Chapter Text
Suo Hayato loved storms.
Storms were feared most of the time. Avoided even, their destructive beauty making people flee away from them. But Suo stayed.
Because as much as he loved the ocean, he loved it even more when it was enraged. Maybe because he could relate to it, feeling that nature itself could relate to his harsh anger towards the world.
And then, when nature was angered, it created storms, and Suo felt finally alive when he was close to one of them. For him, they could be seen as fascinating creations.
He loved the feeling of rough waves making his body shake and fall and lose balance as the pouring rain fell on his face, like it was trying to reshape him, giving him a new body that would feel better than the current one. He loved the feeling of strong wind in his reddish locks, tangling his hair and twirling his long earrings while his only eye would watch the grey clouds forming in the high sky and rumbling terror of a power that was all superior to them.
Sakura was like a storm. The most beautiful of them all.
Like a fierce, strong, powerful being that was splendidly showing off its greatness, immensely merciless and beautifully destructive. Sakura was harsh as the rain, strong as the waves, terrible as the thunder. But he was so, so essential for Suo to keep living.
Those thoughts were invading Suo's mind as he watched his captain on their ship.
Today was a sunny day, not a stormy day. But it was okay for Suo, because Sakura was here and he was the only thing Suo needed to feel good. And he was there, on his ship's bow, near the rudder, his magnificent bichrome eyes intensely watching the ocean like this blue liquid could give him all the answers of this world.
He wasn't wearing his captain coat and hat today. As it was a calm day, he didn't necessarily need them, letting his glorious aura to the side to keep a serene and simpler demeanor, wearing a white puff shirt, black tight pants and black long boots. Everyone had the same kind of outfit on the boat, comfortable and tight clothes that helped them move as they wished, whether it was for tasks to be accomplished on the boat or for a potential danger that could come from anywhere. The sea wasn't their ally and these pirates knew it very well.
Suo himself was also on the ship's bow, not far from his captain (he was never far from him), but not so close either, wanting to give him space from his attention cravings. Dressed in a similar outfit as Sakura's, Suo's only difference being a black corset tightening his thin waist, his reddish eye watched the boat with attention, his sharp mind always on alert. But his soul was sometimes a little too attracted by the being commanding this magnificent boat.
This same boat wasn't very big, but it was of good quality. They didn't need a Galleon or a Cog, which were much bigger boats with more artillery, because Sakura’s crew wasn't many and they were just a small force in Bofurin's fleet. This Caravelle was enough for them to go through their adventures, small but fast, painted in deep black with blue details, splitting the waves at a constant speed while its large white sails were pushed by the sea wind and the black banner with Bofurin's emblem floated proudly on top of the highest mast.
This was their home, and they were gladly satisfied about it.
But even if the blue of the salted immensity could be beautiful to watch, Suo preferred to focus on every detail of Sakura's persona, going from his serious expression to one black lace of his boot being untied. He was so tall, so majestic when he was in his element, surrounded by his crew and by the sea, that Suo has difficulties focusing on anything else.
Suo knew that his stare was probably too much for Saruka's liking. After all, his captain was used to enduring critical and disgusted glares, silently whispering to him that his creation shouldn't have happened. But Suo also knew that Sakura was aware his own look didn’t whisper the same words at all. It was quite the opposite, Suo could never thank the creators enough for sculpting and painting Sakura's image. For Suo, Sakura was perfect in all the ways he was flawed, and he was so human. So human. Like a bruise that faded slowly, to remind you that pain keeps you on the ground. Like a papercut that reminds you just how small things can hurt you. Small things like those rare but transcendent smiles Sakura would sometimes grant him, and Sakura's smiles hurt so bad, reminding him how alive he was. So Suo continued to fix him, admire him, because he didn't know how to live but in the constant research of Sakura's emotions.
He was nothing but the vessel of desire that Sakura would dip into like a Goddess.
And as the sea wind was caressing his face in a tender question, probably asking him why Suo wasn't capable of living and existing for something else than worship a failed creation like Sakura, two bichromes pupils found him. A strange look, half embarrassed by this amount of adoration Suo was holding in his single iris, and half annoyed by this constant want from Suo to exist in Sakura's eyes.
The taller answered this embarrassment and annoyance with a smile, a fond and true smile which only Sakura and a few other privileged people could witness. And so, in response, Sakura's eyes became less annoyed and more embarrassed.
He was still standing tall and proud when he did a head movement, silently asking Suo to come closer. And who was Suo to refuse anything to the absolute representation of his devotion?
Suo's smile became a little more controlled and less true as he walked on the bow's wood to head near the rudder, knowing other crewmembers will now turn their attention to him. Because even if Sakura kind of refused to admit it, the entire crew and ship atmosphere was revolving around him. The stares were different from those of his past judging his appearance, but they were still here, searching for every glimpse of emotion, of intention, of order in Sakura's demeanor. His entire being was the epicenter of the crew's attention. If Sakura was serious, then the crew was concentrated. If Sakura was anxious, then the crew was cautious, if Sakura was hurt, then the crew was on edge, furious even. And when Sakura was happy, all the faces smiled to the waves and the sky to thank them endlessly.
