C7 - Revelations
"Where should I start?" Pein asked
"From the beginning. If you are really Nagato I want to know why you have a grave stone"
"I did that because of you"
"What do you mean because of me?"
"When I finally gave up and thought you were dead I wanted to be with you. I killed everything that knew you so that the person you knew would be with you. After that, I changed my name and finally mastered my Rinnegan. Following that I formed the Akatsuki I started my mission to ensure peace throughout the world, to make sure that no one would ever go through what we did as children"
"You did all that for me? How long did you search for me?"
"I searched for months, in the end Konan said she found you dead. She then said she cremated your body"
"I bet she did. Wait a second, if your Nagato then that would suggest that the woman in the Akatsuki is Konan. Am I right?"
"Well yes, she stayed with me since we met. After you left and up until now. Didn't you make the connection in all the meetings when she stated her name?"
"No, I didn't really think about her. I hate her"
"Still? I thought after all this time a small grudge against her would fade"
"You don't know what she did to me that's why"
"Well what did she do?"
"She killed my parents; she gloated about it the day I left. She killed them and tried to kill me, she then came up with this great explanation of how she was going to turn you against me by saying that I was planning to kill you"
"She came to me with proof that you were going to kill me; I didn't want to believe it. All she said to that was why would you of left if you were innocent. I still don't believe you were planning to kill me"
"I wasn't. She wanted you all to herself"
"Well she never got me. I changed when you left"
"Don't I know it, look at you. I changed a lot too actually…"
"I can see… So do you believe me? Please say that you do"
"I guess I want to but at the same time I don't. I thought you were dead, I didn't think you cared"
"I understand why you don't want to accept it. After what I've done to you, I don't expect you to ever forgive me but knowing you're alive. I just want to make amends, I still love you"
"That's just it; even if you are him I don't know if I still love you. Especially given the circumstances"
"What circumstances?"
"The whole thing about what you did to me. I can't just ignore it even if you are him. What you did was wrong and cruel and while I can forgive it, I may never be able to forget it. Then there's the whole thing with Sasuke and Itachi"
"Would you give it a chance though?"
"I don't know. I need time to think, remember that Sasuke has only just been killed. I need to sort out my feelings for him before I sort out my feelings for someone else who's dead. Well who I thought was dead"
"You believe me then?"
"I guess I do, when I look at you I see Nagato. I guess something about you has always reminded me of him eh I mean you. You know what I mean"
"I do, I can understand the confusion. Look… I just want to say sorry for everything, the rape, the cruelty, and the lack of care... I'm just sorry for everything I've done to you"
"I believe you. You sound honest when you say it but it will be something that I won't be able to forgot easily"
"I know"
Pein looked away from Shiv as she spoke, feeling horrible about all he had done to her over the last few months. Knowing that the chance for his happy ending was slipping away, he looked back to Shiv seeing into her deep purple Rinnegan eyes. Shiv herself looked towards Nagato, seeing a face that she knew but didn't know at the same time. Thinking about how poetic her life had turned out so far in terms of how Nagato had treated her. She thought of the fact that he'd taken her virginity, thinking about that fact that if she'd known it was him from the start she would of probably just let him. Looking back at Pein she looked and she saw Nagato. Realising many things had changed; it was the subtle difference's that she noticed however, that made him not the Nagato she remembered. Giving a faint smile, she looked deep into his own Rinnegan thinking of all the time she had missed. She couldn't help but wonder what he must have gone through to change so much, not only killing his name but his likeness as well. As she stared into his eyes, her mind began to wander, thinking of the good old times in the cave, the times at the pond catching fish. Suddenly Shiv's faint smile fully shown.
"Do you remember when we were younger and we used to sit by the big pond and catch fish together?"
"Of course. You'd always fall asleep under the tree while I caught all the fish, which was random. Are you okay?"
