Akatsuki's Week With Baby Itachi

Summary: Orochimaru tries to control Itachi with a jutsu, but it backfires and the Akatsuki are left with a few problems on their less than care-capable hands. Thank Kami it was reversible!

''Let's never do that again, un.'' Deidara said the next morning with a tired groan. Needless to say, everyone was exhausted the next morning from their day at the festival. It didn't help that it was the sixth day since Itachi's transformation, meaning they only had today with the little Uchiha until he turns back to his old, fifteen and a half year old self. And then there will be no more cuddling or cute little smiles and melodious laughter. Sure, their jobs will become easier, but they knew they would miss the kid. Itachi had breathed life into them, reminding them all what innocence looked and felt like, even if it was only the remains of it and even if it was only temporary at best. The kid also seemed to bring peace with him, his calm demeanor having stopped all arguments for the week that he had been here. One had to wonder just what a child's presence can do to a person, even to a bunch of S-ranked criminals.

''At least Itachi had some fun.'' Sasori commented, remembering the laughter he wished he could record somewhere. It was truly a sound to treasure.

''Yeah, until that fucking bastard tried to cheat him.''Hidan grumbled, wishing he could have killed that vendor. Seriously, trying to con a kid? And they called the Akatsuki members evil!

''You think he will be okay after that encounter with the Copy Ninja Kakashi and the other ANBU?'' Konan asked worriedly, remembering how Itachi had refused to sleep anywhere but between herself and Pein the night before, after they had all gotten ready for bed. They hadn't minded - far from it - but they had both been left seething when the brave child they had come to know had been afraid to sleep on his own in fear of the ANBU coming for him. He had nearly slit Pein's throat this morning when the ginger had shook him to wake him up for breakfast. He had been unusually glum all throughout the meal, sitting in Kisame's lap like a kid his age would, but Itachi had very rarely acted his age in the past week so it had worried them all.

He hadn't even wanted dango when Konan had offered it to him when it became obvious he won't eat much of his breakfast!

Luckily, Tobi had seemed to manage to get some reaction out of the boy, taking him to watch some cartoons in the living room while the rest of the organization forced themselves to function properly with insane amounts of coffee and sugar. They could hear Itachi talking with Tobi, but his words were quieter than they had been all week. They already missed the relaxed boy he had been before his run in with Kakashi and that Tenzou guy.

''He will be,'' Kakuzu replied confidently. ''He is an Uchiha, after all.''

''That's probably what started this whole mess!'' Kisame hissed at the eighty something year old ninja, startling Kakuzu. Kisame rarely displayed his aggression on his fellow Akatsuki members. ''We all think he can take care of himself just because he's Uchiha Itachi! He's still a kid! Even in his real age, he's still only a teenager! Just because he's a fucking genius doesn't mean he's all powerful! He has his limits! He needs other people to still care for him from time to time!''

''Kisame is right,'' Pein said with a sip of his hot coffee. ''Itachi has been making sure t help us in subtle ways but we never once tried to take care of him. Call it that we don't share his Leaf mentality, but he is still a part of the Akatsuki, an essential part at that. We need to realize that he's not as invincible as we like to think him to be.''

''Itachi-dana won't like us fussing over him.'' Diedara warned, knowing that not even this four year old Itachi liked having such attention turned on himself.

''He'll probably be suspicious of us, if he doesn't remember anything, suddenly paying so much attention to him.'' The redhead added, knowing Itachi could be a bit paranoid.

''He'd probably Tsukuyomi us if we even suggested that he needs to be taken care of, the fucker.'' The zealot of the group grumbled, knowing it was more than a possibility. Even Itachi had some pride, minuscule as it was in comparison to everyone else's. He's actually more about honor than pride.