Suo didn't really know if Sakura was aware of that, of this kind of psychological impact he had on his crew. Sure he knew that the ship revolved around him since he was their captain, but it was more than that. It was more than just following someone's orders because they were stronger or smarter. It was like a deep connection, like dedicating their whole beings to someone who looked right through them and accepted them as they were, so flawed and gross and utterly human.
(Suo found it quite frustrating that Sakura was able to accept and forgive any flaws except his own.)
There were only a few other persons like that in Suo's knowledge, persons who were able to capt everyone's attention just by a single gesture or word, persons who were powerful enough to have countless other souls being drawn to them. Umemiya, of course, who was like Sakura but on a larger scale since the entire Bofurin fleet was revolving around him. Hiiragi too, who had this strange capacity and wanted to help every lost soul that crossed his path. And Choji maybe, his emotions literally ruling his crew and Togame's entire persona.
Suo found this situation really interesting, this intense effect some personalities can have on others. And the more he spent time with Sakura, the more he noticed that his captain's affect was maybe the strongest he's ever witnessed, to the point of submitting Togame, who was ruled only by Choji's emotions, Hiiragi and even Umemiya. Everytime Sakura was involved in a matter, the whole fleet would be too. Everytime Sakura was out on a mission, the entire fleet would wait for him to return. Suo thought that it was as beautiful as caging for Sakura, the weight on his shoulders becoming heavier and heavier every time another soul was drawn to his uniqueness.
But Sakura wasn't one to let himself be drowned by this weight. He learned, after some time, that letting his friends and crew support him made them more happy than anything else. They were always thrilled when they knew they could help him carry the weight, and it was the same for Suo.
Maybe it was also one of the reasons why Sakura loved the sea so much. He could be freer, away from the responsibilities and the stares. Everyone who knew Sakura well enough knew that a part of him belonged and will always belong to the sea. He wasn't tied to the earth like every human would, there was something unreachable in him. And maybe that could explain why so many people wanted to unconsciously be impacted by him.
But Sakura would never run away from them entirely, his role as a captain was really dear to him. He was so, so devoted to them, and it was probably because he unconsciously knew that most of their emotions and feelings revolved around him.
So Suo, as his black boots were clacking against the floor as a demonstration of his pride to be the second-hand man of this beautiful ship (of this beautiful captain), he felt all the stares lock onto him, watching him cautiously as he was approaching their epicenter. However Suo wasn't really bothered by it, even feeling satisfied knowing that Sakura was the one who called to him.
But the real satisfaction was in the way Sakura looked at him, calling him, almost begging him to come closer.
God. The things he would do for Sakura to beg even more.
When Suo arrived close to his dear captain, Sakura didn't turn his gaze. His moon and sun colored pupils, free from any eyepatch covering them, were gazing into his own iris as his bicolored hair were flying around his serious face, black and white locks dancing with the wind. As he was on his ship, with his crew and closest persons, he didn't need to hide himself from the unwanted glares observing his unusual appearance. Everyone on his ship knew and loved those differences.
Especially Suo. Oh how much Suo loved those piercing eyes and silky hair. They were the representation of his singularity, the epitome of his pure beauty. One look from him, one stare, one smile, one gesture, and Suo's heart stopped being a soulless doll.
Sakura was a star on Earth. And he was so much more than Suo ever felt.
"Hey. You're alright there?"
Hearing this calm voice, Suo couldn’t help but smile. Sakura sounded so sweet, worried as if there was something he could fix when Suo felt like he was a puzzle that couldn’t be solved. Puzzle pieces scattered throughout his life, none in the same place. He barely felt like a human being sometimes with so much of his mind struggling like this. Struggling to see Sakura how he probably should see him.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
Sakura raised an eyebrow, looking through him like he could read his every thought, and Suo felt like letting him.
"You were looking at me."
"I'm always looking at you."
There they were. Those rosy cheeks he liked so much.
"Cut the crap..."
Suo chuckled, because Sakura was always so utterly sincere in the expression of his emotions.
Suo took the opportunity to come even closer to his captain, knowing that this one wouldn't mind at all. And as the silence was now embracing them, their said and unsaid words getting blown away by the sea wind, Suo knew that some part of Sakura was focused on the sea in front of him. His eyes would wander to this bluish infinity, and Suo would use those moments to admire the creation he had in front of him.
Suddenly, in the corner of his eye, Suo noticed a little shadow jumping on the wood bar in front of them. His smile became a little softer as he recognized Sakura's eternal and long-life friend, her deep blue eyes reflecting the sunlight just like the ocean. The little cat meowed to get her owner's attention and Sakura turned his eyes from the sea to lock them in Umi's, smiling tenderly at the little feline.
"Hello you. Where have you been-"
Sakura's phrase was cut by a scream. And if Suo's heart raced a little too fast during a millisecond, his calmness came back rapidly when he understood the cause of the shouting.
"Hearing Anzai's screams, she was probably stealing from the kitchen again."
"Umi." Sakura frowned, losing his gentle smile, and the black and white cat lay down on the wooden railing, like she was bowing to Sakura's stare. "I already told you not to steal. Tsugeura let you do because he's got a soft spot for you but Anzai's gonna lose his hair..."
