Sasuke closed his eyes upon feeling the first gust of fresh air since joining Itachi on the Crimson Cloud. His last night in the brig after speaking with Itachi had been filled with anticipation of finally being free of the dank smells and damp chill that filled the space. He could not say he was ever a true prisoner to the Cloud. Even if he did come willingly, he knew from experience that pirates of any ilk were a skittish lot when it came to dealing with naval vessels and British sailors regardless of how the prisoners were obtained. He might have only used his time in the navy as a route to actively search for Itachi while protecting himself, he was, in the eyes of the crew, a naval crewman all the same. Trust and respect would have to be earned regardless of his standing as Itachi's returned brother.

Had fate carried a different path for them, it was likely he would already be a member of the Crimson Cloud. He would have grown up with Itachi on the ship. Life would have been an entirely different experience; and, perhaps he and Itachi would have been different people in a world where they were not separated by oceans.

He sighed and stared outward over the unseen horizon. It was best not to dwell on the could have beens. The present was the only thing needing his focus. Past and future faded away from his mind to reveal the ever glaring present in all its harsh reality and bittersweet truth.

"Sasuke."

Dark eyes shifted from the distance and to the chest he was currently pressed to. Of course Juugo would worry. That his friend had not gone wild during their separation caused a warm rush of pride to flood through him. It was a sign of the trust Juugo held for him. He trusted Sasuke's assurance that Itachi would never allow him to be harmed more than by the tedious boredom of being locked in the brig for days on end with little to occupy his mind other than thoughts of the conversations he wanted to have with his brother and their less than ideal reunion.

"Juugo," murmured Sasuke as he returned the embrace, though to a much muted degree. "I'm glad you're safe."

"It is a nice ship. The crew is respectful and the food is good." Juugo's perpetually sad face brightened. "I was told you were to be released, but I still wondered. I was worried."

"Of course they are respectful to you. I very much doubt anyone would be anything but respectful to you."

Juugo's lips spread in a grin. "And your brother?"

Sasuke patted a hand to Juugo's shoulder before stepping back at the feel of eyes on their exchange. The crew was still wary of the two, and with solid reasoning. It would take time to dispel their insecurities concerning the newest residents on board the Cloud. "Itachi and I had things to discuss."

"It was difficult?"

Dark bangs hid Sasuke's face for a moment and he inclined his head in the silent acknowledgement of the posed question. Itachi was so different. He was older and harder. The soft almond shaped eyes of his brother had been transformed into hard and calculating coal. He hid his emotions almost as well as their father, something that was both intriguing and disturbing in the same instance. It was so different from the open expressions he recalled from years past before hardships had sent them spiraling into their eventual fates. Had the life on board this ship truly been so hard as to burn the softness from his brother or had some other event transformed him?

"He's the same, but different. There are moments when I see my brother only to realize a moment later that I am standing before a stranger wearing my Itachi's face."

Juugo grunted faintly. "Did you expect him to remain unchanged? In his eyes, you're different and little more than a stranger as well. You are a man now, no longer the boy he remembered. I am sure it was a mutually difficult experience to talk with you."

"Perhaps," mumbled Sasuke. "I suppose I was too preoccupied with finding him to worry about the semantics of when I actually found him."

"And now that you have? What will you do?"

Sasuke turned his gaze to see Itachi step from the captain's cabin followed by Kisame. He did not miss the way a large tanned hand stroked over one of Itachi's lean hips before the man stepped away and barked orders to members of the crew choosing to lay about rather than focus on their chores. A small rush of jealousy sprouted inside his stomach at the fairly innocuous touch. It flared to life with such a sudden jolt, he was unprepared for it and quickly tamped it down rather than dwell on the strangeness of the feeling. It was one thing to speak of Itachi's involvement with Kisame, but to see it with his own eyes was another altogether. That man should not be touching his brother like a possession, even if Itachi allowed it.

"Sasuke?"

