Ok, this is for the Firplace writing challenge. It's a oneshot, and no its not Uchihacest. I'm writing it from the perspective that Itachi was not truly at fault for the massacre.

Itachi stared down at the prone form of his little brother. Sasuke had challenged Pein and won, though it had apparently taken quite the toll on him. Now he sighed mournfully, it was as close to feeling sad that he could bring himself.

He knew it was his fault, he was the one who had told his brother the truth behind the massacre. He remembered it well.

(Flashback no jutsu)

Itachi stared at his brother in the dark world of the Tsukuyomi. He had brought him here for a reason and he might as well get it over with.

"Sasuke." He began, "Do you know the truth behind the massacre of the clan?"

"I know enough, you killed them. You killed them all" he spat venomously while glaring at his older brother.

Itachi sighed, once again doubting using the sharingan to do this to Sasuke.

"No Sasuke I didn't kill the clan. In truth the clan was killed by the Akatsuki leader Pein. Afterwards the Sandaime ordered me to put on the pretense of a mass murderer to infiltrate Akatsuki."

"Then why did you tell me those things Aniki!"

"I wished for you to strive to get stronger, so that if Pein ever came for you, you would be ready for him".

"Then it is Pein that I must kill!"

Sasuke jumped from the clearing and rushed off leaving Itachi alone in the clearing.

End Flashback no jutsu)

His brother had avenged the clan but it had cost him his life. Itachi began to walk away but stopped as a weak voice spoke out.

"Hey aniki, I did it."

Itachi stopped to look at his brother before replying.

"Yes otouto you did, but was it worth it?"

"Of course Aniki, now you can go back to konoha and rebuild the clan."

Itachi stared at his brother, he was so foolish. Itachi felt a momentary feeling of anguish, yet he had no wounds, it tore at him and to be honest with himself he hated the feeling. Was this what sorrow felt like? He didn't know but vowed to follow his brothers last wish. Maybe he'd keep an eye on the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki while he was there. Sasuke stared at him before closing his eyes, never to open them again.

Itachi walked out of the clearing, but not before turning back to his brother's corpse. He ran through several handseals and with a shout of Katon Goukakyuu no jutsu incinerated Sasuke's corpse. He knew his brother wouldn't want to be buried. A figure jumped and landed beside him. He turned to acknowledge the red haired woman next to him. She stared at Sasuke's burning body and put a hand on Itachi's shoulder. Itachi nodded his head in affirmation and followed her out of the clearing, but not before turning back to his brother one last time.

"If I had known it would end like this, I never would have told you."