The relationship between Kisame and Itachi fascinates me; I'd like to do more on that, and perhaps expand on the bit I made up about Kisame's past. Later, I think; this may not be done either—we'll see. Enjoy. c:
Disclaimer: If only, if only.
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Slowly but surely, Uchiha Itachi is going blind.
He won't do a thing to help himself, not even stop using the Mangekyo Sharingan; Kisame almost feels as if his partner has given up on life and is simply waiting for his brother to grow strong enough to kill him. It's depressing, watching as he bumps into trees and corners and tables, and even more so as he subtly tries to hide it. It's as if he doesn't want them to care.
They do, though. Kisame helps as much as possible when he can; being Itachi's partner, he has the most opportunities. He discreetly ensures that Itachi will not walk into anything or anyone as they travel, and he's sure Itachi hasn't noticed. He doesn't plan to tell him, either; he'd most likely ask him to stop.
The other members help when they can; they don't meet often on their jinchuuriki hunts. When they do, though, it's not out of the ordinary for them to share a meal and catch up on everything and nothing. Though most wouldn't guess it, the Akatsuki aren't always cold-hearted; just most of the time. It's clear in the ways they all help Itachi hide his blindness.
If Kisame was to be honest, he'd tell you that's what he loves most about the Akatsuki; and he'd be perfectly truthful in saying that.
He also won't admit that it pains him immensely to see Itachi going through this. He's fond of his younger partner, very much so; and though Itachi isn't aware of it, their pasts share a commonality. Kisame, like Itachi, once had to kill family, and had to leave behind loved ones. He's never shared this with anyone, but it does make him feel better, in some sick way, that somebody else knows this pain.
Itachi's sight is almost completely gone by now. There is only one way to fix it now: for him to take Sasuke's eyes and implant them. He refuses to do this; he says that if either of them are fated to take the other's eyes, it will be Sasuke removing his, never the other way around. He will not do that, and when Kisame tries to bring it up, just once, he goes silent for a day and a half.
It is all he can do to watch Itachi's descent into darkness, silent and helpless.