This is a re-imagining of Ritsuko and Kisame pairing that is featured in my Reluctant Bonds and The Ties that Bind. While those stories were enjoyable, making Kisame a mentor/ Father-figure really doesn't fit him. Let's face it, he's crazy! So in this recreation he employs her as a mercenary for Akatsuki.

In the stillness of the forest two men carefully made their way through. Silent, imposing figures seemingly relaxed but keenly aware of all that happened around them.

"There is to be a change in plans," Itachi murmured softly. "Our last assignment has left us running behind schedule. One of us should go to meet with Ritsuko the Loner and the other to see the Shipmaster to guarantee timely shipment of our cargo. Perhaps you will meet with your old friend?"

"Friend?" Kisame made a gravely guffaw at the term of familiarity. "Hardly."

Itachi wore a gentle smirk as he noticed his companion's expression begin to soften. For all his tough talk, it was obvious that he was fond of the mercenary. "Please send her my regards," he said as he turned on his heel towards the southern border where the sea lie.

"Oh so fancy," Kisame mocked. "Should I bow as well?"

Itachi disappeared into the shadows and Kisame turned towards the north. Left to himself, his mind began to wander. Ritsuko…how long as it been since we last met? He counted the months…fourteen. That meant that she was now twenty-one. That was hard to believe, considering that he first met the feisty kunoichi when she was fifteen.

He entered a small hotel and checked in for the night, for appearances. Once inside the locked room, he opened the window and turned to set Samehada down. The great blade was a burden he was usually happy to bear-but even he needed a break from time to time.

Just then he heard the window latched back in position behind him. "Well, well, look what the cat dragged in," he chuckled as he turned round to face his old friend. His smile faltered for a moment as he caught himself staring.

Fourteen months had changed a lot. Far from the scrawny teenager he met six years ago, a woman stood before him. Her amethyst hair was longer, which greatly surprised him, though it was still wiry and untamed. There was an air about her that was more independent and confident than ever.

She smirked in response as she lowered her Chikara-her giant electric sword. "That's what I said last time; you're losing it old man." She allowed herself a moment to look him over. She was always impressed by his imposing figure; strong and burly. His face was distinguished with lines, defined by age.

"Wow, look at you, so grown up." He complimented.

"Hey, I'm not a kid anymore, what did you expect?" Her brown eyes narrowed angrily. He relished the sight; He just loved her spitfire attitude and couldn't resist one final poke.

"I was expecting something a bit more feminine," he sighed dramatically. "You're still so horribly flat-chested. Perhaps that's why you've had to grow out your hair, so no one will mistake you for a boy."

"Shut up! No one's ever done that!" She protested as she jabbed an accusing finger into his chest. "I'm feminine enough even for a brute like you!"

"Oh you think so?" His mouth twisted into a sharp open-mouthed grin. "With age comes experience. How much have you got kid?" His gaze was alluring as he clearly meant something other than shinobi skills.

Her face went beet red as she struggled to regain composure. "L-let's j-j-just stick to business."

"Very well," he conceded with a chuckle. "I just thought that after fourteen months we'd have more than ten seconds to catch up."

"I don't get paid to reminisce," she muttered. But it was more than that. Even after the amount of time spent apart, the level of familiarity growing between them was becoming unsettling. It seemed safer to stick to business.

His hand slipped into his pocket and pulled out a small bag of coins. "Will this do?" He smirked.

"This isn't necessary," she protested as he pressed it into her hand.

His closeness drew her in as his other hand sifted through her long hair. It made for a nice change; he decided he liked it after all. "It's really been too long," he murmured. "If only there was a way to-" Words failed him.

She looked up into his beady eyes, uncharacteristically tender. "But we can't," she whispered in turn as her cheeks had a faint glow to them. It flattered her youthful features. Their eyes remained locked. His hand moved up to her cheek, his rough knuckles brushed against her soft skin. Her eyes fluttered closed for a second, surrendering to weakness just this once. She was used to the hard things in life…but what about the softer things? A gentle, soothing, caress that…she abruptly turned away. Things had gone too far, time to stay focused.

