Kisame was right about Shizako, she wasn't happy that Ritsuko was staying with him. So she asked Itachi to look into the situation to make sure that her friend was safe. Itachi was bothered by it too and surprised that Kisame would have even offered to take her in the first place. His friend wasn't nearly as sociable as he used to be, not since Kaneko's desertion. For him to take in a temporary roommate, especially a girl, was mind-blowing. So after classes one day he stopped by Kisame's apartment. He jumped slightly when Ritsuko answered the door. She didn't let him in at first. She just leaned against the doorframe with her arms folded across her chest and smirked. "Lemme guess. Shizako sent you."

He frowned. "So you already know that she doesn't approve."

"She's my best friend but that doesn't mean that I live by her approval," she giggled darkly. "But come in, Kisame's in the shower and should be out soon."

She went back to the living room to watch TV. Chie curled up on her lap and soon fell asleep. Itachi felt awkward just standing by the door so he followed after her and sat beside her. She was watching Fruits Basket, a Japanese cartoon show he'd heard Shizako mention once. He wasn't really into Japanese animation. It was too unrealistic for his taste.

"So how have you been?" He asked cautiously. And for good reason too, last time she answered that question by declaring that she wasn't pregnant. Thank goodness that turned out to be the case; a baby would have only made things worse.

To his surprise she grimaced slightly. "As well as can be expected, I guess," she mumbled.

"What's wrong?" He asked in concern.

"You mean beside the obvious?" She smirked gently and enjoyed seeing him blush. She shrugged and looked down. She didn't feel like being implicit with her best friend's boyfriend. Besides odds are he didn't approve of her staying here either. What would they think if they both knew that she loved Kisame? She loved him and it hurt that he didn't in turn. It was hard for her to keep things casual between them, especially last night when he offered to hold her to sleep again. She didn't really need him to but couldn't resist his offer. If she couldn't have him, this was the next best thing. At least this way she could pretend they were together. Still she felt a little guilty taking advantage of his kindness. Here he was trying to be nice and she just liked the excuse to sleep in his arms.

Itachi frowned curiously and just then Kisame stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped low around his waist. Ritsuko sneaked a glance from the corner of her eyes and smirked gently as her eyes lingered on his firm biceps and chiseled abs. He was pretty cut and allowed herself to day dream. Why not? After all he'd never know. Kisame blinked in surprise at Itachi. "Oh hey, what are you doing here?"

Itachi stood up and approached him. "I'd like a word with you in private," he whispered.

Kisame chuckled. "Shizako put you up to this huh?"

"And can you blame her given your past history?" Itachi glowered. He didn't like the implication that Shizako ordered him around. Far from it, he took her feelings to heart and only wished to set her nerves at rest.

Kisame scowled. "Fine, let's talk in my room."

Itachi sat at Kisame's desk and lowered his gaze modestly while Kisame dressed. "So did you come with a lecture or a warning?" Kisame asked sarcastically as he sat down on the bed.

Itachi glared. "Are you really so stupid? Why are you acting like this isn't a problem? You know that she can't stay here…that she SHOULDN'T stay here."

"For your information Ritsuko and I have gotten over that."

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

"We've decided to put it behind us and to start over. In fact we've become really good friends." Itachi looked him over dubiously. Kisame narrowed his eyes shrewdly. "Is that really so hard to believe?"

"Then why does she look so sad?" Itachi gently challenged.

Kisame softened at that. "Given what she's just been through it only makes sense. She's been going through stages. Sometimes she cries and sometimes she laughs. Sometimes she's back to her old self and other times she retreats inside herself. It's going to take some time."

"What she needs is help," Itachi pleaded. "To see a counselor or a therapist or-"

Suddenly the door slammed opened and Itachi jumped when he saw fire blazing in Ritsuko's eyes. "Don't talk about me behind my back! I'm not some child to be dwelt with. If you've got something to say about me, say it TO me!" She snapped.

