Lost in the Blue

#4 - Naruto

"You should go check-in with Shikamaru." Sasuke said as he carefully placed the few items he had brought with him in a dresser, settling into his chosen room.

Naruto studied him, sitting atop a desk and swinging his legs. "Oh yea. I probably should. I am the captain after all."

Sasuke raised his eyebrows in response.

"You have to meet us upstairs once we set sail! I have some celebratory words. And maybe I convinced Kakashi-sensei to pack some alcohol for us." Naruto said, winking.

"Did you?" Sasuke said.

"Yup!" Naruto jumped off the desk, "I'm so excited, this is like, the coolest trip I've ever been on. And that I get to do this with my friends... We're gonna see so many awesome, new things, you know?"

"Mhm."

Naruto made his way to the door but hovered his hand over the doorknob. He sighed loudly, the slightest frown forming on his face.

He was so happy that Sasuke was here. Even though technically he was forced to be on the mission, Sasuke didn't have to actually go on this trip if he didn't want to. He could've run away again, or chosen to be detained in Konoha.

But he was here.

He was alongside him listening to Naruto's never-ending train of thoughts. He was engaged, or at least acted like it.

Naruto bit his lip. Something was holding him back from telling Sasuke this. Usually, whatever came to his mind just fell out but, but this didn't feel the same.

"Something you'd like to say?" Sasuke asked, his dark eyes now on him.

Naruto spun around, eyes drifting to the sheen of sweat on Sasuke's pale neck. His collarbone was fully exposed in his little shirt and Naruto was suddenly drawn in by the dips and curves. A desire to run his tongue along his glistening skin popped into his head for a split second.

Wait... huh?!?!

He grimaced, then plastered on a smile. "Nope! Gotta blast!"

He ran down the hallway as fast as his legs could carry him and jumped up the stairs two at a time, not even bothering to shut Sasuke's door.

~~~

Shikamaru pulled the ship out of the dock and into the open waters with ease. The crew scurried below him, shifting the sails to their optimal direction.

The bay that encircled Furubiro held smooth, crystal clear waters surrounded by lustrous, green hills. In a short time, the ship weaved past other vessels and left the bay, entering the ocean and picking up speed.

Naruto swayed back and forth, losing his footing for a moment before adjusting quickly to the rocking of the sea. He leaned over a ledge and watched the water curl behind them, the ship slicing through the waves like a warm knife through butter.

This ship was powerful. It may get them to their destination faster than they anticipated.

The ocean is not a place for tailed beasts. Kurama bellowed inside him.

"Don't worry, Kurama. You're safe and sound with me." Naruto responded, closing his eyes and letting the mist and wind hit his face.

Need I remind you of the time I was ripped out of you and used for evil and general destruction of the world?

"Yup!" Naruto agreed, "Ain't gonna happen again. I promise!"

Just keep the Uchiha under control and perhaps I'll feel less uneasy.