Warning: Incest.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or the Uchiha brothers. Do support Masashi Kishimoto and the official anime/manga releases.
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Chapter 24: What They Wanted
The war was over and it was time for redemption. It was by his own hands that Itachi died. It was only appropriate that Sasuke carried out Itachi's duties; ensuring peace and remaining loyal to Konoha.
"This is what Itachi wanted for you, Sasuke."
Yes, Itachi would want him to be an independent and capable adult. Just like little Sasuke always wanted to be. Yet, where was Itachi to praise Sasuke? Itachi would ruffle his hair to acknowledge his efforts but poke his head and tell him not to be too proud. Now, the only praise Sasuke got was that his actions were 'expected of him' or a 'repayment' for the trouble he had caused. Trouble. That was what Sasuke had always been. Since the day he was left alone to care for himself, Sasuke was nothing but trouble; helping the Snake Sannin, assisting the Akatsuki and many more. Even if Sasuke had played a role in winning the war against Madara and others, Sasuke was left behind like the trouble no one wanted a hand in. Still, Sasuke tried his best; taking care of himself and cooking his own meal.
Living alone in the place of his nightmares and sorrow, Sasuke lived the life of a zombie, leaving for work and resting for a short meal. This was for peace; the peace that Itachi had strived for. Everyone smiled at how quiet the present was but they snared at the sight of him. Still, Sasuke knew that peace brought happiness. Even if Sasuke felt empty and alone, this peace was good. After all, this peace is what Itachi wanted, right?
Footsteps echoed through the empty house. The air was stale and the atmosphere cold. Sasuke sighed and slid a door open. He took a deep breath, hoping for a faint scent of jasmine but there was nothing. Dust covered the surfaces of everything. Only the bed had been clean for regular use. Sasuke crawled into the bed and wrapped himself with the blanket. His memory told him how he used to feel a comfortable warmth from sleeping in this bed but his body shivered from the cold air of the night. Was this what Itachi really wanted for him? Loneliness?
Sasuke knew he should not be a selfish and demanding brother. He had been selfish and demanding enough previously. Now that his brother was gone, Sasuke was truly undeserving to know of what Itachi truly wanted. As he closed his eyes, Sasuke could not help but wonder, sometimes hope, that what Itachi wanted was him, the unforgivable brother.
Unforgivable…. Sasuke understood that no matter what he did, he could never redeem himself for the blood that covered his hands. All he could do now was to do what his beloved brother wanted him to.