"What do you know of that man…Kisame?" Sasuke followed the large frame as he stopped to talk with a few of the crew members. "I have very faint memories of him from before but I was ill for much of that time and did not interact with him often."

Juugo followed his gaze to where Kisame stood laughing at whatever was said to him. "He is the first mate, though talk with the crew has Itachi pegged as the next in line for the captain's position rather than Kisame. Apparently, Captain Pein has been grooming Itachi since he came on board a decade prior."

Sasuke frowned, his gaze shooting daggers towards Kisame's back. He trusted the information to be accurate. Juugo was the quiet sort. Despite his hulking frame and amazing strength, people dismissed him quickly due to his quiet nature and generally passive demeanor. It allowed for him to easily ferret information from people without overly prying or drawing unnecessary attention to himself.

"I wonder how Kisame feels about that?" he commented dryly.

"I can't say. No one seems to think it odd. If Kisame has issue with the Captain's choices, he has yet to voice them before the crew." Juugo scratched his head. "Why the focus on him?"

Sasuke's eyes narrowed so that they formed narrow slits. "He's fucking Itachi."

Juugo seemed less than surprised by the statement. It was likely that Kisame and Itachi's involvement was discussed amongst the crew, if only in passing. That Juugo was aware was not as surprising as his reaction to Sasuke's venomous statement. His only acknowledging sign at the words was that of a slightly arched brow and a faint quirk of his lips.

"What?" snarled Sasuke at the amused look crossing his companion's face.

"Involvement with crew members is not uncommon." Juugo smiled faintly at Sasuke's annoyed face. "Long stretches at sea would cause even the most noble to desire the touch of another. Would you feel this jealousy if your brother were married with children?"

Sasuke's morose thoughts took a dive. Would he feel jealousy for a woman? His instinct was to say no, but then why would he feel it for Kisame? Was his arrogant and prickish comments from the previous day setting him off or was it some other reason? The answer was not readily available and Sasuke immediately diverted his thoughts from their path, mentally promising to return to them once he possessed time and inclination to do so.

Any thoughts concerning his jealousy were pushed aside when Itachi approached. His hair caught rays of sun and gleamed beneath the brightness. In the sun, the dark locks showed more of his mixed heritage with slight highlights of red hidden in the raven.

Almond shaped eyes drifted over Juugo before settling on Sasuke. There was no physical sign of his pleasure, except for something in Itachi's eyes speaking of his unspoken delight. They sparkled with life, showcasing a rare glimpse into the Itachi he knew and remembered from his childhood. It was a relieving sight after the harder, more jaded Itachi was revealed to him. Even their conversation and connection of the previous night left much unsaid between them and no way of broaching that subject with so many ears about. There was so many differences between them that bridging the current gap would take time, and Sasuke was not a patient man-not after so many years of looking and waiting and hoping.

"Sasuke."

Sasuke swallowed against the thick lump that had taken up residence in his throat and nodded slowly to his brother. He took in every nuance of Itachi, from the slightly highlighted locks to the soft curve of his eyes and lower to the downward turn of his lips. It was a face that was both different and yet the same as the one he had dreamed of nearly every night for ten seemingly unending years. Seeing him like this took adjustment as he merged the two Itachi's in his mind into one. The fit was not perfect and he hoped with time for them to completely fade into one-the real Itachi standing before him.

"I've spoken with the Captain about your duties while on the ship. You have to earn your place on the Cloud just like any prospective crew member. Consider the remainder of the voyage as a trial period. It will determine whether you remain land bound once we take to the sea again after a bit of time spent on Tsunade Island." A smirk tilted the corner of Itachi's lips upward. "You'll be bottom rung, doing grunt work and swabbing the deck as needed, filling in for whatever task you are called to perform. You're less than a swab."

