Kisame tensed at the sound of his partner being dragged from his cell. He stood, tearing his eyes from the mirror. Now was their chance. He willed his sword to respond to his chakra. The men had taken it from him and the bounty they had been after no doubt had it on his person. There was a scream from a man nearby then another. Kisame gave off a huge grin. His cell door burst open and in came Samehada. It returned to it's owner whom had no problem breaking his binds.

Kisame rolled his shoulders in a glorious stretch before stepping from the cell. He looked to his side expectantly awaiting some remark from Itachi about how it took him long enough. However he received none for Itachi was unconscious on the floor, lying in a puddle of blood. Kisame rushed towards him, eyes searching his body. He sighed in relief upon realizing it was not his partner's blood rather the enemies'. However, it worried him why the Uchiha was in such a state.

He shrugged it off, however, and placed Samehada on his back. He knelt at Itachi's side then pulled him into his arms. The ex-Hidden Mist shinobi had the bounty drooped over his shoulder and his comrade in his arms, cradled to his chest.

–

Kisame met Kakuzu outside a bounty exchange. Hidan laughed when he spotted the weasel unconscious in Kisame's arms. Kakuzu rolled his eyes, slicing Hidan's head clear from his shoulders. The two ignored his curses, Kisame handing the bounty over to Kakuzu. They said a brief good-bye before the shark headed for their own quarters.

Kisame stopped outside the cave by a lake. Kisame smiled at the scenery before he remembered Itachi's condition. He stepped inside and set him on the bed they were forced to share. Of course, they usually just took turns or Kisame allowed his ill partner the bed while he took to the floor or couch. He watched the Uchiha's chest rise and fall before he turned to leave. He froze upon hearing his name from Itachi's lips. He turned back to Itachi and noticed he was shivering.

The cave was rather cold since Kakuzu didn't allow heating. The shark frowned, knowing he'd later regret what he was about to do. He gently pulled back the covers and crawled under them next to Itachi. He replaced the covers over them and soon felt Itachi nuzzle into his side. Kisame smiled at this then followed into sleep.

Itachi awoke to the sound of snoring. Not that it was unusual, in fact he was quite used to his partner's snores. What he wasn't used to was how close it sounded. He also found it was difficult to breathe. He went to sit up only to find someone was holding him. His eyes narrowed and he kneed the closest thing that belonged to the one restraining him. Kisame shot up and scrambled out of bed, immediately recalling last night.

"Sorry Itachi! I just didn't want you to freeze or nothing." Kisame rubbed the back of his head, looking to the floor while awaiting his partner's reaction.

"... That's alright. It just caught me off guard." Itachi replied calmly.

"I bet you're hungry. I 'll go get you something." Kisame bowed his head a bit then left.

Itachi yawned then crawled out of bed. His vision was worse today. He looked down and saw that Kisame hadn't changed him. He sighed in disappointment as he headed for his dresser. He didn't have much to wear but Kisame always did the laundry before they ran out of clean clothes. Itachi smiled to himself; Kisame was a lot like a maid.

"Itachi, I brought you some..." Kisame stopped in the door way, watching Itachi as he changed into new clothes, "... Dango?"

Itachi turned around, face blank as usual. He walked over to Kisame and took the food with a small "thanks". Kisame followed Itachi to the kitchen. They sat down without another word and ate across from each other.

"So, Itachi, what happened yesterday? You just collapse?" Kisame was first to break the silence.

"I guess. One of them had some sort of gas." Itachi shrugged.

"Oh." Kisame replied dumbly.

"Did you turn in the bounty?" Itachi asked.

"Yeah, handed him off to Kakuzu and Hidan." Kisame answered, munching the end of the chopsticks.

Itachi gave a nod to show he heard. They finished eating when somebody dropped in for a visit. Itachi went to the living room while Kisame went to greet their visitor. Kisame reappeared with Deidara close behind.

"Good morning, Deidara-san." Itachi greeted in the usual Uchiha matter.

"Uchiha, un." Deidara's reply was strained then he smirked, "Hidan said Kisame was carrying you 'round yesterday. Hm."

Itachi shot him a withering glare. The blonde returned it until Kisame poked his arm. Deidara gave a snort at the Uchiha before following Kisame to the kitchen. Itachi's face fell. He didn't understand why the two had left him. He began to sink into his depressed mood, thoughts turning to the pessimistic side. No doubt that tramp was enjoying his partner's company. The thought made him seethe. He stood and went to look for them.

"Are you sure?" Itachi heard Kisame ask Deidara.

"Just pull it out, un!" Itachi gave a jolt then ran inside.

"Pull what out of where?" He leered.

"Um..." Kisame took a step back while Deidara was over by the sink.

"Thanks for pulling my splinter out, Kisame-danna." he turned around, holding up the little piece of wood.

"It was a splinter?" Itachi suddenly felt... like a fool.

"Uh, yeah." Kisame laughed, his face slightly pink, "What did you think I was pulling out of him?"

"No comment..." Itachi replied, feeling his own face heat in embarrassment.

"By the way, un. Leader says you two have another mission tomorrow." Deidara said as he made his way past.

"Seriously, Itachi," Kisame looked at him with his usual smile, "were you thinking what I think you were thinking?"

Itachi said nothing but gave a small nod. This earned yet another laugh from the shark. Itachi gave him a glare then hurried towards the bedroom. Kisame stood there, confused a moment before he soon followed.

I HAVE A COMIC FOR THE LAST SCENE ABOVE!

... . c o m