''Be that as it may, you guys could at least not try to antagonize him for a day or so.'' Kisame said, crossing his arms over his chest, knowing that's what mostly annoyed his partner. Sasori and Kakuzu respected Itachi, but even they had their moments when they felt the need to annoy the weasel. Hidan and Deidara actively did it on a daily basis until Itachi glared at them with the Mangekyo Sharingan and they then left him be for a few days. Tobi annoyed everyone, so he didn't really count. And even Zetsu, who avoided Itachi as best as he could, Kisame, who made sure to always be more a pillar of support to his partner than anything else, and Pein and Konan could be bothersome on some days. Especially if the Uchiha overused his eyes.

''Yeah, I guess we could do that.'' Hidan concluded, surprising everyone that he hadn't used a single cuss word. Guess he was serious about this, then.

''But, in the meantime, we should probably try and make this the best day of Itachi's life, ne?'' The kunoichi suggested, wanting one more pleasant day with the little boy before the teenager returned and they tried to reconcile unmade bonds with him.

''We could go to the beach?'' Kisame suggested, knowing Itachi loved to sit beside the ocean for hours and just look out towards the horizon. He loved the sea breeze and the smell of the salty water, loved to watch his faithful crow outmaneuvering the seagulls- His crow! ''Shit!'' The blue man cursed, picking up his Samehada and racing out of the hideout before anyone could question what was going on. The remaining members of the Akatsuki just stared after him before Hidan asked the very obvious question.

''Jeez, what's got his panties in a fucking bunch?''

Leader just shook his head, knowing he will never fully understand his employees. ''I have no idea but he better come back soon. Itachi will be sad that he didn't come to the beach with us.''

''We're going?'' The startled Sasori asked. ''After that disaster yesterday?''

''There's a nearby beach that Kisame uses to train,'' Konan explained dutifully. ''No one goes there because there are sharp rocks all over the place but it's beautiful and apparently, Itachi and Kisame go there some times when we give them time off.''

''Which is almost never.'' Kakuzu grumbled, having realized that only after Itachi had pointed out that one team seemed to always be on missions when they were balancing the checkbooks. Itachi and Kisame got a majority of the missions, either by request or because they are the most suited for it. Either way, they got very little free time. Something they all ought to do something about in the future.

''We should first see if Itachi-dana's even up to it, un.''

''Well, why do you go ask him?'' Zetsu questioned, having stayed quiet until now. The other Akatsuki exchanged looks and then all turned to look at their Leader expectantly. Pein sighed and wondered how he'd ended up choosing such cowards for his organization if they were afraid to ask a kid if he wanted to go to the beach.

Then again, Nagato mused as he walked towards where he could hear Tobi chattering to said kid, he didn't want to upset the Uchiha, himself. He wanted to see him relaxed and happy once more before he turned back to his old self.

00000

It would seem that some time with the juvenile Tobi had managed to cheer Itachi up a great deal since breakfast and when he heard they were going to the beach, he was smiling excitedly again. It would seem Kakuzu had been right about him being okay, much to the Akatsuki's relief. They had quickly packed up and set off towards the beach, Itachi all but a bubbling ball of energy as they approached to sound of water clashing against the shore two hours later. Up until then, he had either been walking on his own, burning off some energy and getting his dango-appetite back or he had been carried by various Akatsuki members. They had thought it, like always, rather cute, his enthusiasm.

But then some of that excitement died down when he saw that Kisame wasn't waiting for them when they arrived at the beach. The others saw and swore they were going to bash Kisame's head in if he ruins this day for the Uchiha, but then they focused on entertaining Itachi so he wouldn't notice the absence of his partner. Not easy when some part of Itachi greatly associated Kisame with the sea still.

Obito yet again came to the rescue, scooping up his little cousin and rushing into the water with him in his arms, Itachi shrieking in sudden delight. Konan screamed after them, warning Tobi not to dump Itachi into cold water before he got used to it as it was bad for his heart, ending up running after the pair, Itachi's laughter heard over Tobi's screams for help and Konan's death threats.