Suo chuckled, putting a hand in front of his mouth. It was always so endearing the way Sakura was talking to Umi like she was a human, a little child he has to keep an eye on.
Suo would argue that it was more Umi who had to keep an eye on their hot-headed captain, but he kept his mouth shut.
The cat meowed again, like an excuse, an apology as her big blue eyes were pleading for mercy. And Sakura sighed, because he knew he would forgive, and he knew this little demon will steal again, and that Anzai will whine about it again and that Sakura could do nothing about it because this feline was smarter than most of the people on this freaking boat.
"I'm sure you're teaching her some tricks in secret..." Sakura whispered as he was now stroking the cat's head, Umi purring instantly feeling her favorite person's caresse on her head. "Like how to manipulate all of us and make us dance in the palm of her pawn."
"I fear that she was already skilled in that aspect, dear Sakura."
"You did try then."
"I would never."
"If it was to make Anzai go crazy you totally would."
"You got me there."
Sakura snickered, still stroking his cat's head before letting her go, watching her meow one last time before climbing the boat's mast to go in the nest, the highest point of this little Caravelle. She was probably going to Kurita who was on watching duty right now. The nest was hers and Sakura's favorite place on the entire boat, and Suo didn't know if it was because they could both watch the sea silently or because they were away from the stares.
Sakura turned his attention back to the ocean and Suo turned his attention back to him.
"You still want to ask me something, don't you?"
Sakura didn't seem surprised by Suo's statement, like he was waiting for his second-hand man to finally ask. Like he wanted Suo to be the one starting this conversation.
Sea wind and Suo's gaze were still caressing Sakura's face when he turned his mismatched pupils to him.
"You're a little more distant since you came back from that mission..."
Suo's smile became a little more controlled. Not quite the same polite smile he showed to every noble he crossed paths with these past few days, but close enough for Sakura to frown at him.
"Not really. We were able to get that map and destroy the Viscount reputation, as well as stealing most of his treasures and giving them to the townsfolk, right? So everything's fine."
"Why're you making that face then?"
Suo tensed a little. Subtly, but once again enough for Sakura's piercing gaze to see right through him.
"What face?"
"The face you make when you're uneasy."
"You worry too much."
"Because you don't fucking care about yourself."
It was a little harsh, and maybe a little too real for Suo's liking. But this oh so honest behavior was one of the parts Suo loved the most about his captain.
"I just need a little bit of time. Could you grant me that?"
Sakura's gaze became softer, like a caresse, like a whisper trying to break Suo's mask to murmur words of reassurance and kindness. Something Suo still wasn't used to.
"I told you we ain't gonna do any mission like that for a while." Sakura stated, voice calm but stern. "We planned to come back to Umemiya in the village, it's gonna take a few days, maybe weeks before we arrive, so take it easy during the trip. And then when we'll be there you'll have the time to rest."
Suo's smile grew a little more soothed. Sakura was indeed worrying too much, but the red-haired knew that, deep down, behind this controlled facade he mastered so much that he was forgetting himself a little more each time he used his mask, he was thankful for Sakura's empathy. For this inner honesty his captain always shared. Suo was feeling even more enraged knowing people's acts toward him during his past affected this beautiful part of him, and so many others.
It surprised him as much as it amused him how people could be so stupid. Seeing his difference, people always considered that Sakura was bad. That he was the definition of misfortune, the synonym of nuisance, the embodiment of calamity. But there were so many more adjectives to characterize Sakura, to describe his purpose on earth. There were so many more descriptions people could do of him, so many more characterizations, so many more narratives. Although Suo would also argue that there was no narrative that Sakura couldn’t live up to because he was the height of every thought, the pinnacle of every dream. Sakura was absolute to him.
"Tell me if there's anything you need."
And Suo's heart could burst with joy right now, nobody would be surprised.
"Always."
***
Nirei was kind of proud to say that he had a talent for understanding things quite easily.
It took time for him to recognize it, but now he was more confident about what he was capable of accomplishing. He knew he was fast to recall names and locations, skilled in drawing maps and navigating himself and his ship through the sea. Actually, he was kind of the navigator of the crew, and if Sakura was still a great navigator thanks to his instinct, Nirei was more practical and always helped him find the best routes and paths through the ocean thanks to controlled reflections.
Moreover, as the first member of Sakura's crew he was somehow quite respected among the others, even with his lack of strength and fighting ability. He also knew that his post as a second-hand man was never discussed the slightest, and even if Nirei wasn't one to use authority, he could see in the eyes of his fellow crewmates that his words were absolute when it came to navigation.
When Nirei and Sakura met, the blond-haired boy promised himself to guide his captain through the most tempestuous and tumultuous seas, help him find his path through raging storms and furious hurricanes. However, with time, Nirei came to understand that Sakura was probably the most ferocious storm of them all. And how magnificent that was.
For some reason, Nirei wasn't afraid of him. Not in the slightest. He could be, probably should be actually, but never was. Sakura was a fierce fighter, a great leader and a thoughtful friend, but there was something about him that was quite unique and hard to understand. Something out of this world, like a part of him didn't belong here, on earth.
