"That little fucker is going to eat this up."

Itachi crosses one leg over the other, lacing his fingers on top of his knees, keeping his expression neutral. "He's a good fighter."

Kisame scoffs, slinging an arm across the back of Itachi's seat in the process, pointing at the tall, broad man dancing around his opponent in the boxing ring. Over the crowd, he states his complaint right in his ear.

"The only reason Kakuzu got this far is cause I got hurt."

The Uchiha tilts his head in agreement but also adds, "Because he broke your ribs."

"Because he fucking cheated!" Kisame shoots back, glaring at their old friend from their special box at the center of the seating area. "That hit was illegal. The only reason he didn't get docked for it right then is cause I beat the shit of him anyway."

"Why didn't you make it known to the organization?"

Itachi knows the answer. Knows the moment Kisame starts grumbling, moving his arm to scoot to the edge of his seat. The Uchiha watches him dig through his pockets to pull out a lighter and reach for the box of cigars on a small table next to them. His beer gets tossed aside in favor of a rolled Bolivar. Although Itachi is not a fan of this style of Cuban cigar, he extends a hand when the lit cigar is passed to him.

Kisame smokes slowly. The earthy smell of burning tobacco clouds their seating area, then dissipates out into the crowd.

"You know how Kakuzu is," Kisame finally starts, less angry now that he's got something to smoke.

Itachi takes a puff of his cigar, smoke wafting from his nose and the corner of his lips. "I know."

"You know why I didn't."

"Indeed."

"Shit," Kisame moves again, leaning forward and nodding his head to the side. "We got visitors."

The warning comes after Itachi spots Konan walking down a set of stairs near their seating area. Sleek black dress, blue hair pulled up with a flower fastened to the side. He saw her the moment she and Yahiko were in his line of sight. Through the cloud of smoke, he spots the new piercing near her eyebrow, matching her new boyfriend.

Kisame whistles out smoke when she turns her back to them, exposing an equally new tattoo. "Guess everyone's changing these days."

"Hnn."

Itachi takes another inhale, letting the tobacco go down smooth before adding his piece.

"It looks good on her."

Kisame grunts, "Didn't think she would be the type."

"To get a tattoo?" Itachi inquires.

His friend stubs out the butt of his cigar and admits, "That and to be here. Wasn't expecting them to come."

Itachi cools his features. "Why wouldn't they?"

Kisame's laugh is as gruff as his personality, but he means well. "Point taken. Guess you'd know more than anyone else."

Itachi makes a noncommittal noise, watching the head of blue hair disappear into the crowd.

It's been well over four years since their relationship ended. Two years since she and Yahiko became a thing. If he can't be in the same room with them after that long, it's more his problem than hers. Honestly, he can do without the stigma of the jaded ex-boyfriend. He and Konan separated on peaceful terms, reached by recognizing their differences outweigh their interest. Yahiko seems to be more of what she needs. Itachi will not fault her for finding happiness. Just because he's taking his time jumping into another relationship doesn't mean he's jealous of hers.

The round bell rings, indicating the match is over. As expected, Kakuzu wins. Kisame complains but ultimately asks if Itachi wants to go congratulate the bastard. Even if Kisame and Kakuzu are rivals in the ring, they are older friends. All of them are. Itachi has no beef with any of them, though he's always been closer to Kisame. Kisame has always had choice words about Kakuzu since the beginning. But they go anyway, hoping to catch him before the fans get through.

Crowds swarm. They get caught in the madness for a few minutes. Itachi feels that they are not the only ones with this idea. His feelings are never wrong. When they round the corner of the cemented halls, he's not shocked to see Yahiko and Konan. He's even less shocked when Konan spots him first. Her honey-colored eyes barely widened. Itachi notices because he knows her. Kisame slows his pace a little, but Itachi does no such thing. If adjustments need to be made, he will not be the one to do so. She's trying to get Yahiko's attention. Because Yahiko knows her better, he spots her distress and turns in their direction.

Itachi and Yahiko make eye contact. The redhead eases one hand in his pocket, elbow pointing back. As obedient as ever, Konan moves a half step behind him before they close the distance. Itachi has no intention of overstepping boundaries once they are set. As anyone would do in this situation, he addresses Yahiko first.

"Itachi," Yahiko greets, then opens his arm for an embrace. "Haven't seen you in years, man. How've you been?"

Itachi returns the affection, hugging him briefly before letting go. "It's been a few years, yes. Things have been busy with the business but becoming more stable. How are you?"

"Yeah, you were doing the therapy thing, huh? That's nice. We've been good."

At that, Yahiko holds his hand out for Konan to grab, granting permission to come closer. "Konan and I have some investments in the works. Just waiting to see how they come together. We just came into town for the fight. Hidan is around here somewhere. Probably getting arrested by security or kicked out."

Yahiko turns his attention to Kisame, punching him playfully in the shoulder. Holding Konan's hand, still keeping her at bay. "We came for your fight too. Good to see you up and about. Kakuzu said he did some damage."

"He fucking cheated," Kisame corrects.

Yahiko laughs. Konan smirks softly. Because Itachi's paying attention, notices when the man's thumb brushes over Konan's hand. Her expression never changes, as stoic as ever. But she moves forward, paying more attention to Kisame's words, following Yahiko's subtle directions.

"Yeah, I managed to get this asshole out of the house," Kisame nudges him with his elbow, "After he's been making sure I don't reinjure myself. Although Sasuke might be doing most of the work."

For the first time in the conversation, Konan addresses him.

"How is Sasuke? I heard he's been working for Orochimaru."

."He's well," Itachi informs both of them. "I think it would be more appropriate to say he works with him. Sasuke doesn't do well working under someone."

She nods. Kisame's complaints redirect the conversation back to him. Itachi gladly lets his friend take the lead. He glances at Konan, taking in the way she stands close to Yahiko's side, letting him lead. Not stepping out of line.

Itachi admits that the chemistry between the people before him is very different from when she was with him. Konan has always been the quiet, loyal type. Fixed in her role but easy to teach. They hardly argued. More than anything, she was willing to make changes to suit his interest.

If he preferred the silent, obedient type, she would have been perfect.

But as it stands, Itachi always had a thing for those willing to push his boundaries. To play with fire.

Konan is beautiful. Itachi will admit that to anyone who asks. But in his opinion, she lacks a certain spark. In her opinion, Itachi is a bit too loose with his boundaries.

A/N: Itachi's preference seems very, extremely, conveniently familiar. Any guesses as to who would suit his interest? Any guesses at all? No? Okay.

-CeCe^^