And when Tobi managed to get Deidara wet as they ran past the blond, explosions joined the fray, Kakuzu barely managing to save Itachi from the conflict of ninjas. Sasori joined in, too, when one of Diedara's clay bombs forced him to dive behind a rock for cover, ending up with a lot of sand falling into places it should never be in a puppet. Pein, Itachi and Kakuzu just watched as Hidan joined in for the hell of it, two not impressed by the chaos while Itachi didn't know whether to be horrified or amused at their behavior. He was then handed to Pein when Kakuzu realized they were threatening to destroy their rather expensive beach gear, leaving the two doujutsu wielders to sigh in exasperation over their behavior.

When they felt Pein's murderous aura when the first blood - Hidan's - was spilled, they stopped fighting, knowing they'd be in trouble if they killed or seriously maimed each other, so Obito came up with a brilliant idea. He splashed Deidara in the face, which earned them Hidan's uncontrollable laughter. He then ducked when Deidara made to splash him, ending up splashing Konan instead. The woman retaliated by splashing Kakuzu, who then proceeded to try and drown Hidan and Deidara, Sasori dunking him in an attempt to save his lover. Even Zetsu joined when Tobi jumped up on Konan's back to save the idiot from being drowned by the kunoichi when he accidentally grabbed her breast. And then he had to run like there was no tomorrow when Pein put Itachi down and ran after them, intending on murdering Tobi and ending the water war like that.

Itachi just continued watching and laughing until Hidan took a bucketful of water and dumped it on the genius. Suddenly, Itachi's continuance went from happy and innocent to mischievous and downright dangerous for their health. Hidan took a step back and another and another, Itachi following him each time before the zealot took off towards the sea, the drenched genius chasing after him. Hidan slowed down when he hit the water but Itachi surprised them all yet again when he ran on the water rather than into it. Itachi then leaped through the air, hitting Hidan in the chest and making him stumble back, falling back into the water. The Uchiha didn't go down with him, instead jumping a few feet back and away, nearly loosing his footing before gathering himself. Just in time for Deidara to catch him, holding the struggling genius in the air before throwing him into the water, laughing all the while. With a yelp and a splash, Itachi went under. When he didn't break the surface after a good 20 seconds, the adults stopped laughing and looked worried.

That is, until Itachi had his revenge and dragged Deidara under water by the blond's feet. Kakuzu grunted as he met the same fate at Hidan's hands. The two high-fived each other before running off in different directions when their victims took after them, Itachi once again running on water so he could escape Deidara. It was soon Deidara who was being chased when he ran over Sasori when the boy hid behind the Akasuna, threatening to strangle him should he ever catch him. Not even Zetsu escaped the fray, what with Hidan tackling him as his next victim.

Itachi was left giggling on his own, but he didn't want to be caught in the crossfire again so he trekked back to the beach, taking a towel and wrapping it around himself before looking back at his protectors, feeling strangely at ease. He had not felt like this since before his Chichiue had taken him out to the encampment. He felt like a child again, despite no longer considering himself as such. After all, he wasn't innocent anymore. How can a killer be innocent? But Itachi felt content with these people. They were obviously somewhere isolated from the war, as the festival yesterday would suggest, and these people had shown they'd protect him should he ever get in trouble. They cared for him and he would miss them all when he finally has to go back. Maybe he'll be able to see them in a few years? He sure hopes so. He knows for sure that he'll come around after he becomes a proper ninja.

The cawing of a crow drew Itachi out of his thoughts and he looked up, blinking when the black bird flew down to flap in front of him. It cawed again, as if demanding something from him. Confused, Itachi just stretched out his arm, almost on instinct and with fascination, he watched as the bird landed on his arm, careful not to damage his skin. It cawed happily, content just sitting there. He stared in awe as the crow started preening itself. Itachi reached out with his free hand and carefully, agonizingly slowly, to pet the black feathers. The Uchiha's lips spread into an amazed smile when the crow all but scrambled to lean into his fingers and he gently started caressing the crow's head.

