The first time he was amused. The second, he was concerned. And the third time…Kisame was downright worried. It simply wasn’t like the graceful Uchiha Itachi to stumble, no matter how sleep deprived he was, or how many times he used his Sharingan. And Kisame should know, after all, he and Itachi had been together for years.

“Itachi” Kisame spoke softly and hesitantly, hoping his partner was in a good mood. These hopes were dashed by the death glare he received.

“What?” Well, at least Itachi had responded. Kisame took in a deep breath, knowing what he was about to say was potentially fatal.

“Maybe…maybe we should…rest for a bit?” He flinched automatically, but relaxed when he noticed the lack of Itachi’s Sharingan. The Uchiha gave a curt nod and settled himself on the ground right where he’d been standing. Kisame wondered why Itachi hadn’t chosen one of the fallen logs, but he thought better than to ask. Though he may love Itachi with all his heart, he knew better than to question some of the Uchiha’s eccentrics, especially if something was wrong. Which there obviously was, since he’d never seen Itachi agree to take a break in…well, ever really.

“Itachi…” He did his best to stifle a gasp as the raven haired man turned to him, the emotions on his face concealed only slightly by the layer of indifference. Yes, there was definitely SOMETHING bothering his gorgeous partner.

“Itachi...do you…want to tell me what’s wrong?”
Kisame knew the answer before it came, but he was surprised by the way Itachi’s “no” was uttered. It wasn’t really said in a dismissal way at all…but more like Itachi had actually considered his answer.

“Alright.” Kisame understood it was best not to push his partner, Itachi would tell him what was bothering him in time. He just hoped it would be soon, for the sake of both their sanities.
Itachi stood up after another brief moment of silence.

“Let’s go.” Kisame nodded and stood up as well, starting to once again make his way down the path. He turned back confusedly when he saw Itachi wasn’t following.

“What’s the matter?” he teased, trying to conceal his uneasiness. “Want me to hold your hand or something?”

"Would you…?” Itachi’s response was almost inaudible, and Kisame would have sworn it hadn’t been there at all…had the Uchiha not been holding out his hand to him, that is.
After a moment of gaping, he walked back and grasped his partner’s hand, gently pulling him along after him.

“Of course.”

Whatever was wrong with Itachi, Kisame REALLY hoped he figured it out soon.