[The reaction is fairly expected, although he had no idea what its exact shape might be, so rarely have they ever discussed anything of a personal nature. Hell had propped open that door; still they hadn't fully walked through it. He finds himself studying Kisame's expression to memorize it exactly. Neither of them are so open - he recognizes that he may never see it again quite so plain on the other man's face.

Even that laughter sounds unnatural, or at least nothing he's heard with any frequency in their long years together, a representation of the strangeness now between them. Not distance - that had always existed by necessity - but almost a recognition of it instead. An acknowledgement of everything hidden.

The question causes Itachi's brows to furrow, but the confusion is sidetracked immediately by the sight of his partner's arm. That vivid, violent scar takes all of his attention. Betrayal.

So Kisame had continued to suffer in that dimension.]

… Was that what he said? [A mild, quiet tone.] It's complicated, but he requested an official status. He also understands that it is not permanent.

[Something made clear to Stiles before he'd even agreed to such an absurd, uncharacteristic, painfully tender decision.]

How recent is your injury?