"Of course I'm okay. I'm just thinking about all the times we spent together" Shiv replied smiling
"It's good to see you smile, after everything that's happened I thought you might never even grin at me again"
"Don't be silly. It's true that what's happened hurts but looking at you now, after everything we've been through together. What you meant to me back then… what you mean to me now. I just can't stay angry at you, I love you to much"
Pein almost choked hearing Shiv, he couldn't believe it. His childhood love still loved him despite everything he'd done to her, despite everything she'd been through recently. Not wanting to seem eager he didn't move, if Shiv wanted him he would let her take the first step that way knowing that she wanted him. Shiv continued to look into his eyes, seeing the person she once knew buried deep inside. Knowing that every inch of her wanted to be close to him she moved towards him slowly reaching her hand out to his. Pein watched her hand move towards his, still cautious of what she could do, as their hands met she grasped it and with her thumb she rubbed the top of his hand. Instantly Pein knew she meant every word she said, and her feelings towards him had only grown over the time apart. Looking back into her eyes, he saw nothing but love and care and for the first time in what felt as if a lifetime Pein could feel tears building up. Shiv clenched his hand tight, seeing a tear trickle down his face her smile faded
"Are you okay?"
"I'm… I'm fine. It's just everything I've wanted for; well a long time has come true. I can't say how happy I actually am"
Shiv smiled at Pein as she wiped his tear away, seeing that even with his changes there still lay the friend that she knew and cared for.
"Well maybe it's all apart of gods plan"
Pein smirked at her words, but then as he looked at Shiv he thought of the future. Then it hit him, Itachi. So long as Itachi was an issue, he and Shiv wouldn't have a future and even though he killed Sasuke, Shiv still cared for him.
"There still remains the Itachi problem"
"I know… it's just that"
"You still care for him" Pein interrupted
"Yes"
Shivs eyes met Peins as she spoke knowing that the question would be asked eventually. Feeling that she at least owed him an answer, she felt it unessary it lie. Pein's face dropped as her eyes met his but it wasn't the fact that she had said yes to his question that caused it. It was the fact that she felt conflicted when it came to pick whom she wanted.
"Listen, knowing you're alive and well has made me happy. However, seeing you torn is only breaking me up inside. Go and see Itachi, you have a few things to discuss I think"
"I'm sorry"
"Don't be, you thought I was dead and even now you know I'm alive, after what I've done to you I cant expect you to fling yourself into my arms now can I. Besides, since me you've had other lovers, why should they suddenly be dropped to second place. Go, see Itachi and talk"
"I can't forgive him for what he's done"
"You'll find a way, you love him"
Shiv sighed at Pein's words, she finally had Nagato back from the dead and now she had Itachi to contend with, not only that but the next conversation with him would involve Sasuke. Looking towards the window, she thought of how she would approach Itachi, knowing that he was barely alive and in hospital, the last thing he needed was an argument.
"When should I go and speak to him?"
"I would give him the night to rest and see him tomorrow morning. You can sleep in the spare room if you find it awkward; if not then you know where you sleep" Pein said smiling
"I won't find it awkward. In fact I'll find it nostalgic, havent slept in bed with Nagato for a long long time"
"Hmm I supose. Didn't see it like that"
"I guess I'll worry about all of this Itachi business tomorrow. In the meantime why don't we catch up?"
"Love too" Pein said smiling
"So do you still know how to make a decent dinner or do we have to go fishing again to get a good meal?" Shiv asked jokingly
"I've always been a good cook thank you very much"
"Then why was I eating nothing but sloppy crap when I was here"
Pein's eyes looked towards the floor. Knowing that even while she was joking, it wasn't funny. He treated her horribly while she stayed with him. Feeding her barly anything and constantly raping her, the guilt started to tear his insides up now realising it was his dearest friend and love of his life that he'd been abusing for months. Standing up Pein turned away from Shiv feeling as if he didn't deserve to look at her, instantly however, he felt a hand against his sholder. Looking slightly behind him he saw Shiv's face.
"I'm sorry, I really am"
"Hey, it's okay"
"No its not, I can't believe the way I acted. But it what I deserve, I shouldn't treat anyone like that and the way I learnt my lesson was by treating my only love like she was less then crap"
"I'm sorry for bringing it up; I didn't mean to upset you"
"Its fine really, it's my punishment for treating you the way I did. It will be a constant reminder for the rest of my life"
"Come on, let's get some food. That always cheers me up"
Shiv and Pein walked towards the kichen to look for food, once inside Shiv immediately opened the fridge to see what she could make.
