Rough Beginnings

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or make any money from this story. I'm just borrowing them for fun.

XoXgaaraXoX: Thanks for that. I actually saved it with spaces between the paragraphs. Who knows? *shrugs* Glad you like it though! I like making Itachi a cuddler I can't help it. ^_^ But my finger is doing better. Thanks.

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Kisame continued to pace outside of Pein's large office. He could not really explain why he was so worried. All he knew was that he had the strange hope that they boy passed. The Uchiha had been in there for over an hour causing a build up outside the door. The others had either come to see the possible new recruit or needed to speak with Pein. Kisame managed to ignore them for the most part in favor of praying that Itachi would be alright.

"Looks like someone's a bit nervous." Orochimaru cooed causing some of the others to chuckle in response. "I think you may have a thing for the pretty little Uchiha Kisa-kun." The shark stopped pacing to glare at his partner. The innocent look did not fit on the face of his partner. He let out a growl and bared his teeth.

"I'm not a pedophile like you Orochimaru." He hissed. A grin made its way to his face when the snake's face contorted in anger.

"How many times do I have to go over this with everyone!? That's not what I mean when I say I want someone's body! You're all a bunch of twisted perverts." He stated sternly. Kisame just loved to push his buttons; not like he could say much since he did the same to the shark. They all knew very well that he would never touch someone, much less a child, in such a way. It was against one of his few morals to not force someone into something like that. He let out a huff and leaned back against the wall. "You can go to hell Kisame."

"See you there Orochimaru." The shark sneered as he began to pace again. Kakuzu pinched the bridge of his nose. This was getting ridiculous. He had to speak to Pein about a new budget proposal and he had to wait for a stupid little brat to get tested. He knew better than to say anything due to the fact that Kisame did seem to care for the kid. He remembered when he had found Kisame for the group and doing the exact same thing. He knew very well what the shark was going through.

"He'll do fine Kisame. He was able to kill his whole family on his own. I'm sure that he can pass this test after that." He tried hoping to calm his friend. Kisame was probably was the kindest and most caring of the group. Though he had a fairly short temper he would never harm any one of them. He would give his life and had proved it more than once. This was his first time bringing in a potential new member; losing the boy would crush him.

"What the fuck is taking him so long?" Hidan grumbled leaning back against the wall by his partner. "I want to turn in this damn mission and go finish my rituals."

"Don't you dare mess up the room again! I just finished cleaning up after the last one you did! Leader-sama gave you a room specifically for such thing so use it!" Kakuzu warned with a growl. He hated those blasted rituals. "Besides you might not remember but every one of our tests took forever. The only reason you might have found yours short was because you didn't have to worry about dying."

"Well it's a useful talent after all." The silver haired man grinned as he once again turned his attention to the door. He was glaring at is so intently that when it opened he let out a yelp and hid behind his partner. The stitched man just raised an eyebrow at the action. "Not a word you bastard."

Itachi ignored the slight commotion as he made his way through the door. Their antics lost on him as he stopped to search for Kisame. Spotting the man he made his way over to him. He looked up at the shark before lowering his gaze and leaning against the larger frame. He wrapped his hands firmly in the thick cloak as he felt the shark's arms move around him. Once again under the shark's protection he allowed himself to fall unconscious.

Scooping the boy's limp body into his arms he let out a sigh. He gently shifted him to be cradled against his chest as he turned his attention to the door. Pein stood in the opening watching the scene with a slight smirk on his face. It was obvious to everyone present that the boy had passed. "Well it's no contest, he's in. Kisame, come with me." He waved the shark into his office stopping when he noticed the shark's hesitation. You can bring Itachi as well." He added figuring that the other man did not want to leave the boy along when he unconscious.

Once inside Pein's office the door was shut behind them by Konan, the only female member of the Akatsuki and Pein's partner. Kisame was beginning to wonder what the man could want to talk to him about. Moving before the desk at the far end of the room he took a seat making sure not to wake the sleeping boy in his arms. "What is it that you needed to talk to me about?"

"You are to take Itachi as your new partner." Pein stated simply taking a seat in his chair on the other side of the desk. The orange haired man rested his elbows on the smooth, polished surface his chin resting on his folded hands. "Before you start asking questions let me explain." The shark closed his mouth from where he had been about to speak.