Sasuke nearly groaned. From the way Juugo bit back a chuckle, his expression bespoke of his distaste for the position he was being afforded. The only reason Juugo was not in the same boat as he was his pure physical strength. It was practical to have Juugo doing the heavy labor instead of wasting his strength on swabbing and menial duties. That did not mean Sasuke wasn't annoyed at being assigned such, but he understood the reasoning behind it. Itachi's initial time aboard the ship was probably spent in very similar tasks.

"You'll report to Kiba. He will assign you what needs doing, but be aware he's a lazy little shit and will likely foist his duties on you along with what you need to do." Itachi's smirk widened. "Welcome aboard the Crimson Cloud, Mr. Uchiha."

oOo

To say life on board any ship was the same as another was a gross misstatement. In all his years on board Captain Hatake's vessel, never had he been worked so hard or so thoroughly. By the time the bell was rung for supper, Sasuke was nearly collapsing against the deck railing. His body screamed in hunger, but was barely capable of moving from where he stood, hard bristled brush still clenched in his hand.

Muscles that should not have been sore were quivering beneath his skin. His hands were scraped raw, a few burst blisters having developed on his already callused palms. If he were required to bend over, he would likely topple from the faint spasms roiling through his lower back when he attempted to do more than stand.

Sasuke was used to hard labor. His life from the day he was taken on board the British vessel never saw a quiet or lazy day while at sea. Even when in port, he searched for Itachi or continued with his duties as a way to forget the echo created in the empty part of him that was constantly longing for his lost brother.

A hand latched onto the railing in order to remain standing. Even with the painful tightening in his empty gullet, he found himself unable to follow the crew to the galley for dinner. He refused to shame himself by collapsing before strangers. They had seen his workload, but had not spoke or offered assistance. Only Juugo spoke in offering around midday.

A small dry laugh rumbled from Sasuke's chest. Of course, he'd refused Juugo's aid. When he saw Juugo approaching him now, a silent glare was sent in his direction, diverting him from offering aid. Weakness was not something tolerated on a ship, especially so when on board a pirate vessel. All that could be done was to take the duties presented to him and show his determination to earn a place on the ship. He would take the abuse a hundred fold if it meant remaining at Itachi's side from this point forward.

"You look wrung out."

The muscles in Sasuke's jaw clenched at the rumbling voice belonging to none other than Kisame. A quick glance from the corner of his eyes showed amusement creasing the hard lines of darkly tanned cheeks, pale blue eyes sparkling in mirth. Had he possessed the strength to do so, Sasuke would have plowed his fist into those amusement twisted lips so to show his displeasure at being the brunt of another's humor.

"Ah, you don't look happy, Porcupine."

Fury dotted color to Sasuke's cheeks at the name and his hand clenched into a fist so to fight back the urge to follow through with the desire to see Kisame sporting a split lip to accompany the cut cheek and bruised jaw. Knowing it was Itachi who placed those injuries on the chiseled cheeks was a large comfort to Sasuke. He took offense to the comment obviously directed at his hair. His hair was not spiny like that of a porcupine but tended to stand stiff from the sweat and salty water.

"What's the matter, Porcupine?"

Oh, the temptation to plow forward with all his strength ate away at him.

"Go away."

If anything, the smirking lips twisted into a broader, toothy grin. The sparkling in crystalline eyes intensified, causing Sasuke, despite his stewing anger, to acknowledge that Kisame was attractive; not in the traditional sense, but in the hard as iron, masculine sense. He was all bulging muscle and hard angles. It was his eyes, however, that drew Sasuke's gaze and penetrated through the fury. Clear blue, so pale they looked to lack any color at all stared at him through the red light of the setting sun.

"Then, I suppose you don't want this." Kisame opened the satchel looped over his shoulder and withdrew a small loaf of freshly baked bread followed by salted pork loin and a large hunk of aged cheese.

Sasuke was thankful the splash of the water against the hull and the wind blowing strongly about them hid the sound of his stomach growling at the sight of the food displayed before him. Saliva pooled in his mouth, forcing him to swallow or drown in the influx before it began dribbling from his lips. There was not time during the day to eat as Kiba immediately stalked in to being, barking orders at him as soon as Itachi left his side.