He talked about it with Suo once, and the glint of shining adoration he saw passing through the single eye of his friend helped him be less worried about this: he wasn't the only one to be transcended by Sakura's uniqueness. He just had something more than the others, something destructive but magnificent (like a storm), and if a lot of people were ostracizing him because of that before, scared of this difference they couldn't fathom, it was quite the opposite now. All Bofurin crew could agree on the fact that Sakura was as touching as he was celestial, unapproachable sometimes. But it was okay, because he was also so human.
And Nirei, who wasn't the bravest among the crew, was never in his life afraid of Sakura. It was even scarry how devoted he was to his captain sometimes, his loyalty having one and only limit called Umemiya. And even so, he wasn't sure that he would still follow Bofurin's captain if Sakura wasn't asking him to do so.
So yeah, supported by Sakura, Nirei came to be kind of confident about his ability to guide his crew through this intense and very blue immensity. He was still feeling guilty most of the time for not being as skilled with a sword as Suo or not as good with a gun as Kiryu, or not as strong as Sugishita, but none of them ever looked down on him for that. They knew, just like Sakura who was trusting him blindly, that his strength and qualities were lying elsewhere. Sakura and Suo always encouraged him to be prouder about his capacity to recall names and locations and understand maps and navigation devices rapidly. His quick mind and judgment were one of the most useful things to navigate, and it was a talent he came to acknowledge.
However, if there was something he wasn't quite sure to understand, it was Suo and Sakura's relationship.
Yet he had no trouble understanding them separately.
Sakura was his captain and always will be, that he had no doubt. And Suo was like his mentor, teaching him how to fight and how to be a good second-hand man. For the both of them, behind friendship and kindness layed a blind and trustful bond, a true and tight feeling that linked them three together strongly. But Nirei, whose other specialty was to study people and comprehend their behavior, couldn't help but notice how interesting their interactions were.
In Sakura there was only this "out of this world" part that was complicated to comprehend, but unlike others, Nirei didn't find it hard to understand. For him it wasn't that he was "out of this world", but more that he was utterly and truly human. He was so emphatically real and careful when it came to human emotions, trying so hard, so hard to understand what people wanted from him and how to handle their expectations. The meticulous care and touching enthusiasm he was putting in trying to understand people's emotions better was one of the most moving things Nirei ever witnessed in a human being. That would probably be one of the many reasons why Nirei would dedicate his entire life to Sakura.
He knew Suo could see this too, could see this beautiful side of their captain, but he also knew that his judgment was biased by the amount of adoration he held for him. Sometimes he was worshiping an idyllic creature, and sometimes he was loving a disgustingly beautiful human. But Nirei was more focused on this very human side that tried to live amongst the disgusted or idolatrous stares.
He knew very well that Sakura needed his alone time, alone with the sea, alone with the sky, alone with the waves, because of this unreachable part he had in him. But when Nirei knew he had to let Sakura have his mind cooled by the waves' sound to refocus himself on the world, Suo had a hard time letting him go. Always scared that, one day, Sakura would fall in the ocean and never come back because he would realize that life underwater was much more breathable for him, far from heavy judgments and burdening responsibilities. And if Nirei could possibly live in this world knowing that Sakura was happy somewhere else, he knew that Suo couldn’t. Unable to let go of this free soul that pulled him out of the depths of his own harmful meanders, too selfish to live in a world where Sakura Haruka wouldn't exist.
So sometimes Nirei acted as a shield to protect some or Sakura's private intimacy. He was acting like a boundary, like a wall to protect Sakura as much as he could, listening to him when the burden of his existence was being too rough and punching him when he was becoming too insecure about his will to live. Nirei's greatest mission was to be the bulwark protecting Sakura's freedom when he would restrict it himself.
Even from Suo. Because he was afraid that sometimes his devotion would picture Sakura too much like a God and not enough like a human.
So yeah. Even if Sakura was the freer person he's ever met, he was also restraining himself, indulging himself in an act that curbed him to be able to exist in this world. And the thing that Nirei didn't quite understand was how Suo was able to catch a being that didn't entirely belong to their universe.
Nirei saw them kiss once. And the disturbing thing wasn't really that they kissed but more the fact that Nirei wasn't surprised about it.
Because the more time they spend on this ship the closer they get. Soft and light touches became usual: a hand brushing on Sakura's back, a grip a little too long on Suo's shoulder, a calm but possessive palm on Sakura's tight. Their two bodies barely closer, their whispers barely quieter, their looks barely softer, their thoughts barely louder... And it wasn't really surprising from Suo who was constantly in search of people's approval on his usefulness, in search of Sakura's approval.
But it was more surprising from Sakura and his inner fear of reciprocal affection. Sakura who was used to insults and injuries but not soft words and touches. Sakura who didn't even flinch at someone talking him down but lost all composure when someone thanked him. Sakura who blushed furiously every time someone was giving him some sincere attention.
And Suo, oh Suo was bathing him with attention, screaming through his red-brown eye hundreds and one paroles of worship.
Hence Nirei witnessed along the way how Sakura gradually accepted those words. So maybe it wasn't that surprising that he came to love them as well. Because no one could refuse to be the recipient of feelings that were so beautifully authentic, especially if it came from Suo.
