Creature of Habit
He pulled the door shut silently, expertly slipping off his sandals and quickly glancing about the small compound he shared with his partner. It was a habit he developed in the ANBU to check for spies or paper bombs, any hidden danger. It was, of course, unnecessary but he had no power over the action. He swept across the living room to the hall.
"Kisame-san! I have our next assignment…" he shuffled the scroll between his fingers, also a habit.
"Oh good!" came the reply.
Itachi looked into the bedroom. Empty.
"Where are you?"
A sigh.
"I'm taking a bath."
Itachi turned swiftly and glided to the ajar door opposite his room. He was about to push it open, then froze. His eyes widened. What was this feeling? He let his hand fall back to his side. For some reason as he realized the implications of "taking a bath" he had frozen up. His skin crawled up his limbs to his neck and he hunched his shoulders in an attempt to shake it off.
"Oh… I guess I'll just read it to you then…"
"No it's better if you come in so I can look at it-"
"I will read it to you from here or wait until you come out."
Kisame leaned his head back. Itachi could be so demanding. At first the orders from the kid had irritated him to no end, but now he found comfort in their consistent presence and enjoyed the structure of someone giving him commands. It was like living with, well, a woman again, like living with his mom. There. That was better. However, they were still somewhat annoying time-to-time, just like mom's (see, he's more like my mom than a woman, right? Yes.) Itachi heard the sound of water moving and then two wet steps. He held his breath, chest tightening. He had to move. Kisame opened the door to an empty hallway. He sighed, clutching the towel in place around his waist.
"Itachi, where did you go?" No reply. He pushed the bedroom door open the rest of the way. He was a bit frightened as this was a violation of Itachi's house rules. He liked to try and keep him happy. "Itachi?" Itachi whispered "Damn" from his spot on the floor on the other side of the bed. He stood, trying to maintain some dignity. He looked at his partner and immediately averted his eyes. Why was his heart throbbing like he'd run a mile? Why couldn't he face his exasperated partner? "Well?"
"Well what?" he shot back. He didn't mean to be harsh. He kicked himself inwardly.
"Let's have it. I came out, like you said, so read me the assignment."
"No." He withdrew an arm from his sleeve to rest in the front of his robes, a defensive habit. "Go finish your bath. I didn't mean to-"
"Well, I'm here now so there's no point in-"
" I said go!"
"I know what you said, I-"
"You don't understand! There's more to it than that!" They were yelling now.
"So what is it?" His stomach lurched at Kisame's tone. How could he affect him like this? Why did he want to- Itachi shook his head. He made the mistake of looking up and found his eyes glued to Kisame's bare chest. He understood now. There was only one way he could be controlled like this. His heart thumped as he debated whether to scream or break down or throw something in a tantrum. "What is it?" Kisame growled. All Itachi could think of was Isn't it supposed to be a girl? Isn't it supposed to be a girl? as he finally managed to shut his eyes and stop them from an intricate examination of the other man. He opened them and in an uncharacteristic display of emotion, blurted it out.
"I like you!" There. I said it. He closed his eyes again, not wanting to see the reaction. Kisame blinked, confused. Why's he bringing that up now? I really don't get him.
"That's good. I thought we were going to have to apply for new partners for a minute there. I was under the impression you hated me. Well that's nice." He smiled, turning to go. "I like you too." Itachi blinked.
"What?" but Kisame had already waddled to his interrupted bath. He sank to his bed, touching his forehead. He flopped back with a sigh. He didn't get it. How could he not get it? There's no way he didn't get it… He… "Oh, Kisame…"
Kisame eased back into their tub, content and somewhat proud of having braved an emotional conversation. He was still a bit confused though. Who gets all worked up and then says he likes you? Hm. It must be a habit.