"He's been worried sick about you," the familiar voice of Kisame startled neither crow nor its miniaturized master as they both turned to regard him curiously as the shark man calmly walked over to them, a friendly grin on his face. He sat down beside Itachi, ignoring how the bird seemed to glare at him. In the crow's opinion, these Akatsuki people had had a week with his master while he had been searching after that stupid Snake's jutsu. It was his turn. Kisame's smile turned sheepish as he faced his young partner. "Sorry I forgot all about your crow, Itachi-san. I was just worried about you and hadn't even realized he was missing."

Black eyes blinked in confusion up at him, the raven head tilting in curiosity. "My crow?" The bird in question gawked its agreement and Itachi looked back at him before turning hopeful eyes up at Kisame. "He's mine? Really mine?"

A blue eyebrow cocked at the strange response. "Yeah. Has been for a long time." Those sharp eyes lit up in delight and an impossibly soft smile spread across Itachi's features as he scratched carefully under the bird's neck. The crow gleefully announced its approval and a laugh escaped Itachi.

"I always liked crows." He murmured and Kisame grinned at how delighted the boy looked at seeing - unknown to him - his lifelong companion. When Kisame had finally found the bird, it had been frantically still searching the forest and the surrounding area for its master. He guessed Itachi either sent it away or it had been flung away by the shock wave that had allowed them to find Itachi in the first place. Of course, by the time it returned to where his master had been, Itachi had already been found by Pein and Konan, leaving the bird forgotten since they had all been a bit too worried about Itachi to even remember his crow was his only companion when he went out to train.

When it had seen Kisame, the crow had attacked him as though h had betrayed Itachi and Kisame had had to fight all of his ninja instincts to not retaliate and injure the bird. If he did that and Itachi found out once he returned to normal, Kisame would be sushi! He had to calm the animal down so he could tell it that its master was fine. He then proceeded to lead the crow to Itachi, where he had this reaction.

"They are awfully smart creatures." He conceded and Itachi nodded, looking back at Kisame with a smile that melted his insides and that he wished his partner would actually show at least once as a grown up.

"Yo, dumbass!" They looked back towarxs the water where Hidan was waving at Kisame while holding Sasori in a headlock. "Get in the fucking water! Aren't you supposed to be some sort of fish?"

Kisame scowled at the zealot. "I'm going to kill that man. Even if it lasts only a second." He grumbled, flinging off his cloak and clothes that were underneath until he was only in swimming trunks and he ran off to do as he said, Itachi watching with interest as the shark man easily caught Hidan and started drowning the immortal, everyone else just laughing at his cursing. Itachi looked back to his crow, wondering why it had one Sharingan eye but dismissing it as something maybe even his protectors didn't know.

Instead, he spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sun, occasionally joining in on the water war still going on in the seal and just embracing the day as though it were his last.

00000

"Itachi-chan, un?" Said boy looked up to let his gaze settle on the second youngest person in their group, pausing in his roasting of a marshmallow. They have had a wonderful dinner prepared by Kisame, Konan and Itachi himself consisting of sea food that Kisame delivered freshly straight out of the ocean. Itachi took care of the fish while Konan took care of the seasonings and side dishes. Kisame cooked or roasted anything they didn't know how and they ended up with a big feast. For desert, Konan had had the foresight to buy the marshmallows and they had all just sat down around the fire, took up a stick and started preparing their sweets.

"Yes, Deidara?" The child replied politely, wondering if he should give one marshmallow to his crow, who strangely enough hadn't went to sleep despite how dark it was outside. The skies were full of twinkling stars and there was a full moon rising over the calm sea. Yet the bird hadn't fallen asleep like birds usually do when darkness comes. Itachi attributed it to the Sharingan implanted in the crow's left eye socket. It saw in the dark just as fine as it did during the day so it saw no reason to sleep until it ft like it.

