A/N: Sasuke narrates this chapter not Pein. Though it's obvious. And unfortunately this is the last chapter for now.
Until We Meet Again
By: Itachi Silverwolf
I soon learned all the details I didn't know about the night Itachi and Pein had spoke. My brother had accepted the terms offered in return we would no longer live in Konan's house. Neither he or I would want for anything and not have it. That I understood the moment Pein spoke. What I learned later made me tell Itachi to reject the offer. Though when the arrangement was over we would lose nothing in terms of material possession I could not agree to this knowing that the moment Itachi accepted Pein's offer he could not turn down the ginger male when he was called upon. Itachi was exclusively his to call upon at any point of the day for a year. The conditions in the agreement placed by my brother plainly stated that he could not put me or Itachi in danger nor could force my brother into anything sexual.
In truth I didn't like the idea of Itachi having to yield to someone to keep both of us fed. I already didn't care for Pein. Then again with our history it wasn't a surprise when I voiced that opinion to Itachi. "Sasuke, this is not your decision to make. It is mine. I've decided one year on retainer isn't the worst thing to happen in my life." Hearing Itachi talk about so casually while packing boxes made me want to vomit.
I start to protest all of this hoping Itachi will listen to my reasoning. "I never said I had to take anything more from him than the roof going over our heads. I'm not a child. This isn't about dreams and diamonds." I protest that we can stay where we are then. "We can't. He's done run off almost everyone else that used to call. Either way it's his money." I sigh knowing my brother was telling me the truth. As much as I didn't want to accept it either way it was his money that was being pocketed by my brother.
"Besides you gain a bed and and your own room with this agreement." I protest that I can do without my own room or a bed. The air mattress I called my bed wasn't killing me. Itachi laughs a moment. Even I know he was used to nothing more than an air mattress on the floor. I ask Itachi if he could ever share the bed he'll gain with Pein. I watch my brother shrug. "No idea. Right now my only concern is being out of the business for a year and then possiblly having to start again."
I hear Konan. "You know well I won't leave you starving. When this over Itachi if you choose to come back to working for me then it will happen without even a fuss. What I regret is saying goodbye to you in the business for a year." I watch my brother half smirk and joke with Konan. Even though he seemed so calm about the matter I can see the obvious signs of him being unsure despite acceptance.
Itachi glances at me a moment. "Why do you worry so? We've been through the worst all ready." I sigh though in the end I decide the words my older brother speaks are probably true. My eyes go towards the doorway as I spot a pair of cobalt eyes staring from just outside the door. "Sasuke?"
I return the hesitant greeting. "Are you and Itachi really leaving?" I nod. Though I'm a bit surprised when I see a tear on his cheek. Instead of saying something callus I only silently beckon the blonde to me. Naruto's arms end up around my neck swifter than I can protest. Itachi laughs while watching.
"Sasuke, if you think you want to stay here then that could probably be worked out also." I shake my head. There was no way I was going to let Itachi move into a place without me being able to step between any possible argument between him and Pein. I wouldn't leave Itachi to he mercy of someone else that easily.
"You'll still come around to..." I look at Naruto surprised to see the proud teen looking so broken. I start to stay I'll never be back here. Instead I refrain only telling Naruto I'll leave him an address. My fingers wipe the streaks of moisture from his face as I hear Itachi giving instructions for the packed boxes to be stacked at shipped. We were leaving the one place I felt I could be me, no matter the trouble I caused. And when I thought about it I was leaving where my best friend stayed. Though seeing Naruto made me wonder about the feelings between us. I look at the blonde slowly rising from the floor to standing. "Sasuke?" I tell him it's time I move on in life. And then mention that it's not goodbye forever. He doesn't seem happy with my comment.
I tense as I notice the sight of Pein. Of course he was going to be about; he was the one arranging and paying for our new home. Itachi looks at me a moment. "Sasuke. I'm stepping out to watch the movers. Remember there's a car waiting on you." I sigh hoping I soon won't be wretching up bile over this agreement.
"Sasuke!" The sound makes me turn all to quickly. I wave goodbye to Naruto after snatching up a bag. Choosing not to look back and hearing the blonde blubber over me only make me feel guilty.