Hunger gnawed at him, sparking a rise in his ire as well as curiosity at Kisame's seemingly kind gesture. Kindness was not something men of their pasts understood, so he had little doubt that there was more to this than a simple act of kindness. "Why?"

"Because you didn't break today." A chuckle rumbled from Kisame as he gestured for Sasuke to follow him towards a few tied barrels. "Today was a test, or I saw it as such. No member of the crew would dare offer to help in your duties. Your friend, Juugo, could have received the lash for offering even if he isn't as seasoned in this crew as the others. No man interferes with the duties of another unless help is asked. It's an unspoken rule on the Cloud."

"So, all those arses were waiting for me to beg for help?" Sasuke snarled at Kisame. "They were waiting for me to shame myself, even my brother?"

Kisame shook his head while placing the food on the barrel between them. "They were testing your mettle, except perhaps Kiba. He was just giving you all his duties excluding those of dealing with the Captain."

"That arrogant little shit had better not cross my path on the morrow."

A chuckle rumbled from Kisame's chest. "Go easy on him. He has it rough dealing with Pein. I think only Itachi has ever excelled at keeping peace with the Captain. They are alike in some ways."

Sasuke growled under his breath and fought to keep from staring at the food. The solitary slice of bread he used to break his fast that morning when released from his cell in the brig was long gone after a day constantly working beneath the glaringly hot sun, made worse by the cutting winds and salty spray. The spread was practically a feast in his eyes, far more than he could eat in one setting.

Kisame grinned at Sasuke and gestured to the food. "Eat up."

Hunger took control of him, much to his chagrin, and he reached immediately for the bread, breaking it in half and tearing off a large chunk with his teeth. He nearly moaned at the soft texture. Fresh baked food in the past was reserved for the captain. As a member of the crew, he received rations of whatever was mass produced for the ship.

While still chewing on his mouthful of bread, he watched as Kisame pulled a knife from his belt and set about carving hunks from the cheese, offering Sasuke several pieces before taking one for himself. Sasuke took the cheese and popped it into his mouth, allowing the tangy flavor to roll over his tongue, blending beautifully with the starchy texture of the bread. It was a simple meal, but more than adequate for his palate.

"Did you steal this from the kitchen?" asked Sasuke after swallowing the bolus of food in his mouth. "If you did, I want nothing to do with it. Stealing from the captain's stores could bring you ten lashes before the mast."

Kisame arched a brow. "Do you think so low of me that I would actually steal from my captain?"

"You're a pirate," Sasuke snapped as his cheeks heated beneath the amused stare. "If you didn't steal it, how did you acquire it?"

"I simply walked into the galley larder and took it."

"You walked in and took it?" Sasuke could not believe what he was hearing. "Why would you do that?"

"Because you deserved some decent food after driving yourself into the deck." Kisame pulled a dusty brown bottle from his bag and clamped his teeth onto the cork to pull it free. With an full grin, he tipped the bottle upward and took several deep swallows before offering the bottle to Sasuke.

Sasuke did not normally drink of heavy spirits, however, with the day he'd had, the dulling of the aches coursing through his body was excuse enough. Sniffing the rim cautiously, the smell of rum wafted upward. It was strong enough to nearly intoxicate him with the scent alone. It did not possess an odor like the watered down swill commonly drunk by seamen, but rather a spicy fragrance that left a faint burn in his nose. He tipped it back and allowed the brew to run past his lips and then down his throat. The burn was instantaneous and strong. This was no common swill, but expensive rum likely belonging to the captain.

Sasuke coughed as he pulled away, nearly doubling over. "That's expensive rum."

"Yes, it is." Kisame took the bottle and downed another long swallow. "Taken from a lovely English trade vessel several weeks back."