"Hmm well you ironically have fish in here"
"Yeah. I got chicken too if your'e in the meat kind of mood"
"Meh, I'm just hungry, plain and simple. I really don't mind what I eat"
"Well do you want something that will fill you for the rest of the day or do you want something later?"
"Hmm, well I don't really mind. I guess I'll want something later, you know me. Always eating"
"I guess, the fact it doesn't show is a real gift"
Six hours later Pein and Shiv where just finishing a small meal. Shiv looked over to the window seeing the sky darkended.
"Wow, talk about the day flying. I didn't even notice the sun go down"
"I suppose. But then you have been trying to keep yourself busy. You even started reading those books that I gave you months ago"
"Yeah, I guess they really are handy. I can use a good amount of Jutsu's now thanks to those books. I'd say the one I'm impressed with would be the fire ball jutsu"
"It is useful, I've used it to get out of sticky situations myself. How about you're Rinnegan?"
"I can use some of the rinne skills now, for one I can see through your eyes just the same way you can see through mine. I can also fully use my summoning skills to the maximum; all the creatures I summon now have the Rinnegan as well. I can see through their eyes"
"I'm proud of your progress, you've done well. I couldn't help but notice that you looked at the fire ball jutsu technique first"
"What of it?" Shiv said defensively
"I just noticed that it's… you know"
"Itachi's favourite jutsu?"
"Well yes"
"Don't worry, I only learned it because I've seen from him how useful it is. I didn't learn it to have something in common with him"
"You've had your mind on him all day haven't you?" Pein asked bluntly
Shiv sighed thinking about what to answer, but she knew that lying would serve no purpose. Looking at Pein she answered
"To be honest… I haven't been able to take my mind off him all day, I'm worried about him. But at the same time I'm angry at him"
"Because of what happened?"
"Exactly! He killed Sasuke, his own brother. He tormented me and for what? Just so he could find your weakness. I care for him as much as I hate him!"
Pein placed his hand on Shiv's shoulder for support, realising how much pain this entire ordeal was causing her.
"Listen, why don't you visit, I know I suggested going tomorrow but if you're feeling like this then I don't thing you'll get any sleep, if you go now and talk you'll finally get some answers to the questions that you want to ask. Maybe even get some closure from him"
"Closure?"
"To the answers that you want to ask. To how you feel about him. I know you still care for him and I know you what to change him back to the way he used to be. But if he can't, at least you'll get some closure from him by talking to him about all this"
"I suppose. I guess I should say sorry to you though"
"What for?" Pein asked confused
"Talking to you about all this Itachi and Sasuke business. It can't be easy hearing about how I feel about another man, especially since you love me still"
"Don't be, I understand completely. Besides its not like you don't hold feelings for me, you just don't know what to think at the moment and for good reason"
"Wow, I didn't think you'd be this understanding. But what you say is true, I do care for him, just as much as I care for you. Until I know where my feelings stand with him I cant make a decision"
"Well I'll be here, I'd say I've always been their for you but the irony would be unreal"
Shiv giggled at Pein attempt to lighten the mood, looking back out to the sky she had made her mind up. She was going to see Itachi, speak to him and finally get some answers and to face her own inner demons with her feelings around him. Standing up from the kitchen table, she looked down at Pein sitting beside her. He knew that she was planning to go and stood up to show his support.
"Well at least you can directly summon there now. I remember when you had to walk everywhere"
"Yeah, and because of that so did you" Shiv giggled
"Hmm don't remind me. Do you want me to come with you?"
"No, I'll be fine. I'm thankful for the support but I need to do this alone. I won't be long; Itachi isn't really one for long conversations, even when he is telling the truth"
"At least now you've almost compliantly mastered your Rinnegan he won't be able to use any genjutsu's on you"
"Erg… that the eye illusions right?"
"Sigh, yes. His Sharingan illusions. You should be able to see right past them now"
"Okay just making sure, the terminology still escapes me" Shiv laughed
"Hmm, well when you come back I'll have to have a little crash course with you on the terminology" Pein smirked
"Okay then, well I don't know how long I'll be but I won't be too long"
"Just take care, if you need me for anything I'm only a summon away"
"I know, I love you"
"You said it?"