And it was even more obvious as he was looking at them talking near the helm, both close to each other, eyes shining and face glistening.
It wasn't that Nirei was jealous. Not really, not in the romantic intent anyway. More like he was frustrated that Suo could witness some parts of Sakura that Nirei would never discover. Not that he absolutely wanted to discover them, but Nirei was always so profoundly scared that Sakura would one day notice how useless and utterly worthless Nirei was. Thanks to his friends, and especially Suo who became so, so essential in his life, he worked hard on his self-confidence, but he still has some issues recognizing his true value. So he was terrified that one day, Sakura would forget about him and let him behind, going on on this undefined path he was creating himself.
Which was profoundly stupid because he knew that Sakura was telling him things he wasn't telling anyone else, often thanking him for understanding him like no one else did. Like a friend, like the first true friend he ever had. And Suo was giving him smiles he wasn't giving anyone else, and Sugishita was listening to him like he wasn't listening to anyone else, and Kiryu was looking at him like he wasn't looking at anyone else, and Tsugeura was laughing with him like he wasn't laughing with anyone else. He knew deep down that his existence was meant to be more than just taking the weight of his insecurities, but sometimes anxiety was stronger than reason, and he wasn't yet strong enough to instinctively dissociate the two.
Well he should stop thinking, the self depreciation was a little too much, even for him...
"What's going on in your little head right now?"
Nirei jolted suddenly when he felt a hand on his shoulder and heard a voice near his ear. The startled blond-haired quickly turned his head to lock eyes with two soul-searching green pupils. It took maybe two seconds for Nirei to recognize this little smirk and those pink locks tied in a loose ponytail.
"Kiryu?" The blond boy asked, his voice high showing his surprise.
"Himself." Kiryu grinned, like those enigmatic smiles he mastered so well. "You seemed to be lost in thoughts once again, vice-captain."
"How could you know that..."
"Well, first because you make a face when you do it, and second..." Kiryu's smile grew and he raised his green eyes to look in front of them. "Those two moms are looking at you with their infamous worried looks."
Nirei frowned upon hearing those words before turning his gaze to look in the same direction, and then he understood when he saw three pupils fixing him intensely. Suo and Sakura seemingly stopped their discussion to stare in his direction and Nirei was too lost in his own reflections to notice the fixed, almost worried gazes on him.
"Don't call them moms, we're the same age..."
"They do look like worried moms though."
"Suo maybe, Sakura looks more like he wants to fight someone..."
"He always wants to fight someone."
Nirei sighed a little, Kiryu giggling next to him, his hand still on his shoulder. But it was true, when he didn't have this embarrassed blushing face, Sakura often displayed a serious and intimidating expression that made everyone understand that playing with him wasn't an option.
And he was having this expression right now, locking his heterochrome eyes in his brown pupils, searching for any hint of uneasiness, of struggling, of any issue that could have attacked Nirei's well-being. Because Sakura was as fierce as he was protective, doing everything he can to see smiles on his cherished persons' faces. And he knew Nirei, probably better than Nirei knew himself.
When the blond turned his gaze to look at Suo, a smile was back on his face. A smile showing that he too knew perfectly that his friend was having one of those "self-deprecating moment", and if Nirei thought he was good at reading people, he forgot that Suo mastered this skill for way longer than him.
"You should go and reassure them before they attack someone for troubling you."
Nirei turned his head back to Kiryu, who still had his hand on his shoulder, looking at him with a kind and calm smile. His long pink locks were dancing around his serene face, wearing a white blouse and brown pants just like most of their crewmates. But the difference was in the pink-hued foulars he often wore around his waist or in his long hair, in addition to some silver jewelry and his two faithful guns hung on his belts.
Even his boots were a little more refined, his outfit more elegant than most of the crew. Or maybe it was just his standing that made him look more classy than the others. He was like Suo in that aspect, both weren't wearing the richest clothes they could find on the continent, but they held steady postures showing that their bodies and expressions were perfectly mastered and confident. The difference would be that Kiryu was perhaps a little more frivolous than Suo, that could be seen thanks to the flashy color of his hair or accessories. And his smile was less terrifying, too. Kiryu's smile was more authentic, most of the time.
Kiryu was pretty, Nirei thought.
"Yeah I will..." The vice-captain finally sighed. "Wish me luck."
"Come on, don't be this dramatic."
"You don't know them when they're worried."
"As a matter of fact, I do." Kiryu's smile grew a little more amused. "Those two are worried about literally everyone on this ship. Especially our sweet captain."
"You don't know them when they're worried about me."
"Sorry your highness. But you should be glad to have two of the most powerful people in the Bofurin fleet in the palm of your hand."
"I don't have them in the palm of my hand, they're just too protective for their own good..."
"That's because you're too precious for your own good."
Nirei sent a wry look to his friend, this one responding by a blink.
"Come on vice-captain, rise and shine."
And as Kiryu pushed him toward his two best friends, Nirei knew that he was gonna have one of the worst lectures he ever had.
Or at least some worried speech.
"You alright there?" Asked Sakura the second Nirei was in front of them.