Just a few swallows of the brew had Sasuke's vision hazy and his body more relaxed. A warm breeze wafted over them from the ocean. For a moment, the aches and pains of his grueling day were fading away. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, smelling the mixture of salt, sea, and sweat. The sea was in his blood. Even with Itachi returned to his life, he doubted there would be much hope of making a life on land when the sea was very much alive in him.

Sasuke felt Kisame's gaze and opened his eyes to send a glare in his direction. "What are you staring at?"

"Merely noting the differences between you and your brother." Kisame's gaze darted over Sasuke's face before drifting down the take in this entire body in one quick swoop. "At first glance, you look similar, but the more I look at you and the more you talk, you aren't alike at all."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Simply what I said. You're different from your brother. Your eyes especially." Kisame braced his elbow on his knee and then propped his chin on his fisted hand. "Your eyes are narrow and curve upward at the corners. Itachi's eyes are more open with thick lashes. Your noses are different too."

"What is this? Do you want to spend all night comparing our differences? I'm not Itachi, so of course I would be different." Sasuke took another bite of bread and reached for a bit of the salted pork. With the immediate edge taken off his hunger, he was able to take his time and enjoy the food obviously pilfered from the stores reserved for the captain. "What is your angle."

"You're going to be in Itachi's life."

Realization struck Sasuke and he sat back with a glare. "You want to make certain I don't cause problems for you."

"In so many words…yeah. I don't like waves while in port. Do we have an accord on the matter?"

A light lit in Sasuke's eyes and snatched the bottle of rum from the barrel. "I don't cause problems, but I won't roll over for you to do as you like where Itachi is concerned simply because you can. Thank you for the meal. I'll be keeping this."

"Sasuke…"

"I won't interfere with your fucking of my brother, if that is the thought you are entertaining. What he allows to be stuck up his arse is no concern of mine." Sasuke could not stop the faint creeping sense of annoyance mixed liberally with anger and even strangely enough, jealousy. The reason for the jealousy wasn't readily available to his mind and with the added influence of the rum, was even more illusive than it normally would have been.

Kisame extended a hand in a placating motion. "Don't be angry. This was a peace offering. Nothing more."

The hand clasped his shoulder and prevented him from leaving present company. "What?"

"Don't try to get between Itachi and I. You won't like how vicious I can be at keeping what is mine."

A thrill worked through Sasuke and he could not stop the way his stomach tightened at the words. He tried to shrug away from the touch, but it remained firm and determined. The hand holding to his shoulder felt as if it were a brand, burning him through his clothing. "Let go."

"Do we have an accord?"

"Go fuck a shark," snapped Sasuke as his anger finally broke and he forcefully freed Kisame's hand from his body.

He stalked to where he saw Juugo sitting far enough away to give them privacy of conversation, yet close enough to know if he should require aid. Taking a seat beside him, Sasuke offered the bottle to his companion. "Arse."

"You know you can sleep with the crew. I'm sure your brother arranged for you to have a hammock below." Juugo took a long drink of the rum. "This is quality rum."

"I prefer to sleep up here with you in the open. You aren't the only one who doesn't deal well in close spaces, if you recall."

"And the rum?" asked Juugo with a smile.

"Stolen from the captain."

A low hum of amusement rumbled from his companion's chest. "It's good."

"Rum is never good."

"When it is a choice between stale, old rum and this, it's good." Juugo took another deep gulp of the rum and passed the bottle back to Sasuke. "That's good advice in general."

Sasuke chuckled and swished the alcohol around in his mouth before swallowing, already feeling the dimming of his senses. "And what advice would that be?"

"Enjoy what you have. Don't fight it. You finally have your brother." Juugo's eyes softened. "I'm glad I could meet the man you spoke of so often."

"He's different."

"As are you."

Sasuke hummed and began picking at his nails. "I know."

"You'll have your chance with your brother," said Juugo before leaning back and turning his eyes to the stars. "Of that I have no doubt."