"Yeah, I know"
"Well does that mean that you've already made your decision?"
"Sigh… I don't know. We'll have to see"
"Hmm… well you'd best be off then. Take care of yourself. I love you Shiv"
Suddenly Shiv placed her hand down on the ground and she opened her mouth.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
In a puff of smoke Shiv left Pein's house and found herself in the halls of the hospital. Now she started her search for Itachi and finally some honest answers. Looking down the hallway Shiv looked for the main entrance helpdesk, hoping to find someone that knew where Itachi was being kept. As she walked around the halls of the hospital, she saw no one. Not a single member of staff. Shiv sighed wondering why there wasn't any staff around and continued her search for Itachi not letting it discourage her. Finally finding the helpdesk she saw a woman sitting behind the desk, as she approached the desk the woman looked directly at her
"Can I help you?"
"Eh yes please. Can you tell me where Itachi Uchiha is"
"Are you a relative?"
"No, not exactly. But I'm someone close to him"
"Ah, okay well he's in ward six. Third floor"
"Thank you, oh can I ask where all the staff are?"
"We're only a small hospital, most of the staff finish early anyway. Our night staff is currently in though"
"Oh, okay. Well thanks anyway"
Shiv left the helpdesk and followed the corridors to the stairway. Opening the door she looked up to see the stairs leading the way to Itachi and with the thought of seeing him again Shiv began to climb. Upon reaching the third floor, she exited the stairway and found herself in a new set of hallways. Following the signs at the corners of each corridor, she found herself entering ward six and before her lay the man, she sought. Itachi Uchiha.
"I found you"
Shiv looked upon Itachi, barely able to recognise him in his bandages. Seeing a chair beside his bedside she sat down beside him, looking over him as he slept. As shiv watched him breath she couldn't help but blame herself for what had happened to him, for all that had happened between him and Sasuke.
"Itachi… I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything"
Watching him breath as she spoke gave Shiv hope that he'd recover fully, but she knew that a long coversation was ahead of her when he woke up. Suddenly Shiv's eyes caught movement, Itachi's hand twitched back and forth causing Shiv to give a small smile.
"Please wake up. Please Itachi"
Shiv's words to Itachi caused his hand to twich like before, clearly her words where being heard and on some level Itachi was answering. Not giving up, Shiv continued to speak hoping to bring him around. After ten minutes Shiv's efforts hadn't gone unrewarded as movement was now showing and Itachi was coming through.
"Please Itachi, wake up"
"Shi…"
Suddenly Shiv's face lit up, hearing the faint voice from Itachi lifted her spirits and a fully blossomed smile showed on her face.
"Oh Itachi. Yes I'm here, don't worry"
"Shiv"
Itachi's voice was faint but there, Shiv immediately took his hand and grasped it tight, showing the love for him in one small movement.
"I thought I lost you"
"Sasuke" Itachi whispered
"He's… Err, he's"
"Dead" Itachi answered
"Yes, you killed him"
"Good"
Shiv's hand loosened at the sound of Itachi's words, now this was the difficult part that she wasn't looking forward to. Itachi pulled himself up to face Shiv completely disregarding the pain involved. Shiv's hand left the palm of Itachi's as he sat up and now sitting up, he looked directly at Shiv knowing that she wanted to talk about what happened.
"I take it you want to know what happened?" Itachi asked
"That would be a good start"
"Well like I said, I'd kill him by the time sunset hit the sky"
"There wasn't any need for that, he was your brother. Why?"
"I hated him, he was keeping you from being focused on me"
"Don't you dare try and justify your actions by blaming me. The only thing I'm guilty for is causing you two to hate each other. You didn't have to kill him"
"Yes I did. Now he's out of the way you shouldn't have any problems settling with me now"
"You've got to be joking. You kill the man I love and you expect me to fling myself into your arms because of it"
"Well you only have me to love now. Theirs no one else alive that you love"
"Heh, yeah. Things have changed dramatically since you got put in here"
"Meaning what?"
"Oh nothing you need to worry about"
Itachi looked deep into Shiv's eyes, almost like staring into her soul and then it hit him.
