[There's a firm certainty there that Kisame refuses to allow himself to doubt--it was never meaningless. Maybe he's never been entirely sure exactly what Itachi thought of him, never known exactly what he felt.... but they had had something special. If nothing else, at least to him, Itachi and their partnership were precious things.]
[He sighs again, though this time, the sound turns into a helpless, rueful laugh. (He's already mourned for his partner once before. Why does it hurt so much to know that, in some sense, he's gone forever, even when by all rights he should embrace this wholeheartedly as a second chance?) The smile is bittersweet and wistful, a little hopeful and a little resigned, and maybe it's shaky and chipped and cracking around the edges, but it's still there, and that's what's important--no matter how much his heart hurts, he's learned to always face the world with smiles and laughter ready on his lips, with bright eyes and squared shoulders, steady steps and an unruffled demeanor. It's easier that way. He even manages a little teasing note to his voice.]
Well.... I guess we get to start all over from scratch, then! This should be interesting. I wonder how things will be different this time?