"You and Orochimaru are a fairly good team but it could be better. Orochimaru will be working on his own for the time being. I believe that teaming you with Itachi will make your team unstoppable." Pein grinned at the look that shark was giving him. It was not often that he got to see such a confused expression on the shark's face. Though he could understand why he would question how they could be compatible. "Don't get me wrong, you are a great overall shinobi but your specialty is Taijutsu and Ninjutsu. You're Genjutsu lacks slightly." The shark just nodded his head knowing himself that it was his weak point.

"Now Itachi is extremely proficient in strategy and Genjutsu. His Taijutsu and Ninjutsu are excellent but he does not hold the strength and stamina that you do." Kisame nodded as he started to see the logic in the pairing. He would be the brute force and Itachi would be the speed and brains. Now he was not slow or an idiot by any means but he never had the patience to set up a strategy. "As you probably have all ready figured out that he would be the perfect match to counter your weaker points. Since we're low on rooms you will have to share yours with Itachi. Not that it seems to be much of a problem. He actually requested to be placed as your partner."

Kisame was shocked by that notion. The boy had actually requested to be placed as his partner? Well if the boy was as strategic as Pein stated he would have figured that out even if he did not know his full strength. But even then to specifically ask for such a thing was odd. He looked down at the boy in his arms and smiled slightly. Seemed the boy had taken a liking to him if only because he felt protected. He looked back up to Pein and gave him a nod. "Yes Leader-sama." With a slight wave of his hand Pein dismissed him to return to his room.

He nodded thanks to Konan as she opened the door for him. Ignoring the questions shot his way he moved out of the cramped hallway just as Pein called for Orochimaru. He knew the snake would be fine, he always preferred to work on his own. Letting out a sigh he weaved through the corridors towards his room. Each room had two beds and some even had an extra room to store things in.

Orochimaru had one of his own due to the large collection of snakes that he kept. No one wanted to sleep in a room with them. It suited Orochimaru just fine from what the shark could tell. Hidan and Kakuzu shared a room but Hidan had a room specific for his rituals and Kakuzu had an office in which all the Akatsuki's personal information was held. It also worked as their bank since keeping money outside the Akatsuki was a good way to get caught. Sasori shared a room with his partner Deidara. The puppet master had a separate room which held his workshop and puppets. Zetsu and his subordinate shared a room which still confused everyone. How the plant could stand to room with the hyper active Tobi no one was sure.

So to say they were a little cramped was an understatement. From what he could tell the Uchiha would not mind. He seemed very quiet and would probably keep out of trouble. It would be a great change from having to deal with Orochimaru. He always had to bail the snake out of problems with the other members. Reaching his door he shifted Itachi around so that the small body was cradled in one arm. It was a bit of a shock to find that it was so easily done. It was rare that he was around someone so small. Letting out a sigh he reached into his pocket for the key to unlock the door.

Shutting the door behind him, he moved into the room and over to the spare bed. Gently lowering the boy to the bed he set about removing the boy's clothing. Leaving him in only his pants he lifted the boy once again so that he could pull down the covers. Laying him on the clean sheets he pulled the covers up over the thin frame. He softly brushed some hair from the Uchiha's face as he let out a sigh.

"You're going to be feeling this for a while." He chuckled, a grin crossing his face when black eyes opened to look up at him. "Don't worry, you passed. I've been assigned as your partner. I've taken you back to the room that we are going to share. Rest for now and get your strength back. I'll have a change of clothes for when you wake up." He was sure that someone had something that might fit the boy well enough until Kakuzu could get Itachi his own wardrobe.

Without even a sound the boy's eyes closed and he drifted back off to sleep. It was going to be hard to bring this one down, that was for sure. He had not woken up for three days after his own test. Straightening himself up with a stretch he left the room in search of some clothing for Itachi.

Having thought about it some there really were only two members that might have something that would fit the Uchiha. He knew that any clothing he got would be large on the small boy but at least he could find something decent. Coming to a stop at a door not far down from his own he knocked a few times. He really hoped that they had gotten back from their mission on time. When the door was flung open by a very irritated looking blonde he began to wonder if this had been a bad idea. "What do you want, un?"

