Disclaimer: Naruto does to belong to me
Ages:
Naruto: 21
Sasuke: 23
Beat the Odds
Chapter 8: Moving Forward
August 30 2008
The cardboard boxes were scattered across his room in an organized mess. He wasn't going to take any of his childhood furniture with him to the small apartment he had finally leased. He was only taking semimetal items and other necessary possessions he owned.
Itachi stood beside him with a large grin on his face, surveying the room that belonged to his younger brother. He was quite impressed with the fact that once Sasuke had graduated he started putting money towards having his own place.
Out of school for only two years and had enough for him to stably afford the small place in the outskirts of Lincoln. He would be close enough to home, but still far enough away that visiting every day was not mandatory.
Itachi had moved out four years before Sasuke, at a slightly older age. He felt pride and slight annoyance over the fact that Sasuke had accomplished something at a younger age than he had.
"Mother will call often."
"Hn." He murmured, glancing at a box that held a few of his favourite clothes and some personal hygiene products.
"Father will come up with excuses to drop by."
"Hn."
"I expect dinner at 6."
Sasuke shot him a look before glancing around his barren room. He felt a sense of loss leaving but also hope.
He took out his phone, quickly scrolling through the messages of various people offering to drop by the new place for some whine and a welcoming party. Nobody offered to help move.
Oddly he didn't want to do anything with his few friends or his family.
He pulled up the contact list, thumb pressing against Naruto's name.
It's strange [10:33am]
He closed his phone, ignoring the way Itachi's smirk widened.
He went over and picked up the book and folding the flaps properly before hoisting it onto his shoulder.
"Don't just stand around," he commented hotly and ignored the sound of his phone alerting him of a new message.
With practiced ease he leisurely walked down to the living room where his parents were standing as an assembly line. His mother in the living room, with slippers and in comfortable workout clothes while his father at the front door wearing shoes with run down pants that held paint stains.
Sasuke passed the box to his mother who quickly strode out of the house towards her husband who was standing by the wide-open front door. He gently took the box out of her hands and walked towards the small car.
Sasuke watched as his father found a spot on the ground after shifting some other things around. Although Sasuke did not own a lot of possessions, it still was enough to fill the entire backseat of the car. Especially since he took almost everything that was not furniture.
"Are you sure you don't want me to come?" his mother fretted as he slowly took his phone out of his pant pocket.
"Itachi is coming."
She glanced at her eldest son who was slowly making his way down the stairs. "Yes but we can follow in the car and help as well."
Sasuke smiled kindly, "thank you mother. We will be fine."
She looked away with a sigh; "we are still having dinner tonight."
Sasuke nodded looking down at his phone distractedly. He pulled up the message from Naruto.
I want a tour once you have time! It's supposed to be strange, you're leaving home. [10:35am]
I wish I could help you pack. [10:35am]
His mother poked his cheek drawing his attention back to her. She looked slightly annoyed, her hands on her hips and a scowl on her pretty face.
"Don't ignore me young man."
He pocketed his phone with the grace only an Uchiha possessed.
"Sorry."
She nodded in approval, glancing back to her husband who was taking off his shoes by the still open door. Obviously flies were of no importance to them.
"You could always stay here," she pointed out for the twentieth time since he had told them he had bought a small condo. "There is no hurry. You're only twenty-three, I didn't move out until I was twenty five." She pointed out with a soft motherly smile.
"Mother," he sighed. "I am not disappearing."
She nodded, "I know. First Itachi and now you? Stop growing up."
He almost rolled his eyes but didn't as his father came and rescued him.
"It'll be quiet."
She nodded, her eyes straying to Itachi. "When are you giving me grandkids?"
He blinked suddenly unsure how he became the center of attention.
Sasuke chuckled and decided to reply to Naruto.
I'll give you a tour later on Skype. [10:52am]
Instantly he got a reply, even before he could put his phone back in his pocket.
Looking forward to it [10:52am]