The blond chewed on his bottom lip, wondering if he should ask this question at all. Yet he felt that this was the only way they'd ever get an answer as to just who Itachi really was under all that cool and impassiveness. "What do you want to do when you grow up, un? With your life, I mean."

The rest of the group fell silent, all of their eyes falling on the small raven haired boy as he thought, tilting his head a bit to the side, eyes distant. "I would fight for peace." Itachi finally replied. "I'd like to travel the world and fight for peace. See new places, maybe meet some interesting people, although I doubt anyone can be interesting as you guys." He admitted with a childish giggle, melting all of their hearts with the innocent sound. How long had it passed since they had reacted to a child's laughter before this had happened? How long had passed since they'd even registered or heard it? It felt like a lifetime ago. "But I guess I'd most want to just find happiness and peace for myself. Live someplace nice, away from conflict and war."

"But don't you like your home in Konoha?" Kisame questioned his little partner, startled Itachi would want to live anywhere else but in the home village he loved so much.

"I very much love my village." The genius replied with a somber air around him. "But it's a ninja village. People are always fighting. Even when this war ends, there will be constant conflict, among ninjas from both Konoha and ninjas who originate elsewhere. I like it here, with you guys." That startled the Akatsuki adults, all staring down at the should be teenager. "You're an example of what true peace might look like."

"What do you mean?" A confused Nagato asked, not understanding how his organization of some of the world's most dangerous and deadly criminals could represent peace.

"Aside from the missions you still take, you guys are just like normal people. You all live together just fine, despite not coming from the same village. In fact, I would bet my eyes that most of you hadn't even met each other until you joined Akatsuki." The genius smiled softly at them. "If you just didn't take any missions, you guys would represent real, true peace because you're the first group of ninja who don't hail from a single village that acts like a family. Hokage-sama says everyone in the village is his family. In an ideal world with true peace, all ninjas from all villages would be family. You guys have managed to make that here, on a much smaller scale, but you've proved it possible. It makes your place seem like home."

"I never thought of it in such a light." Konan offered after a long stretch of silence, each and every one of them regarding Itachi with interest. Of course this perceptive child would notice their strange dynamics when even they themselves were ignorant of it. Itachi's eyes were keen on taking the slightest notice of every change, every shift in behavior, with or without his Kekkei Genkai. In fact, the kid seemed oblivious to the fact that the Sharingan had even been activated in his eyes. Yet he still saw more than any other person could. It was as though he could peer right into their very souls.

Maybe that's what set him aside from all the other Uchihas? When the thirteen year old Itachi had first joined their organization, Kakuzu had instantly labeled him as different to all the other Uchihas he had met before in his life. Konan had thought it either had to do with his humble nature or his sheer genius. Orochimaru, while he had still been in the organization with them, had always been obsessing with Itachi's eyes. Yet it was neither his power nor his character, although those were exceptional enough by themselves. It was the fact that he had true, pure visual prowess, allowing him to throughly study a person in a matter of seconds and judge them accordingly, never once making a mistake on their character. And they had all overlooked that until this moment, hadn't they? Until Itachi had made it glaringly obvious to them with just a few sentences.

Obito could not deny the pride he felt towards his little cousin as he saw the awe the other Akatsuki members had in their eyes as they now watched the child eat his desert while petting his crow and watching the rising moon. Obito had always known his cousin was special, way before the younger Uchiha had met Shisui. And while he never got to make such a strong bond with him, he had always been exceptionally fond of Itachi. He had been the only Uchiha not to pity or belittle him for not awakening his Sharingan until he was thirteen. Sure, he had been only a kid back then, but as he was showing now, Itachi was an extremely smart kid. He understood everything their other clansmen said and he had not liked Obito's treatment. He couldn't understand such aloofness towards one's own family but he had made sure to always make Obito feel appreciated. Obito just wished such an attitude could have continued when they met up again.