"Sorry to wake you Deidara. I know you just got back from a mission but I need to ask a favor." He stated warily. It was not often that he used the man's full name but he did not want to push his luck. The blonde could be unpredictable as to what would set him off. Especially when he was running low on sleep. The look he received proved that he should hurry up with his request. "I just brought in a new recruit. I was just wondering if I could borrow a set of clothing for him."

"Really, un?" This little bit of news had perked the blonde's attention. The cranky attitude seemed to have melted away at the prospect of good news. "Well this is exciting! It's about time we found another member, un. So who is Leader-sama going to partner with him, un?"

"Actually Leader-sama placed him as my new partner. Orochimaru is going to be working on his own." Kisame explained somewhat sheepishly. He did feel a little bad about switching partners but the snake did prefer to work on his own. Besides the kid had specifically requested him, it still felt weird knowing that fact. "Anyway, the only thing he has to wear is his ANBU uniform. I thought that either you or Sasori might have something that might fit him alright. I'd offer but it would be kind of pointless." The shark added as the blonde began to laugh.

"Of course, un." Deidara replied with a smile. "Hold here for a few and I'll grab you some of Sasori's old stuff, un. I'm sure he won't mind, un." Kisame just nodded as the bomber disappeared behind the door. Obviously the puppet master was in his workshop. Either way he was thankful for the man's short stature; it would come in handy for the moment. He knew the clothes would still be a little big on the small boy but it would do for now.

A few minutes later Deidara returned with a stack of clothing. "This should tide him over until Kakuzu gets him his own, un." The shark took the offered clothes with a slight bow. "Best not hide this one too long, un. I want to meet this new kid as soon as possible, un."

"I'm sure you'll meet him soon enough. He's a tough kid that's for sure." Kisame stated with a chuckle. He still had a hard time believing that the Uchiha had woken up even for those few seconds. Even then he got tired just thinking about the initiation. He had joined the Akatsuki a long time ago and he still remembered his testing. He knew Deidara would understand as well, he had only joined a few years ago. "Well, thanks for the clothes. Sleep well and give Sasori my thanks as well since these are his."

"No problem, un." Deidara replied waving off the shark's thanks. It was the least he could do for the shark. It had been such a simple request. "I'll make sure to pass that on to him. And take good care of this one alright, un? Not everyone can survive your little bouts of anger, un." He teased. It was hard not to when it came to the shark and snake. The two were always butting heads and were constantly getting into fights. How they managed to come out of those scuffles without injuries still astounded everyone.

"I'll be sure to look after this one. He's certainly a keeper." Kisame replied with a chuckle. "Well, I'll let you get back to sleep. Night Dei-chan." He added with a smile when Deidara gave his response with a yawn. Once the door was closed he turned to head back to his room. Despite Deidara being a guy they all seemed to attach -chan to the end of his nickname. Surprisingly enough the blonde did not seem to mind it. He seemed to actually find it quite flattering. So obviously the name stuck.

Letting out a sigh his thoughts turned to how he was going to handle his new partner. He knew how to deal with Orochimaru; he had been working with the snake for a very long time. They knew each others attacks inside and out, they also knew each ability that the other possessed. He just hoped that Pein knew what he was doing by pairing them together. They would have to perfect their partnership fast if they were to be of any good. Though it seemed the boy was already attached to him in some way, hopefully that would carry all the way through.

Entering the room he set about hanging up the clothing Deidara had given him. Setting one set of clothes aside he made sure that the boy's closet was in at least some order. The Uchiha could rearrange it when he woke up if he wished. Once he was satisfied he took the set he left out and set them on the bedside table where Itachi would see them as soon as he woke up. Stretching his arms above his head he made his way into the bathroom that was attached to the room. A shower sounded really nice right about then. He was tired and dirty from the mission; he deserved to relax a bit. Turning on the hot water he stripped down and tossed the dirty clothes into the hamper. Thankfully he had extra cloaks since the one he had worn desperately needed to be cleaned.

About half-an-hour later Kisame emerged from the bathroom in a much better mood. Dressed in a loose pair of sleeping pants the shark flopped down onto his bed. He did not even bother to turn out the lights, he was sure Itachi would appreciate being able to see when he woke up. Yanking to covers up over his tired body he closed his eyes. Sleep took him in a matter of moments not giving him a chance to think any further on his new partner.

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One of my shorter chapters but oh well. They can't all be extremely long. :P