She reached into her knapsack and held out some papers. "Here is a detailed account of Iwagakure's military defenses. Also included is a list of weapon supplies, a copy from their ledger." He collected and carefully inspected each one, nodding as she continued. "I have also taken the trouble to pinpoint weaknesses in the fortress, including blind spots with sentry rotations."

He smiled in satisfaction. "Well done Ritusko, flawless work."

She bowed respectfully. "That concludes our business, we hope that you will be satisfied with our work," she said formally, speaking in the collective as her organization tended to when it came to business transactions.

"I always have been," he said as he produced a larger bag in payment. "Until next time," He bowed his head as he put his straw hat back on.

She froze for a moment, hesitation etched on her face with a hint of regret. "There…won't be a next time."

He frowned. "What? But the fee-"

"This has nothing to do with money," she quickly reassured him. "The Raiden Rouge will continue to be available for the Akatsuki. I…won't be."

He narrowed his eyes as he towered over her. "What is that supposed to mean?"

She suddenly found it hard to swallow. "Raiden-sama feels that I have become too familiar with this line of employment. He believes it may begin to compromise my neutrality-"

With a roar Kisame ran his fist through the wall behind her. "Get to the point!"

"I've been reassigned," she squeaked out feebly. "This is my last assignment with Akatsuki."

He glowered over his high-necked collar, truly a frightening sight. His mind was a flurry of feelings he did not fully understand. One thing was clear: it would not end here. She wasn't just going to walk away and never return, not if he had anything to say about it. Her heart pounded in her throat and yet her heart ached. "I'm going to miss you Hoshigaki-san," she confessed. Her face went red at her omission. Oh no! What was she thinking? This was a business transaction, like all the times before. "Perhaps…this is for the best." She admitted. Raiden-sama was correct in his opinion-she was becoming compromised.

"Good-bye." She muttered quickly as she ducked under his arm. Shouldering her blade, she hurried towards the door without looking back-she couldn't bear to.

"Wait!" Kisame called after her just before she opened the door.

She paused, hand still on the knob. She knew she should just open it and walk through. It was easy enough to do-even the right thing to do. And yet she remained still.

"I have…one last favor to ask of you." His husky voice drew closer.

She sighed wistfully as she rested her head against the door frame. "I really can't-"

"Please."

She frowned at that. Please? That was way too formal for the Shark she knew so well. Curiously she turned to face him. His black robe slipped down from his shoulders onto the floor. She gawked at his broad muscular physique, mouth hung open. "Oh wow…" she murmured reverently. He wore a wickedly pleased smirk as he continued his approach. Then she remembered where she was, who she was with and modestly lowered her gaze. "T-This favor-" she mumbled uselessly as her cheeks burned. "W-What is it?"

He stood before her, chuckling softly at her embarrassment. It was a good look for her—she seemed almost human. He reached for her hair, gently wrapping a strand around his finger. "Can't you guess? Surely you are not that innocent."

With lightning speed she shoved him back with a face like thunder. "I can't believe you!" She screamed. "I'm NOT some common whore!"

He blinked in surprise and quickly back-tracked. "That's not what I meant-"

She came at him with electricity crackling from her mesh armored gloves. He ducked and weaved around her punches, knowing full well that one direct hit would render him temporarily paralyzed. "I'm not some cheap slut to have your way with!" She snarled. "I'm worth more than that you big stupid-!"

Her temper made her a bit clumsy and he found an opening as she lunged forward. He ducked under and knocked her backward. She fell hard and he pinned her down, keeping her hands restrained above her head. She thrashed underneath him as she struggled in vain, cursing him all the while. Oh that felt so good…he groaned softly in spite of himself. She too felt the anatomical change pressing against her and suddenly froze. Her chest heaved from the exertion and her expression grew uncertain, fearful even. "Don't do this," she pleaded softly. "Not after all we've been through…"

He lowered himself to his elbows, his face just inches from her own. "Suko…" he whispered his special nickname for her. "I'm not looking for some cheap thrill."