Then again, he had introduced himself to Itachi as Uchiha Madara, but he was starting to wonder if Itachi had ever bought that lie. The ease with which this child had recognized him ... There was no way the thirteen year old Itachi hadn't realized Tobi was not Madara but Obito. He'd have to have a chat with his younger cousin when he turned back to his real age. For now ...

"Tobi likes that idea! Tobi never had a family, not really, and Tobi is such a good boy and good boys always have nice, big families!"

"Jashin, you just can't shut the fuck up for one damned minute, can you?" Hidan snapped at the masked man, getting a tsk from Deidara.

"Like you're the one to talk, un! Once you start on all that Jashin bullshit, not even Kakuzu sewing your mouth shut can stop you!"

"What did you say, blondie?!"

"You heard me, un!"

"What about you? We all know how talkative you are at night, Dei-chan! After all, the whole hideout echoes with your screams!"

A gasp. "Take that back, un!"

"Or what?" A challenge.

"Oh, shit." Kisame muttered, gathering Itachi's small body in his arms, jumping to his feet and sprinting away from the scene, ignoring the crow's indignant gawking as it tried to cling on to his master.

"Deidara, don't you dare-"

Pein's order was cut off by a "KATSU!" followed by an explosion and curses from the other Akatsuki members.

"DEIDARA!"

"Ups, sorry, un."

00000

By the time they all got back to the hideout, they were all dog tired, Itachi long since having fallen asleep in Konan's arms. The kunoichi had taken him from Kisame so he could help with their beach gear which needed to be taken back to the hideout. The boy was now snuggled into her neck, holding on to her cloak and sleeping peacefully, unlike anything they had ever seen with the fifteen year old Itachi they all knew. Zetsu was actually complaining about what the salty water had done to his plant self but no one was loud as they didn't want to wake the genius. They quietly made their way to their rooms, all of them just making the detour to Itachi's and Kisame's room to say silent byes to the child that had brightened their world so in only a week. If a few eyes were brimming with tears, it didn't matter. They weren't shed and no one would begrudge them if they were. Itachi turned out to be just so easy to love.

Kisame was soon left alone with his sleeping partner and he couldn't help but stare at his peaceful face. Itachi was usually stoic even in sleep. As a four year old, Itachi slept with a minuscule smile stretching his lips. The blue man wondered if he would remember anything of their one week of adventures and misadventures while taking care of him to the best of their abilities as S-ranked criminals. He also wondered if it would be good or bad that Itachi remembered. After all, he had shared quite a few secrets that were fundamental in making Itachi who he was as a teenager. His first kill, his pacifism and his dream of peace sure as hell were things Itachi had wanted to keep secret.

The Kiri nin sighed as he finally got himself to go to bed. Itachi-san would still be there in the morning, only he will be back to his normal self. There would be no more laughter or cute smiles and having the privilege of carrying the genius in his arms again. But he had missed his partner, too. Little Itachi had interesting views on the world but he had not seen much of it. Wise as he was, he was still too young to talk about some things. And as young as Itachi was in his rightful age, he had still seen more of the world than his four year old self. Kisame wondered if he was being overly selfish in wanting to keep them both.

He hadn't even realized he had fallen asleep until he felt something snuggling up to him a few hours later. He opened his blurry eyes to see a small raven head resting on his chest, Itachi having abandoned his own bed and instead sleeping with Kisame in his. There was more than enough room for them there but Kisame still shifted a little to give the boy more space. The Uchiha blinked blearily up at him through sleep ridden eyes and Kisame chuckled as he leaned down and placed a gentle, rather intimate kiss on his forehead. By the time he pulled away, the four year old was already back in a deep sleep, a smile still on his face from the affectionate gesture. Kisame's heart gave a painful pang as he realized that Itachi must not have received many affectionate gestures like this as a child of war. He sneaked his arms around the Uchiha as if to shield him from the world and drew the boy closer. Itachi made no complaints, he didn't even stir, so unlike his older self that woke up at every noise made around them, always fully alert thanks to years of training.