And Nirei, as the sweetheart he was, couldn't help but smile sincerely seeing his two best friends being so concerned about him.
Maybe he wasn't that worthless, after all...
"Why're you asking, Sakura?"
"You know why." The captain frowned, showing a grumpy air. "You were staring in the void for a solid ten minutes with that face of yours."
"What face?"
"Y'know, that face you make when you're thinking too much."
"I don't make a face..." Nirei murmured, pouting and turning his gaze away from his captain.
"Yes you do." Suo answered, sweet smile on his face but slightly stressed glint in his eye. "Sakura was worried that you were maybe thinking about useless things again."
"Useless things?"
"You were worried too you bastard." The bicolore groaned before turning his eyes back on Nirei, arms crossed on his chest. "And you know very well what I'm talking about, thinking about how useless you can be when that shit isn't even true."
"Everyone can have their moments of weakness..."
"And yours are too frequent."
Nirei sighed slightly before sending a pleading look to Suo. The taller one kept his reddish eye locked in his, probably understanding perfectly that the blond was asking him for some help, silently pleading for him to take his side. And when Suo smiled slightly, gently tilting his head, Nirei knew that he agreed.
Hence Suo turned his gaze to their captain, and his eye was instantly full of life again.
"Sakura, I think Nirei understood what you meant. Don't be too harsh on him, he's right, everyone can have their moments..."
Sakura's frown deepened when he turned his head to the taller one.
"Why're you taking his side now?"
"He asked me to."
"Traitor."
Nirei chuckled gently, getting a glare from Sakura and an amused stare from Suo.
"Anyway, I know I can't have the last word if Suo's on your side..." Sakura sighed before locking his bichromes pupils in Nirei's. "But tell me if there's anything, okay?"
Nirei's brown eyes shone like every time they landed on his captain, witnessing once again this oh so precious side of his personality, so authentic and beautiful, hidden behind a rough facade that was built to protect his glass heart from shooting stares.
"Promise, Sakura."
Something passed between them as their eyes were still locked, a promise, a whispering of utter loyalty and trust, and if Suo saw that glint of emotion passing between his two friends, he said nothing about it.
The blond knew that if Suo was very protective, possessive even, of their captain interactions, Nirei was the exception. He didn't know if it was out of trust in Nirei or respect for Sakura, but everytime the navigator witnessed that, a warm feeling flowed in his chest.
"I wanted to talk to you about something else though." Sakura's voice cut through his thinking, getting Nirei's and Suo's attention back on him. "Me and Suo are gonna see the route we'll take to Umemiya's spot in more detail, can you keep an eye on the ship for me?"
This one and only sentence made Nirei's body instantly straightened. Not because of anxiety, but because Sakura was leaning on him, asking his help and entrusting his crew to him. In these moments, Nirei felt confident enough to think that he actually was useful enough for Sakura to keep him. That their bond was, indeed, quite strong for them to share what they had dearest in their heart: this crew and this ship.
"You can count on me." Nirei's voice was a little steadier, a little louder when he answered. "But are you sure that they're still near the village? Maybe they sailed and went to the ocean."
"Before we left Hiiragi told me at least one of their boats will stay close to the land to get us. And then we'll go together with Umemiya to give Togame the map they wanted."
Nirei nodded, turning his head to look at Suo. He was still listening carefully, staring at them with this kind smile of his, eye glittering with fondness. When it was only the three of them, Suo was always more confident in letting his true emotions speak out. Nirei found a kind of proud satisfaction in that.
"Can you call Kiryu, Sugishita and Tsugeura for me please?"
Suo's eye fell back on Sakura, his whole body being drawn by that serious but beautiful voice again. Like Sakura's tone was the one and only sound he could listen to.
"Of course-"
"No need to call for me captain, I'm already here."
Nirei recognized Kiryu's voice easily as he walked close to him, standing in front of his captain with his usual smile. Nirei noticed how his body was a little more tense when he was close to Sakura, not because of any stress to be near the head authority but more because of his devotion. All of them were more focused, more present when they were around him, sometimes asking how they got so lucky to have a captain like him. And it was always interesting to see how their eyes became immediately dedicated when they came close to Sakura.
"You were listening, weren't you?" Sakura grumbled, and Kiryu giggled in response.
"Not at all sweet captain, but I was with Nirei earlier as you probably saw, so I was nearby. Or were you so worried for your little protégé that you didn't even notice me?"
"I wasn't worried- and Nirei's not my protégé!"
"Isn't he now? Do you prefer me referring to him as your son then?"
"My what- for fuck sake Kiryu stop saying I'm a mom that's fucking lame!"
Nirei followed the little interaction while giggling sincerely, seeing once again how quickly Sakura's face became a blushing mess. It was always so endearing to see Sakura crumble under someone's attention, and Nirei was particularly amused by this side of his personality. Especially with Kiryu, who was an unbearable teaser.