"Then…what are you looking for?" She whispered cautiously.

"If this is to be the last time we ever see each other, I want you to know…just how I feel."

Her eyes fluttered closed as his mouth brushed along her neck. The pressure, the heat of his breath took her own away. With a sigh she arched her neck, allowing him further access. Her heart pounded against his chest as she felt herself begin to get carried away. What was this feeling? Had it always been there? His mouth traced along her quivering jawline. "Hossshigaki-san," she whimpered.

He paused to look her in the eye as he released his grip on her wrists. His gaze was resolute as well as tender. "Say my name Suko," he prompted.

Her cheeks simmered a pleasant shade of pink. "Kisame," she whispered shyly.

Then his mouth seized hers, plunging into the depths he had only imagined. She groaned against him as his tongue massaged her own, tempting, enticing, and she yearned for more. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she kissed him back. It was weak and unexperienced. She was still a virgin, he realized with a thrill. All the more reason to make it memorable. This would be the event all others would be compared to, he thought with pride. Though in that moment, he wanted to be the only one. He was selfish; he'd never share. Not this one. She was his alone.

It was a whirlwind of passion that over-whelmed her senses. She was vulnerable to his expert touch. That's when it hit her. This was real, and what was about to happen…there would be no turning back. Oh she could hardly bear its intensity!

Afterwards both panted heavily as weary limbs began to slow down. He leaned onto his elbows, his head nuzzling her neck as he struggled to catch his breath. Her eyes closed as she stopped trying to make sense of this dream. Whether it was real or not no longer mattered. Her fingers embedded in his thick navy hair. It was softer than she had thought it would be.

His arms wrapped around her back as he held on tightly. Thus fully entwined, each was reluctant to break the silence, afraid to ruin the moment. Reality was less forgiving, and she could no longer ignore its call. "Kisame…what have you done? You know this has to be good-bye." She said regretfully.

"Not permanently. Your business may have concluded…" he whispered against the groove of her collar-bone. "Mine has only begun."

She giggled softly as she pulled away and sat up. "Just like you to be so stubborn." She turned to grab her clothes, suddenly feeling quite chilly as well as embarrassed by her nudity. It was far too exposing.

He chuckled as he pulled her back into his arms. The heat of his embrace warmed her. "I'm not about to let you get away."

His mouth grazed the back of her neck and she smiled with pleasure. This…was something she could see herself getting used to. She leaned back against him. "I've been compromised…I hope you're happy," she said ruefully.

"As long as that means you belong to me-"

"Never!" She protested as she elbowed him hard in the gut. He involuntarily released her and within seconds she had him pinned in turn. "I belong to no one, not even you." She declared with chin held up defiantly.

"Resist all you like. I love a challenge." He pulled her face down for another passionate kiss.

She kissed him back with hands resting on his chest. A quick jolt from her gloves left him stiff and stunned. His eyes remained wide-open as he realized his mistake. She giggled softly as she sat up, straddling his waist. She made a show of stretching, elongating her torso elegantly. "You're not the only one," She said as she pulled her fishnet shirt back on.

He growled threateningly but was unable to move. She swiftly gathered her clothes and finished getting dressed. She returned the mini bag of coins and placed it on his chest. "You're gonna have a wicked headache when you recover your senses. Get yourself a drink to ease the pain." Her mouth twisted into a devious smile. She strapped Chikara to her back and then paused for a moment. She picked up his discarded Akatsuki robe and folded it up. "Hopefully you won't mind if I take this, for official business naturally." She winked and left the room without a backward glance.

He lay on his back in the nude for some time. How long does it take to wear off? It'd been so long he couldn't remember. His skin tingled with the prolonged exposure to the cold.

Just then Itachi stepped into the room. He had been concerned when his partner had not rendezvoused at the agreed upon place and time. He blinked in surprise for a few seconds before he pressed a hand over his eyes. "I truly do not wish to know," he said wearily. Yet he had very little doubts about what had occurred. Served his horny friend right.