, when there isn't gold involved." Itachi informs him.
The red head snorts in amusement. Oh yes, pirates would tell many a lie for gold. He had been guilty of that more than a few times. That he wouldn't take personally.
"Then how do I know you won't try to double cross Naruto and I, if we find the treasure?" The red head asks.
Itachi's lips twitch upwards in amusement. It was a rare man who would so openly question him. Perhaps that was what he liked about the red head. Maybe he knew that one day the terrified boy would become a rather brave man.
"You have no way of knowing that we are not already planning to slit your pretty throats. However, the same is true in reverse. We can not be completely certain that you are not planning on betraying us." The elder Uchiha answers his question.
"I do admire your frankness." Gaara muses.
"Is that all you admire about me?" Itachi asks rather boldly.
Gaara blinks. He could only hope that he was not actually blushing. Was Itachi actually making an advance towards him or just playing with games with his mind? The young pirate didn't even really knew if Itachi preferred men or not.
There were of course rumors about him. Naturally, there were. If you became a famous pirate, your sex life was bound to become a topic of conversation. Many men and women had claimed to have bedded the handsome Captain. Gaara wondered how many were liars and how many had been telling the truth though.
"One would think that you are fishing for compliments, with a question like that." Gaara says.
"I may have been. One's…ego can never get enough stroking." The Sharingan Captain informs him.
Yes, Itachi was definitely making advances towards him. Whether they were genuine or not, he wasn't certain. Either way, there was no mistaking the obvious innuendos anymore.
"I suppose not. Well I look forward to discovering Kurama's treasure and becoming richer than the Kings and Queens themselves with you." The Captain of Suna responds.
"I look forward to that as well. Good night, Gaara. Pleasant dreams." Itachi says as he strides out of the cabin with a sensual feline grace.
"What in the name of the Seven Seas, did I just get myself into?" The red head asks himself.