I've actually had this written for a long while now, but always felt like it needed some moderate editing. Thankfully I had a free night to spend some time with it.

Chapter 2: Names

The man smiled from above him, "You're finally awake. I was afraid for a while that you were too far gone."

Itachi remained silent. His first instinct upon seeing the stranger's face was to roll over and draw out the kunai he had strapped to his leg. Unexpected night visits of the hostile kind was a common enough occurrence considering his rogue status, and he had quickly adapted in answer to the constant threat of assassination. In most situations, he'd been able to take advantage of his enemy's distraction due to the unveiled weapon and lay out an illusion by the next half-heartbeat. After that it was but a simple matter of subtle hypnosis with the help of the Sharingan that would leave the assailant with no memory of their encounter, and false ones in its place to have them urgently scurrying opposite Itachi's intended destination. He always took care to not kill his pursuers.

This time however, his attempt to move brought with it pain of such gravity that had he not been a seasoned shinobi, he would've certainly screamed. He stilled, jaw tensed, and let a breath of air exhale from his lips. The stranger noticed his discomfort but made no move towards him.

"Your injuries are still not healed. I suggest that you refrain from moving."

Itachi found his concentration too lacking to form a reply. From the man's posture he could infer that no attack was forthcoming, but he was still confused. The sudden bout of adrenaline he experienced upon jerking awake had receded, and now he felt like he was sinking through the mattress. Had he ever felt this weak?

His ears picked up the faint rustling of windblown branches, and he dragged his eyes towards the open window. The sun shone through white curtains. A small gust of wind blew, and though blurred he could make out the sunlight-dappled greens. His head felt heavy, and his thoughts were sluggish. He could barely process what he was seeing, the tranquil atmosphere was somehow jarring.

The stranger followed his gaze. "It is quite picturesque. When you are feeling better, I may assist you outside."

"Where…" his voice croaked. A cough rose from his chest, and he was unable to stave off the several that followed.

Itachi felt a hand on his back. And if he wasn't so wracked by the coughs, he would've stiffened. The ease by which the man was able to touch him was testament to his disorientation. Luckily it seemed that he was in the midst of an ally, a stranger indeed, but an ally. He forced himself to breathe deep, and exhaled. He glanced to the side, the man was leaning over him, poised to help.

"Forgive me," Itachi said. He could tell that he still sounded strained, but it was better than his previous attempt at speaking.

The man's face was close enough for him the notice the amusement that flickered over the other's features, "There is no cause to be sorry. You have not yet fully recovered, you're entitled to at least a few dozen fits of coughing," he said with a hint of humor, "After all, it is quite difficult to climb out of death's jaws by a singular, albeit strong, thread of willpower," there was that smile again. Itachi in his state cannot fathom why, but it elicited no good feelings from him.

A shaft of realization broke through the fog.

"You…" he started to say with difficulty, but he did not need to speak any more. The other understood.

"I took you away from what was to be your deathbed yes, but I believe your will to live played no small part, dear child," red-violet eyes bore down on him, their intensity could only be likened to scorching flame. "You made a call out of desperation, I am a being that answers such calls."

"Who…" Itachi stopped, and his eyes closed softly, "What…are you?"

The demon gave him a fanged smile, "I am what you have gained in exchange for your soul, Master."

"Do you have a name?" Itachi sat under the shade, his fingers absentmindedly fiddled with the grass under his hand. The worsening of his eyesight had developed a habit that had him seeking out tangible textures in an unfamiliar environment. It was his first time outside since he met his new companion. He felt better now. He could speak without difficulty and think without that disconcerting fog in his head. Even though part of him still could not believe that he had succeeded in avoiding death after practically lying in its maw for the last few years

"I've been given many," the other answered. Unlike Itachi he remained standing, and Itachi could sense him just beyond his line of sight. "You can choose one for me if you wish. "

Itachi looked up to his right. As always, the other had that unsettling smile set on his face. It was striking and equally chilling even with how bad his sight was. He thought to himself that this must be how it felt like to be an animal set for slaughter, under the surveying gaze of farmers. They have not talked about what exactly their arrangement was (Itachi simply having no strength to maintain a conversation, nor the energy to stay awake for too long), but Itachi already understood that this man was only here, tending to him, because of a promised prize. He looked away. "Is there a name you're fond of?"

For a few moments they were silent. And all that could be heard were the faint shuffling sounds of the wilderness. Itachi could even pick up the light footsteps of a lone deer maybe a kunai's throw away. Then the man replied, "My last contractor gave me the first name Sebastian. Sebastian Michaelis. If you wish, you may call me by that name as well."

"Sebastian Michaelis…" Itachi echoed, seeming to test the foreign syllables along his tongue.

He could feel the other's eyes fixed on him. He looked towards his newly-named companion. "Michaelis-san."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow but did not comment. When Itachi rose from his sitting position to face him, the questioning look in his eyes only heightened. Their eyes met, the first time since Itachi had woken up, the human's black with the demon's red.

Sebastian looked at the boy curiously. He could count the number of people who could look into the eyes of a demon with such resolution in one hand. He recalled a number in the far past that had aimed to make him bend to their will with no finesse, believing that they held his leash, and that obedience and submission were part of the contract's package with no existing disadvantages. He suppressed a scoff at the thought. Only too late did they realize that a demon was never truly leashed. And all too quickly did they lose their arrogant airs and haughtiness in voicing their commands. He appraised Itachi's unwavering stare, and wondered if his new prey shall travel a similar path.

No sooner did his thoughts finish that he noticed that the other was slowly leaning forward. And then Sebastian realized, with no little surprise that the young man was bowing. His contractor was bowing to him. He could not suppress a blink that stemmed from honest bafflement. Later on he would find himself silently grateful that Itachi had his gaze to the ground and so did not see him.

"You have my gratitude, Michaelis-san," Itachi stated as he straightened up again, voice now smooth and clear, and most strikingly Sebastian observed, sincere. "My name is Uchiha Itachi."