However, when he turned his gaze to Suo, he wasn't surprised to see that his smile seemed less true than a few seconds ago. Would it be because it wasn't the three of them anymore, or because Kiryu was teasing his precious captain, Nirei wouldn't know. But he knew that for all the people on this ship, Kiryu was the one Suo had most difficulties dealing with. Not in terms of trust, he could let him protect the ship or even Sakura and not be worried the slightest about Kiryu's efficiency, but more in the heart-to-heart relationship way. Maybe because they were too similar and Suo feared that Kiryu might understand him a little too easily, or because he was instinctively worrying that Kiryu might steal his place at Sakura's side.
Which was stupid, because Sakura's eyes shone the brightest when he was looking at Suo.
"You really are a piece of shit..." Sakura turned his face away, trying to hide his rosy cheeks. "Where're the other two?"
"Sugi's sleeping on the boat's deck, like always, and Tsuge was with Anzai and Kakiuchi in the kitchen a few minutes ago."
"Great, you tell them we're gonna study the new route to take and Nirei's in charge now."
"I will."
Sakura nodded to Kiryu's amused smile, but his deep green eyes were serious, always so seriously listening when Sakura was giving orders.
Then the captain moved a little from the rudder, going close to the wood rail separating the bow from the deck and letting his heterochrome eyes wander around the ship. Everyone seemed happy, serene as the ship was navigating through the waves without a care in the world, cutting through the water as its path became a little more confident every time they advanced.
The crew was cautious but calm, peaceful and smiling because Sakura was here and Sakura was relaxed. The bicolore-headed looked at them individually, letting his eyes trace their faces for a few short seconds just to be sure that everyone was okay and well, the weight of their life easy but steady on his shoulders, before stopping to someone. A long body was laying down in a corner of the desk, long and dark blue hair around his face as he was sleeping soundly on the ship, not caring about the laughing or screaming around him. His demeanor was relaxed, wearing a brown shirt with black pants as his sword was hanging at his side, which was a little funny knowing he was fighting with his fists most of the time.
Sakura came closer to the wood rail and took a loud breath.
"Hey giant!"
His voice was loud, clear and strong as its confident tone cut through the atmosphere, dancing with the sound of the waves.
It was immediate. All the eyes were on him. The second his voice echoed, instantly all the attention was on him, on his bicolored locks valsing with the wind, on his sun and moon pupils gazing through them. He didn't call them, in fact he called only one of them, but here they all were, hanging to his words and breathing his persona as he was a guide giving them the water of life.
And Nirei couldn't help but shiver feeling the weight of Sakura's glorious omnipotence.
Sugishita wasn't exempt from this affect their captain had on them. He was maybe the only one who tried to fought it, his loyalty to Umemiya being more a wall than a limit like for Nirei, his mind having to choose between the one who saved him and the one who was saving him. But with time he tend to acknowledge Sakura's power as well as his capacity as a leader, and so he was more keen to accept orders from him.
Umemiya stayed his absolution, though.
But Sakura has an impact on him that was strong enough to make him experience loyalty and trust to another being.
So the said giant opened his eyes upon hearing this strong voice, the one Sakura used to give orders. He got up, sitting on the ground while yawning loudly, stretching his long slender body, perhaps in a vain attempt to show that Sakura’s impact wasn't as strong on him as it was on the other crew members. Yet he stood up and anchored his bluish look in his captain's, patiently waiting for him to order whatever he wanted, whatever he needed.
Even if they were more glaring at each other than anything else...
"You shithead has to stop sleeping everywhere on this ship..."
Sugishita groaned, rolling his eyes and Sakura responded by a low grumble, because this was how they always communicated. Through furious glares and hidden recognition. Everyone on the ship knew that this was their way of acknowledging each other, and it was very endearing for them to see their little scenes everytime, smiling and snickering at their shenanigans.
But then, Sakura's eyes became serious. And everyone held their breath.
Sakura sent a look to Sugishita, staring right into his soul with his unmatching pupils.
"Watch the sea for me."
And then, it was quite impressive how quickly Sugishita's face changed. From this annoyed and grumpy look they usually share a serious, almost devoted expression to Sakura. Even his back straightened slightly as he responded with a single and fierce nodding, his deep blue eyes reflecting a glint of an answer Nirei could read as "yes, I will".
Sakura acknowledged the silent answer by a nod and turned his eyes away, cutting this intense exchange reflecting all the trust they built despite their differences. After fighting against each other and with each other, after fighting face to face and side by side, they learned how to acknowledge each other's strengths and flaws. And sometimes Sugishita was even the only one to know how to calm Sakura when the burden of too much pressure on his shoulders became too heavy.
The tension dissipated as Sakura turned away, the crew getting back to their previous occupations while still having their minds connected to their captain if he needed something from someone else. Meanwhile, Sugishita went to the back of the ship to keep an eye on the sea, just like his captain asked.
"The rest is on you Nirei." Sakura spoke again, like he wasn't carrying the weight of dozens of demanding eyes on him. "Keep an eye on the course and be careful not to go too far north."
"Yes captain!"
"Ugh, you know I hate when you're calling me that..."
Nirei giggled again, true happiness making his worries disappear as he was spending time with his most precious people. Sakura sent him a last concerned glance before leaving to the captain’s cabin, Suo following closely after him. But as he passed in front of Nirei, he chose to ruffle his blond hair affectionately and send him one last smile before turning away.