"Pein"
"Excuse me" Shiv said defensivly
"You love him don't you?"
"That's none of your business"
"I think it is, just remember that I work for people that want to kill him"
"Yeah about that. Tell me who these people are"
"Why should I?" Itachi answered aggressively
"Because if you care in any shape or form then you'd care for my happiness"
"What?"
"Itachi I know you care about me. I know the real you is still in there somewhere, the man I do love, the honest one, the kind one, the one who is hurting because they've needlessly killed their own brother"
"That man is dead"
"Then my love for you is dead as well then"
"What! Are you saying you don't love me anymore"
"If you're not the Itachi that I remember then no"
"I cant lose you, I love you too much"
"Don't lie, you just wanted Pein's weakness from me so you can kill him"
"That's not true"
"I don't believe you and why should I?"
Itachi stayed silent knowing that Shiv made a good point. Even if he was telling the truth she wouldn't believe him. Even after everything he'd done to get her it had only driven her futher away. Shiv stood up and walked to the foot of Itachi's bed, looking at him she sighed.
"I guess this is what I needed… to say goodbye to you"
"Wait, please don't go" Itachi pleaded
"Why. You don't care"
"Yes I do, look I wasn't lying about loving you"
"Whatever. Even if your telling the truth you've never shown it. Locking me in your house, cheating on me. Yeah that shows how much you care"
"Okay okay, I admit I've done wrong but I do love you. Please don't go"
"Give me one good reason"
"Because I can be useful. Look just hear me out, I cant lose you. I love you"
"I'll sit back down but you better have something intresting to say"
Shiv moved back towards the chair and sat back down at Itachi's side. Looking away from him and facing the window near the chair Shiv gave a frustrated sigh. Itachi knew he was walking on a very thin layer of glass and had to win her back, looking at her he began to speak
"Firstly I want to say sorry"
"Oh wow, because that makes me forgive you killing Sasuke"
"I'm not asking for forgivness, just the chance to show you that I do care"
"Well go on then"
"Okay bare with me, I guess I'll start with the plot to kill Pein. Now as you know, I was trying to get his weakness from you. With you being his Animal Path you are probably the only one who knew so that's why you where targeted. The rape from the Akatsuki members, me finding you. It was all set up for you to trust me and reveal Pein's secrets"
"Deidara and Hidan where told to rape me!? By who?"
"Her name is Konan"
"I knew it" Shiv whispered
"You know her?" Itachi asked
"Never mind, what else?"
"Well I know she's working for someone. His name is Tobi, he's the Akatsuki member that wears the mask. The two of them have a good number of the Akatsuki on their side, all of them are willing to betray Pein for Tobi and Konan"
"Why, what does Tobi want Pein dead for?"
"His power, he wants his Rinnegan. Konan on the other hand wants you dead, don't know why"
"Oh I have a good idea. Continue"
"Well I was told to gain your trust. The thing is I was told to do this when it became public knowledge that Pein had a new Animal Path. I didn't know it was you until I saw you properly when I saved you from Deidara and Hidan"
"You mean when you were told to come in and look after me?" Shiv spat
"I didn't know it was you. I thought you where dead"
"I get that a lot. Just continue"
"Well after we started living together Konan kept coming round to check on my progress. She was becoming frustrated with the lack of results and wanted to kill you that night you heard us. It was the only way to keep her from hurting you"
"Your telling me that you cheated to keep me safe?"
"It wont make up for the fact that I did cheat but it's the truth. In the end I couldn't take it anymore, I didn't want you to give me the answers because then Konan would just kill you. So I started acting cruel and horrible. It made you hate me, despise me and eventully rebell aginest me"
"You were a monster to keep me safe from that blue haired dog?"
"I'm not proud of it, I love you. But it was the only thing I could think of to keep you alive. If you hated me then you wouldn't give me answers, meaning you where still useful to Konan"
"Hmm… Then how does Sasuke fit in to all of this. How do you justify killing your brother?"
"I'm not proud of it but he was becoming an issue for the Akatsuki. He blamed me for your supposed death and he set out to kill me, in the end he wasn't the same man that you loved. I killed him because he tried to kill me and if I had died then I know you would of soon after. I was the only one keeping you alive. I couldn't lose against Sasuke. I needed to win"
"You killed your brother to save my life?"