Sasuke did not respond. He chose, instead, to gaze over the dark waters spanning out from the ship. Once the sun set, the ocean became a dark mass of the unknown. Where the sky ended and the sea began was a complete blur. Only the stars could guide, he only wished life could be guided by a sextant and a star chart as easily as ship.

oOo

"Land!"

Eyes darted from chores to the small dot of land barely visible on the horizon. A wave of excitement worked through the crew as was the same any time a visit to port was imminent. That the land seen was the home berth of the Crimson Cloud only made the crew's excitement all the more poignant.

The two weeks on board the Cloud were a learning experience in patience and humility. Kiba did not let up with his layering of double chores on Sasuke, to which he took without complaint or argument. The crew respected him all the more for it.

Many spoke to Sasuke and offered their services in the future should he require it. While the gesture was appreciated, he preferred to complete all the duties he was assigned.

His relationship with Itachi remained strained, though not to the initial degree. Neither was eloquent with saying what they felt. At least the silence between them no longer held that painful quality created between strangers who were brothers. Most days, Itachi would arrive with Sasuke's food and sit with him while they ate. It was a welcome gesture.

Kisame spoke with him no more on the issue of Itachi. He could not say he liked the man. His gaze could be felt from the highest point on the mast. Eyes so pale, they looked unnatural, especially when coupled with his sun darkened skin.

There was no denying when his eyes landed on Sasuke. He could feel them-intense and piercing. They burned like a touch.

Sasuke spoke often in confidence with Juugo. Kisame seemed to spend more time watching him than was comfortable. Perhaps he plotted against him. Perhaps he simply sought to determine if he was a threat to him. Kisame's full intentions were unknown and they unnerved Sasuke, as did the disconcerting touch that he could no fully comprehend.

A hand touched Sasuke's shoulder, causing him to jerk before turning to see Itachi standing silently behind him. "The Captain wants to see you."

Sasuke blinked. He had yet to speak with Captain Pein privately, though he had seen him moving about the ship, checking the status of the crew and the vessel, occasionally spending time at the helm behind the wheel. During the entirety of his fortnight on the ship, this would be the first time he had spoken with the man.

Itachi led Sasuke up the steps and paused outside the Captain's cabin. "Don't try to bullshit or play him. This man is one of the most intelligent men I have ever met. If you attempt to trap him, you'll find yourself trapped instead and he will have no qualms about killing you."

Sasuke smirked slightly in an attempt to hid the churning of his insides. "Then we are in accord, because if he tries to play me, I would have no trouble repaying the favor."

"Don't be stupid, little brother. I don't want to have to kill my captain."

A thrill worked through Sasuke and settled strangely in his stomach, instantly replacing the nervous fluttering. "You would kill for me?"

"I already have," he murmured while staring at Sasuke from the corner of his eyes. "My first kill was for you…to protect you."

A shuddering breath left Sasuke's lips. "I don't remember much from back then. Sometimes it feels like a dream."

Itachi's face hardened and he lifted his hand to knock. "It wasn't a dream."

Sasuke shot out his hand and latched onto Itachi's wrist, halting the movement. "Why are you with Kisame?"

There was a moment's pause. Itachi's lips parted and the slight pink was visible before he snapped them closed and turned to Sasuke. "Because I want to be."

His fist was pulled from Sasuke's grip and knocked firmly on the thick wooden door leading to into the Captain's cabin. "Enter."

Itachi pushed inside and gestured for Sasuke to follow. They stood side by side, both dark haired with exotic and aristocratic features. There was no denying the resemblance between them.

The captain was seated at his desk, maps and charts piled in some order only he could decipher. Pale, lavender eyes stared with intensity between the two, shifting ever so faintly so to take in both brothers standing before him. Silver and gold caught the light of the lamp, drawing Sasuke's eyes to the multitude of hoops and studs working their way up the Captain's ears. He had never seen any person, other than various savages from untamed tribes, wearing such jewelry. Even his hands were decorated, nearly every finger possessing a ring of some value. The jewelry was at strict odds with the plain, loose white shirt and form fitting black trousers.