Itachi swallowed nervously. Even Shizako didn't have a temper like this. She stood perfectly still but had a hostile air about her. He saw some of Kisame's temper in this girl. "I'm concerned about your safety." He said.

"What, you don't trust your childhood best friend to protect me?" She sneered.

"I just don't want you to get hurt again, that's all," Itachi said, trying to keep his tone neutral.

She shook her head sadly. "Why do you care? I mean really? Shizako aside, why do YOU care?"

He hesitated at that. "I…uh…I don't," he confessed. If it wasn't for Shizako's connection to this girl he really wouldn't have cared either way.

She nodded because she knew that but she appreciated the fact that at least he could admit it. "Tell Shizako not to worry. I'm just fine," her tone was more subdued as her temper had waned. She looked at both of them. "You've both have done a lot for me, so thanks for that. But trust me to deal with this ok?"

Her eyes silently pleaded with Itachi to understand and he seemed to because he nodded. "Very well, I'll tell Shiza not to worry."

She nodded her gratitude and closed the door behind her. Itachi blinked at Kisame. "She sure has a lot of spirit huh?"

Kisame chuckled. "You haven't even seen her when she gets really mad. She's an absolute beast then."

Itachi chuckled back. "Sounds a lot like you. Perhaps you two are well-suited for each other."

Kisame hesitated at that. He knew that Itachi only meant that in a friendship sense and in that case he was right. Still Kisame wondered if they would make a good couple as well. He shook his head to clear it. There was no sense in dwelling on things that weren't meant to be.

Despite his protests, Ritsuko insisted on going back to work on the third day. "I've done nothing wrong," she said indignantly. "I have no reason to hide."

"But there's sure to be lots of reporters," Kisame tried to explain.

"Let them snoop," she said with her chin set stubbornly in the air. "They won't be getting any story out of me."

And they were both right. Once Ritsuko clocked into work the Espresso Express was booming with business. It was filled to capacity with reporters and busy-bodies (among the regulars) all demanding a word with Miss Ryoku. True to her word, she didn't tell them a thing. She was a charming and friendly waitress who served with a smile. Kisame couldn't believe it and yet in her eyes he could see the strain it took to maintain the façade; especially when some of the questions posed to her were flat out slanderous. He did his best to shoo them away or keep them busy with other waitresses. Mrs. Aomori had given strict instruction to the rest of the staff that there was to be no gossiping. "This was a tragedy," she had explained. "Do not make it worse by trying to profit from it."

Ritsuko kept up the act until she crossed the threshold of his apartment. There she collapsed onto the couch with a loud groan. "Ugh its times like that when I hate humanity."

He chuckled softly. "You did very well though, I was impressed."

She smirked gently. "Like I would dream of letting down my Assistant Manager."

He smirked in turn and sat on the couch too. He pulled her feet onto his lap and started to massage them. It was times like that when he slipped up, unintentionally showing his affection for her. She blushed slightly at the attention but didn't protest. His smile softened. He liked to see her blush; it made her look so adorable. It also made her human. He sometimes got the impression that she pretended to be much stronger than she really was, whether to protect herself or to keep people from worrying he couldn't tell. But he liked the fact that she let her guard down around him.

At work things slowed down to normal after a few days when it was clear that Ritsuko wasn't going to give an interview. She was tight-lipped even with her co-workers. Kisame realized that she was determined to put this behind her, just like she had with their incident. It made him wonder if she'd been through this sort of thing before. He asked her about it at home and she confessed the truth of her past. He was devastated by the news and it made her embarrassed. "It was a long time ago ok? There's no need to dwell on it." He wasn't sure what to say to that and she wore a gentle smirk. "I'm not a victim Kisame. I can't change what happened but I'm not going to let it hold me back either." He saw strength and pride in her eyes and once again admired her spirit. Maybe she wasn't always pretending to be strong after all.