"Yes"
"So why did you use the weakest possible seal on your house, having it immediately useless once you left the building?"
"Because I knew you'd flee to Pein, and if I lost then Konan would of come to kill you, or would have had any other member of the Akatsuki do it. With Pein you'd be more then safe"
"Who's working for the whore?"
"Almost all the Akatsuki are on Tobi's side, hench why they barely listen to Pein. Sasori however has remined loyal to Pein"
"Why did you start working for her?"
"The real question is why did I start to work for Tobi, Konan's only the second in command. But she's the one that's been put in charge of finding out Pein's weakness"
"Whatever, she's still your boss so you are working for her. So answer the question, why did you start working for her?"
"Strength in numbers. Pein's allies in the Akatsuki consist of just one person, I'd rarther fight two then eight"
"He knows about this you know. Pein's only aware of this now because I told him only recently though"
"What was his reponce?"
"He thought the idea was funny, saying that all of you together wouldn't be able to stop him"
"I hope for his sake he's right"
"Oh believe me, he's not joking"
"For what its worth, I'd rather see you safe with Pein then hurt the way you already have been. I'm sorry for causing all the pain. I do still love you"
"I actually believe you"
"You do?"
"Yes, there was just something about the way you spoke, it was to honestly said to be a lie"
"I am telling you the truth. I swear it"
"I need to tell Pein who his enemies are"
"Your leaving?"
"I have to, Pein needs to know whos plotting against him"
Shiv stood up and moved to the foot of Itachi's bed, looking at the exit to the ward she then looked back to Itachi. Learning the truth about Itachi had rekindled her love for him, knowing now that he did it all for her. As she looked at him she felt her hatred sink, and with it was left only a smile.
"I undertsand. Look, I know its not much but if you need help then I'll be there for you"
"You just concentrate on getting healed up. Let me worry about Pein"
"I'll be fine in a day or two. Just take what I've said. I don't expect Pein to believe me but I'm there for aid should you two need it"
"Thanks Itachi, it means a lot. After everything you've said I'm actually finding myself believing you. Just don't play on my trust because if you are saying all this to make us trust you again, then the next time I'll let Pein kill you"
"I guess I deserve that threat and I'm sorry for making you mistrust me. I'll prove my worth to you, I love you"
"I know and I'd like to say it back but it will be awhile before I say it without thinking that your lying to me"
Shiv slowly walked towards the entrance of the ward and stopped in the door way, looking back to Itachi she saw his eyes meet hers.
"If what you say is true, then you've earned my trust and my love. Just recover, because your not useful if you're dead"
"Hmm, just watch yourself Shiv, I don't want you to get hurt. I cant lose you"
"Your not going to… if your telling the truth. Just remember that I have the Jutsu's to protect myself now"
"When I'm out I'll be back at home. Just summon if you need me. I love you Shiv"
Shiv started walking out of the ward not looking back at Itachi, not knowing what to believe anymore. As she walked out of the ward she slightly looked back once more at Itachi and muttered.
"I love you to"
Once outside the ward Shiv looked around for any signs of staff and remembered what the woman at the helpdesk said. As she started making her way back to the helpdesk she began to feel uneasy, almost like she was being watched. Coming back to the helpdesk Shiv saw the woman that she spoke to before. Approaching the woman she looked up at Shiv.
"Find the ward?"
"Yes thank you. Could you see that Itachi gets the best of care, I want him to be well"
"Well I'll ask the nurses to keep an eye on him if you want. Otherwise there's nothing more we can do"
"That would be great, anything extra would be appreciated."
"No problem, have a goodnight"
"Thank you, you too"
Shiv left the helpdesk and made her way to the exit of the hospital, once outside she hadn't noticed how long she was talking with Itachi as the sun had set completely and nightfall was fully shown. Remembering that she told Pein she wouldn't be long she instantly placed her hand on the ground and shouted
"Summoning Jutsu!"