"Leave us, Itachi."

Sasuke watched as his brother's frame stiffened slightly. He looked ready to argue the point of staying before thinking better of it and nodding before exiting the dim lit cabin. His eyes watched until Itachi completely disappeared from sight before turning to face the captain.

"I've been watching you." Pein tapped his fingers on the hard wood of his desk before rising and making his way to face Sasuke. His hips leaned lazily on the desk and his arms were folded across his chest. "You're an interesting one."

Biting the inside of his jaw harshly, Sasuke relished in the control the small dose of pain gave him so to prevent him from blurting out something to draw the ire of the most powerful man on the Crimson Cloud.

"Nothing to say?" Pein uncrossed his legs and stepped forward. "No?"

"What is there to say?"

A small smile curled Pein's lips. "When you captain the same ship for fifteen years, you learn a thing or two about the vessel-the sound of her guns, the feel of her rudder when you turn the wheel. I was given this ship by a man I honored above all others when I was barely past twenty."

"A little young for a captain," Sasuke commented dryly.

"Indeed, but I took to it like a fish to water. After a while, a captain has to develop a certain sense of things." Pein's eyes were hard and lips a thin line. "I need to know that keeping you on board won't cause issues with my crew. Most of them I would trust with my life."

"And the others?"

"The others are men who know not to cross me least they end up with a live burial at sea."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes as Pein stepped close enough that he could smell the tobacco on his body. "Then I suppose you should bury me today, because for my brother, I would cross you in this very moment."

"You're protective of him." The words were not a question, but a statement.

"He is my brother."

Pein nodded and took a step back, only far enough to pull an ornate dagger from a sheath at his waist, and pressed the blade to Sasuke's throat. "There are things to be said about men who don't flinch when facing death."

"When facing death, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain."

Amusement colored the lavender eyes. "Ah, you sound very much like Captain Jiraiya. But you aren't like him. You're a smart man, but not the social sort. You don't ask for help, choosing to do everything yourself. Who do you depend on, Sasuke Uchiha?"

"Myself."

"Not your brother?" Pein pressed the blade over the pulsing flesh above Sasuke's jugular. "If you can't trust family, who can you trust?"

"Myself."

A red trickle of blood worked its way down Sasuke's neck, staining the white of the open collar of his shirt. His pulse picked up speed, yet he remained externally calm, dark eyes never breaking contact with amused lavender orbs.

"A worrisome thought. What is to keep you from running off at some port and returning to the British Navy with the knowledge you gained while amongst us?"

"My word. All I have done for the last decade is search for my brother. I will not leave him for any reason." Sasuke's dark eyes glittered in the lamplight, sparkling like obsidian. "Itachi is everything."

Pein met the stare with every bit as much potency as Sasuke before withdrawing his dagger and stepping back. "We'll see. You may remain with the Cloud for now, Mr. Uchiha, but don't forget what I said before. Those I don't trust, think better of crossing me."

The dagger was sheathed, Pein's back to him. "You may leave."

Sasuke stared at the broad back and ginger hair before turning and leaving the cabin, a hand lifting to touch his stinging neck as he pushed through the door and into the bright sunlight. Itachi was waiting for him just outside. The thickness of the door prevented any conversation from being overheard, yet something akin to relief spread across his brother's face upon seeing Sasuke approach.

"Welcome officially to the crew, Sasuke."

The small smile on Itachi's face was enough for Sasuke. Knowing his brother was pleased with him was enough. He felt like a boy again, striving to please his brother in his every action. The only person marring their reunion was standing behind the wheel with pale blue eyes locked onto them. Sasuke met the gaze with a glare, in an attempt to dispel the strange nervousness those eyes brought on.

"We're home, Sasuke. This," Itachi gestured to the island growing large over the bow, "is Tsunade Island."

*Edited chp.*