They continued to learn more about each other. She learned that he loved to cook and was quite good at it. She was pleased to discover that he had a temper and loved to tick him off just for kicks. But before he'd truly lose it, she'd deflate his temper with a teasing touch. Hey she was perfectly capable of being a flirt when she felt like it. It became a bit of a game between them as he liked to rile her up in turn and then make her blush in the end. Still it only went so far. There were many times when one or the other had to back down and cool off. It was becoming harder and harder to hold back their true feelings but they managed to do so for the presumed sake of the other.

And every night ended the same way, snuggling in his bed. He stopped asking if she wanted to after the third night. It just felt so normal and natural. As they snuggled close together, they rarely said a word. Neither one wanted to ruin the mood, the fragile sense of unspoken love. He loved the fact that he wasn't alone anymore and she loved the feeling of connection. Her body curved against his as his arms wrapped around her snugly. Their eyes were lowered and they wore secret smiles.

Once during the night his hand slipped and drifted down her front. She was semi-awake at the time but his gentle snores proved that he wasn't. His touch excited her and she let out a groan. She longed for more, to experience that soul-felt caress once again, but his hand came to rest low on her abdomen. Her heart pounded in her chest as she turned her head to look at him. He had shifted over to her pillow at some point, his mouth now so very close to hers. She closed the gap and kissed him. Even though his lips remained still she felt that intrinsic spark between them. She leaned into him and kissed a little harder, hoping to wake him up so he could respond in turn. Instead he shoved her off the bed and rolled over with a groggy groan. She hit the floor hard and it hurt. Then she realized what an idiot she was. What did she expect? He'd wake up and want to have sex then and there? He only saw her as a friend. Pretending that he didn't wouldn't change things. Hoping that it would only made the heartache worse. Had she really sunk so low that she'd accept cheap imitations to things she deeply desired? So with that realization she grabbed her pillow, an extra blanket, and went to sleep on the couch instead.

Little did she know how Kisame felt the next morning to find the bed empty. At first he assumed that she had slipped out to use the bathroom but she didn't come back. His heart ached to realize that she'd left during the night. (And of course he had no memory of pushing her away) Why did she leave? Was it because she didn't need him? Or was it because he'd been blurring the line between friend and girlfriend and that had made her uncomfortable? He reached out to touch her side of the bed with trembling fingers. He felt his heart break ever so slightly. It had only been a week and already his bed felt empty without her. If only she knew how much he loved her…if only he had the courage to tell her. But surely she'd be more interested in a man closer to her age. Why did he always fall for the wrong girls?

It was still early morning so she might still be asleep. He climbed out of bed and slowly crept down the hallway. His eyes quickly adjusted to the dark and he heard a groan in the living room. He tiptoed in and found her curled up on the couch with a blanket. Chie lay at her feet. He was a little put out that his cat was beginning to prefer the girl over her Master. But it couldn't be helped. He knelt down beside Ritsuko and watched her sleep. Her long lashes trembled slightly and her mouth was slightly parted as she breathed deeply. Sleep softened her features, making her look at peace. Then she shifted slightly in her sleep so that the blanket slipped off her shoulders. He smirked as he saw a rare glimpse of cleavage peeking out of her tank-top. She looked so very beautiful as she slept. Her lips were red and full and he was tempted to taste them again. She was asleep, she'd never know, he rationalized as he leaned in to kiss her. His heart leaped into his throat as he savored her taste. She moaned softly and her mouth twitched in response. He kissed her a little harder. "Oh Suko," he groaned as his hand drifted down the length of her arm.

Suddenly she punched him hard in the chest. He grunted and fell back on his butt. The swing had only been an instinctive reflex, but the momentum made her fall off the couch and onto his lap. She panicked and flailed. "Huh? What? What's going on?"

He caught hold of her wrists and gently shushed her. "It's alright, its ok." He reassured her.

She stared up at him in horror. "What are you doing here?"