"You have no idea how precious you are, do you, Itachi-san?" He whispered quietly to the sleeping boy. "Especially to me. I'd go to hell for you a hundred times and then some if you just asked. You're my most important person. I'd give anything just to keep you safe, not that you need others to look after you. Still, I sometimes wish I could tell you all of this, could gather up the courage and face you with my feelings. Some Kirigakure ninja I am, if just the thought of your rejection terrifies me. But I'd damn my pride for you. I'd give my life for your happiness. Do you even realize that?" Of course, the sleeping Itachi didn't answer and Kisame chuckled to himself, wondering if he had gone crazy. "Guess not." He bent down to kiss the crown of his little partner's head before closing his eyes and settling for sleep, wondering what he'll tell the genius in the morning if Itachi turns back during the night. Oh well. He'll cross that bridge when he gets there. Now, some sleep.

"Good night, Itachi-san."

00000

Kisame was woken up by the feeling of a weight shifting on his chest and he instantly opened his eyes, his eyes greeted with the sight of his beautiful fifteen and a half year old partner stirring away. He panicked for a second, not sure what to do but resigned himself to his fate as soon as those breathtaking blue eyes opened, blinking away sleep. They blinked again when they registered the rough blue skin they were seeing and Itachi raised his head, meeting Kisame's nervous and sheepish grin with a blank expression.

"Good morning, Itachi-san. You must be wondering about our sleeping arrangements-"

He cut himself off when Itachi just put his head back down right over Kisame's heart, hearing its frantic beating through the blue skin covered muscles. "It's too early to be awake, Kisame." The Uchiha murmured, placing a small peck to the skin available to him, causing his partner's breath to hitch. Itachi's lips curled into a content little smile, snuggling closer to his partner. "Especially after a week of running around with you lot."

"Y-you remember?" The startled Kiri ninja asked and Itachi chuckled.

"It is rather hard to forget a week with the Akatsuki as a toddler." The weasel replied, once again meeting Kisame's gaze. "You've all taken great care of me. I could never thank you all enough."

"I'm sure the others will be thrilled that you remember."

"Don't think you're off the hook for forgetting about my crow." Kisame took great offense to that.

"I was a bit more worried about the fact that my partner was chibisized than about a stupid bird!"

Itachi nodded with an amused smirk. "Yes and your concern and care are greatly appreciated." He leaned forward and kissed Kisame in the same spot on the forehead as the older man had kissed his four year old self just last night, causing Kisame's cheeks to turn an interesting shade of purple, eliciting a chuckle from the teen. "As they have always been."

"Itachi-san-"

"If my brother did not exist, the sentiment would have been fully returned." The raven haired male replied, causing Kisame to suddenly grin a face splitting smile. Itachi rolled his eyes and settled back against his partner, shivering when those strong arms wrapped securely around his ... rather bare waist. The clothes he had been wearing had ripped, leaving him in practically a pair of shorts and nothing more. Kisame seemed to greatly appreciate the skin contact. "Now shut up and go back to sleep. It's only five in the morning."

"Yes, Itachi-san."

And when they finally left their room, four hours later, to join the rest of the Akatsuki for breakfast, the other members were elated that the Uchiha remembered the entirety of Akatsuki's week with a baby Itachi. Obito did indeed have a chat with his cousin, finding out that - unsurprisingly - Itachi had known all along about his true identity. What was surprising - very much so - was the stop of their biju hunt and the fact that they all actually started letting Itachi help them with things. The direction of the Akatsuki was changing, they all soon realized, and they still didn't know what will happen next, but they did know that they were now closer than ever.

And whatever they may now face, the Akatsuki was no longer just an organization of S-ranked ninja criminals, but a family as well.

And all that after just one week with a baby Itachi.

OWARI