Sasuke stood silently, staring at his brother, his hero.
This was all he was? Now all he saw was a beaten man, with dead eyes staring at him.
The pair had had a truly viscous battle, neither escaping harm. Itachi was missing a finger on his right hand, along with many knicks and scratches. Sasuke was in as bad of shape, if not worse, gashes criss-crossing his chest, arms, and right leg, both were severely winded and drained.
Sasuke hated it. Hated what he had become, what his brother had become, but there was none for it. This was the end, finally, he could taste it, it was so close…
'Brother,' He let out in a soft hiss, staring at the older Uchiha, both with eyes of a fiery red, slowly, The younger lifted a small blade, perfectly crafted, Itachi had given it to him the day after his ceremony into school, a beloved gift he now planned to give back personally.
Something flashed in Itachi's eyes, and with an agonising slowness, he bent down, kneeling on his feet and knees, before slowly bending further, into a bow.
'I am sorry, little brother, I am sorry for now, I have truly failed you.' Itachi didn't so much as glance up, leaving himself completely open to attack.
Sasuke looked at the knife in his hand, and flashes of memory barred more movement, his proud brother, bowing down to the men, when he knew he was watched, and all the insanity leading up to it. Coming home to… coming home to… He suddenly felt so blank, but so hurt. Kami, he truly hurt. He could feel it inside of him. Everything he had seen after that, everything he had thrown aside to get to this point, it all came rushing back to him.
Choking on his own pain, he faltered, tripping over his own feet to land hard on his backside, a small choking sob rising in his throat. He dropped the knife at his side, uncaring of it suddenly, as he covered brought his knees up against his chest, long, quiet cries sounding from him. He hid his face in his knees, shaking, he was losing, no, he had lost it, and now he couldn't retrieve it, he was broken on the inside, as well as out, and nothing could fix him.
Sasuke froze as he felt arms suddenly encircle him, not the choking tackles of Sakura, or many, many, of the other village girls, but a truly kind and warm.
'I'm sorry.' Whispered against the crown of his head, as the arms tightened just a little more. His brother, his perfect brother, was hugging him again. He accepted the hug suddenly, a new sob in his throat, disturbing the silence his temporary surprise had brought, sobs that shook his weakened frame from head to toe, and his brother just held him, stroking his hair softly, comforting him.
'I am sorry, truly I am, but I am also disappointed.' Itachi said, as Sasuke quieted down. Sasuke pulled back, looking into his brother's eyes, his own held confusion, still hurt and angry, but in so much need of life.
'Nii-s' Sasuke's question was cut off in mid-sentence, his eyes widening as a suddenly pain blossomed in his chest. It felt like a sudden, uncomfortable pressure, right near the centre of his chest, but skewed, and suddenly, the skin gave way, as did bone, before burying deep into his chest. He stared down with confusion at the hilt of the small dagger now sticking out of him.
'So disappointed, my little brother.' Itachi whispered, kissing his brother's forehead as he carefully lay him back on the ground, his eyes glazed over already.
'Goodnight.'