"What are you doing here?" He gently challenged. "Why did you leave?"

She blushed deeply as she scowled. "You shoved me off the bed."

He blinked in surprise. "I did? I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"You owe me," she smirked.

"No I don't," he smirked back as he pressed her hand against his sore chest. "You just punched me in chest."

"What? I did not!" She laughed at him. "You're lying."

"Then see for yourself," he teased as he guided her fingers to lift up his shirt.

She flinched as she saw the beginnings of a fresh bruise spread across his broad chest.

His heart raced as she gently traced the outline of it. Surely she felt it beating against her fingertips. "I'm sorry," she murmured apologetically.

"Now we're even," he said softly. He gently stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.

She looked up at him with a faint blush on her cheeks and wary eyes. His expression was tender while hers remained uncertain. Just then the phone rang, startling them both out of this intimate moment. She pulled her hand away and grabbed the phone. "Hello?"

"Hey Suko, sorry to wake you so early," Shizako said. "I'm on my way home right now. Why don't you come to my house tonight and stay over here instead?"

Before Ritsuko would have said no, but now she realized that she couldn't stay here any longer. If she did she'd eventually crack and confess her love which would ruin their friendship. She didn't want to lose it but the strain of retaining it was beginning to take its toll on her. "Sure thing, I'll be there."

"Be where?" Kisame asked when she hung up.

She didn't speak for a moment, her back still to him. "I'm…going to stay with Shizako now."

"But why?" He protested.

"Why not?" She gently challenged. "I don't have a reason to stay."

That hurt, that really hurt. After all the time they've spent together, getting to know each other better…but he quickly caught his train of thought. This isn't a break up. To break up they would have had to be together…dating. But they weren't. They were just friends. She didn't owe him anything. She didn't have to stay…and he didn't have the heart to ask. Maybe it was better that she left, maybe they did need some space from each other. They were getting too close. "Do what you want," he softly growled as he turned away and went back to his room.

Ritsuko flinched at his harsh tone. It hurt that he didn't ask to her stay…she didn't expect him to, but it would have been nice if he did. It would have given her hope but she was stupid to dream in the first place. He didn't love her and that was that.

She stood up and went to take a shower. It was early but she was too awake to go back to sleep now. Not much else was said between them for the rest of the day. Shizako called that evening to let her know that was she home and Ritsuko said she was on her way over. She went to his room and pulled her things out of a drawer.

He watched her stuff her few belongings into some plastic bags. "Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked softly, a slight plea to his tone.

She nodded. "I've stayed for too long."

He bristled at that. "It's not like I made you." He growled

"I didn't say that you did," she snapped back. Then she sighed and pressed a hand to her forehead. She had to keep her temper in check. "Look…its not that I'm not grateful because really I am. After all," she turned to face him. "You saved my life. I wouldn't be here without you," she whispered shyly.

He approached her and pulled her in for a hug. His mouth rested against the side of her neck and felt her heart beat a little faster. He wanted to say, 'You saved my life too. You saved me from myself; from my heartbreak and loneliness. Please stay; stay here with me and never leave again.' But that was selfish. He knew that Ritsuko couldn't be kept. She was a free spirit. So he said nothing, nothing at all. He just held her and she hugged him back. There were so many things she wanted to say too. 'I love you. I want to stay here with you. I want to be with you and be your girl.' But she was stupid to wish for something that would never be. So the stubborn fools kept quiet, filling the room with silence that didn't belong.

"I have to go," she whispered as she pulled away. "Shizako's waiting."

"Would you like me to give you a ride?"

She shook her head. "No, I'll take a taxi."

"So this is good-bye then." He said flatly.

"For now," she cracked a side-smile. "We'll hang out another time I'm sure."

With that she left the room. He stared after her, remaining rooted to the spot until he heard the front door click shut. Then he slowly sat down on his bed with a heavy sigh. So…that was that.