In a puff of smoke Shiv left the hospital doors and found herself being hit with rain. Looking up and around at her surroundings, Shiv found herself back in Hidden Rain Village outside of Pein's home. Opening the front door she looked around the main hall of Pein's home.
"Pei… Nagato! Are you here?"
At the sound of Shiv's voice a sound from upstairs could be heard, Shiv looked up at the ceiling knowing Pein was moving upstairs to her call and almost instantly she saw a figure come down the stairs.
"Shiv, I'm so glad your back" Pein said with a smile on his face
"I'm glad I'm back, it was harder then I thought it was going to be" Shiv said closing the front door
"I can imagine. You've been gone a good number of hours, did you get the answers you wanted?"
"I guess, but I don't know how I'm meant to feel"
"Well come into the living room and we'll talk properly" Pein said opening the living room door
Pein and Shiv walked into the living room and moved towards the settee. Pein sat down with Shiv as they began to discuss the meeting with Itachi.
"While I was there he said he loved me, I just don't know what I'm meant to feel. There's a part of me that loves him but I also hate him for what he's done, to Sasuke, to me. Then he explained why and it changed my opinion of the situation. I just don't know how to feel" Shiv explained frustrated
"Just give it time. Did he talk about anything else"
"Yes, I know whos plotting against you"
"Really? Okay this should be good. Whos the traitors?"
"Tobi is the leader of the renegades"
"Renegades? How many have betrayed me?"
"All but Sasori" Shiv said sighing
"What? All of them?"
"I'm afraid so. I also know why Itachi has been acting so cruel towards me"
"Oh this should be a good one, please tell"
"Well he said that he was protecting me. From Konan, from Tobi. He told me that if he'd actually gotten anything useful from me then they would of ordered him to kill me. Either that or kill me themselves. So by him treating me horribly he was making sure I wouldn't say anything"
"May I remind you that you did actually say something that could potentially be a weakness"
"I know but if what he says is true then he wont tell them"
"How do you know that?"
"Because if he wants me alive and well I need to be useful to Konan and Tobi, I need to have information that they want. By telling them what I told him would make me a loose end for their plans"
"Good reasoning, I'm proud of you"
"Thanks but I couldn't of done this without your support"
"Don't mention it, I love you. You'll always have my support"
"And I love you. So what are we going to do about Tobi and that bitch?"
"We?"
"Yes, I'm not going to leave you on your own in this, I lost you once, I'm not losing you again"
"I'll be fine. Seriously you don't have to worry about me"
"Well I do. You don't understand what your return means to me. Nagato, I love you"
"Well the same to you, you've filled in the gap that's been missing for far to long"
With Pein's words Shiv moved closer to Pein and as fast as lightning their lips met, in a sinlge act of passion they knew what the other was feeling. With the seperation of their lips they looked deep into each others eyes, Shiv saw everything that reminded her about her friend, her lover. Whereas Pein saw everything that he missed, everything that he loved and everything he would fight for. Pein stood up from the settee and looked back at Shiv
"Come on its late, lets get to bed. We have a meeting in four days meaning that we have a lot of planning to do, besides knowing everything that I do now, it will be funny to see how this meeting will turn out" Pein said turning towards the living room door
With Pein at the door Shiv stood up, she wouldn't admit it but she was exhausted. All she could think about was what Itachi had said causing her to worry about Pein, about herself and if she could trust Itachi after everything that he'd done. Following Pein through the door they both walked up the stairs to the bedroom, Pein himself was feeling nervous. Not for himself but for Shiv, he loved her to much to have anything bad happen to her. As they enterened the bedroom Pein removed his Akatuki cloak revealing his underlay. Shiv started to undress as she climbed into bed. Once in bed she watched as Pein removed his pants and smiled. Trying to not let any of her worries get in the way of a nice sight Shiv smiled at Pein casuing him to smile back. As he climbed in bed Shiv snuggled up to his chest, placing his arm around her he kissed her forehead as she closed her eyes.
"I love you Nagato. I aways have"
"I love you too Shiv and back at you. Pleasant dreams"
"You too"
With their final words spoken Pein closed his eyes whist smiling at what he had in his arms. Even with the problems ahead he still smiled knowing that together nothing could stop them.
End of Chapter 7
Animal Path Saga