And as Kiryu and Nirei watched the two heading to the captain’s cabin, the pink-haired couldn't help but chuckle.
"They do treat you as a child sometimes."
"But they give me heavy responsibilities."
Kiryu turned to look at him, green eyes observing him steadily.
"They do. You're worth it, after all."
Nirei smiled sincerely to Kiryu, feeling a warm sensation in his chest knowing that not only the captain and vice-captain were counting on him, but the whole crew too.
Kiryu lost no time in calling Tsugeura, Anzai and Kakiuchi to them, all three coming to the bow without complaining, even if Anzai seemed more like he was searching for something, his expression grumpy and annoyed.
"Looking for something Anzai?" Asked Kiryu with an amused smile, like he knew perfectly what was going on.
(He probably did.)
"I know Sakura would forever hate me but I'm really gonna cook this cat one day..." The redhead grumbled. "How is it that his cat always finds knew trick to steal food in the kitchens??"
"Cats are smart animals you know!" Tsugeura exclaimed, ever the enthusiastic person.
"Yeah but Umi's too much... Suo must be training her just for me to lose my mind."
"I don't really mind you know." Tsugeura smiled, putting a hand on his friend's shoulder. "She's never stealing much so it's not a big deal!"
"Remind me to tell you that the day we won't have any more food on the ship."
"Please, don't talk about things like that..." Kakiuchi said, smiling lightly.
Nirei sighed slightly before smiling to his friends and crewmembers. He knew perfectly that Sakura would never scold Umi seriously, she was too smart and too precious. And he also knew that Anzai wasn't really angry with her, he once saw them sleeping with each other in the nest and found it truly adorable. But as one of the cooks of the ship with Tsugeura, they have to be careful about each food rations, especially when they were at sea.
"So guys, I can see that our captain isn't on the boat's deck, did Sakura gave specific orders?"
"No he didn't." Kiryu answered. "Just at Nirei to watch the course and Sugi to watch the sea. And of course, for all of us to listen to our vice-captain wishes."
"Don't phrase it like that..." Nirei sighed.
"The usual thing then." Tsugeura smiled, his body strong and posture confident. "What are your words, vice-captain?"
"The sea is calm and I'm keeping an eye on the compass, there should be no danger. Sakura told me earlier that no storms would likely appear in the following hours, and you know we can trust him with that."
"We sure do." Anzai smiled. "I still don't really understand how he can know that though."
"He just watches the sea."
Nirei smiled upon hearing this answer by Kiryu. Yeah, that was it, he just watched. Sakura just didn't have the same eyes as them. The same vision.
"So, I was wondering..." Kiryu talked again, playing with one of his pink locks. "Since we have time to kill and that our two leaders are away, I'm taking the chance. There's something I wanted to ask you, Nirei..."
Nirei immediately tensed up upon hearing those words, straightening his back and widening his eyes. Did Kiryu saw the same things as him and had questions about Suo and Sakura's relationship...?
Nirei didn't know that lying to his friends would come so soon. Because as much as they meant to him, he was determined to protect his two friends' secrets as much as Sakura's intimacy.
As much as it pains him to internally recognize it, between lying to his crew to protect Sakura and lying to Sakura to protect his crew, he would definitely choose the first one.
What a failure of a friend he was.
"Yeah...?"
"To be fair." Kiryu leaned toward him, emerald eyes shining. "I've always wanted to know how you three met."
Nirei stopped breathing for a second before tilting his head and frowning slightly.
"...what?"
"He's right!" Tsugeura exclaimed. "It's been years since we're following Sakura and we never knew how the three of you met. You were already together when you entered Bofurin's fleet."
"That's true..." Nirei nodded. "Did we never tell you guys about that?"
"Not really. To be honest, out of the three you seem to be the one with the least secrets, Nirei."
The blond boy snickered before slightly lowering his head down.
"I guess that's true... As you can see, those two aren't very open about their past. To be honest even I don't know everything about them and what they've been through, even though I know Sakura the longest."
"Doesn't he trust you? Doesn't he trust us?"
"Of course he does!" Nirei exclaimed as he raised his head, looking seriously at Anzai. "I think it's more like he doesn't trust himself..."
Everyone showed upset expressions after hearing those words. They all knew that Sakura had issues dealing with himself and his emotions, and they were all feeling utterly useless for not being able to help him at all.
"We just want to learn a little more about him, you know..." Kakiuchi murmured.
Nirei nodded, knowing this feeling very well. Then, he took a glance at his compass before raising his head and smiling to his friends, his attention still being partly concentrated on his mission.
"I know that, and I understand. Okay then, I'll tell you how the three of us met, even though I don't have the full story I still can tell you guys what I know. I think both Sakura and Suo won't be upset about it."
All the faces became instantly brighter and Nirei's heart stopped hurting. He knew that if he explained the situation to Sakura, he wouldn't be angry about it at all. Suo might be more complicated to persuade, being the most secret of them all, but with Nirei's puppy eyes and Sakura's blushing face, he won't be able to stay mad very long.
So he dug into his mind, years in the past during a time that didn't exist anywhere but in their shared memories.
"At that time, Sakura was even more hot-headed than he is now. And honestly, I still don't know how the two of us survived..."