A/N: Hello. Thank you for your comments. I enjoyed reading them. It's still nice to see people are still reading this. I will say this though, Silence will come to an end very soon. For those interested in Kurama and Itachi, the sequel will still be written. But I'll be honest when I say that I need a break from this fanfic. This is my first ever fic and it somehow became my longest fic. It was honestly thanks to all of you guys giving me support and motivation to type. Although I kind of lost my touch and writing ability, please know that I'm trying my best.

I hope you can enjoy this chapter.

Itachi was sitting next to Sasuke, watching his little brother think of things to say to Naruto. They were in Naruto's room at the kotatsu. He sat quietly not really paying attention. He could feel his heart beat quite a bit. He was startled when Sasuke asked him how his letter looked.

"I think it looks great." Itachi did his best to read what Sasuke had written. While they were doing good in their studies, they were still learning.

"I..I want to make it look nice.." Sasuke said, but he was a little frustrated because it was just words on a paper and not really decorated.

"Aniki?" Sasuke looked at Itachi.

"Yes otouto?"

"Do you think Naruto will like it?"

"Of course..I think he will like anything you give him if I'm honest." Itachi smiled.

Sasuke spent the morning writing and rewriting his letters. Itachi just watched his little brother write, causing him to nearly fall asleep at one point. He was used to being bored, but this time he just didn't want to face Kyuubi.

Sasuke started to hum quietly as he slowly wrote the sentences down as neatly as he could. He has never written anything like it before, but he tried his best to think of what to write. Then he noticed Itachi getting up.

"Wh..where are you going?" Sasuke pulled on Itachi's clothing.

"I'm going to get us breakfast. Aren't you hungry?"

Sasuke then nodded, realizing he hadn't eaten yet.

"I'll be back." Itachi lightly tapped Sasuke's head.

Itachi headed downstairs towards the kitchen. He found Sakura already making breakfast. She gave him a plate full of pancakes that were already made and poured syrup on top. Then she gave another plate full of eggs and bacon.

"That is for you and Sasuke, but can you come back and give Kurama his food? I have to make everyone else breakfast." She started pushing him out of the kitchen.

"Ah, uhm..thank you." Itachi said, making sure not to spill the food.

Itachi quickly headed upstairs. He told Sasuke to take a break and to eat. Then he slowly made his way back to the kitchen.

"Here, this is for him." Sakura handed him a plate. "Thanks for helping." She smiled.

Itachi nodded, and started to head down to the basement. He knocked on the door. He was a little nervous for some reason.

"What." Kyuubi grumbled through the door.

"Sakura made breakfast." Itachi softly said as he opened the door.

He placed the food on the table and quietly left. Kyuubi didn't even look at him. He quickly made his way back upstairs to Sasuke.

"Sasuke.." Itachi sat down next to him. "I need a hug, may I have one?"

Without any hesitation, Sasuke gave Itachi a big hug. He wasn't sure why Itachi was upset.

"E..eat?" Sasuke held a piece of pancake to Itachi's mouth with his fork.

Itachi ate it and smiled, causing Sasuke to smile back.

"A..are you okay?" Sasuke then asked.

"Yes." Itachi said. "I'm just a little confused.."

"About..?"

"I'm not sure.." Itachi gave a small sigh.

"Feel better." Sasuke wasn't sure what to do and his ears fell a little.

"I'll be fine." Itachi patted Sasuke's head. "Don't worry."

Sasuke nodded, but he still something off.

The day passed quickly for the brothers and slowly for Kyuubi. Sasuke ran to the front as Naruto came back home a little late from work. Naruto squeezed Sasuke wanting warmth after a long day.

"Welcome home." Sasuke softly said.

"I'm home." Naruto smiled. "I need to lay down for a little bit, I'm kinda tired."

They went to their room and Sasuke joined Naruto on the bed. Sasuke had put his letter away already so Naruto wouldn't see it. They softly talked about their day and Naruto ended up napping with Sasuke for a couple hours.

They both were startled awake when Naruto's dad barged into the room.

"Naruto! I have good news!" Minato walked up to the bed. "Hello Sasuke."

Sasuke gave a small nod as a greeting, but then he felt a little embarrassed.

"Dad..? Naruto sat up, still in his work clothes. "Why are you here?"

"I haven't made it official, this is if you want to do it. If not, I will find someone else, but I think you will like it."

"What are you talking about?" Naruto yawned.

"I managed to pass a law in favour for the hybrids."

"What? Really?" This piqued Naruto's interest, and he notice Sasuke was paying attention as well.

"Now, it's not total freedom, but it's a step in the right direction." Minato pulled a chair up and sat down. "So any hybrids who are currently under servitude with their masters, they have to continue to serve them. I can't take away something like that because that will leave a huge uprising and that would put a lot of hybrids out of a place to live. Plus the council wouldn't allow it anyways."

"So what then?" Naruto was a little impatient.

"I'm not sure if you know, but there are actually quite a number of 'free' hybrids that live with people just like how it is in here. But there are a number of hybrids that are actually homeless, fighting for their freedom. Before, if a stray hybrid was found and captured, all of their rights were stripped from them and they'd be then sold as a slave. But now that is not allowed anymore. Hybrids are not allowed to be captured and sold. I'm assuming you still have Sasuke and Itachi's papers right?"

"Yeah I do."

"If the owner doesn't have the papers for the hybrid, they cannot claim them as their property anymore, and then the hybrid has a choice to stay or leave. So without papers, they are free. Obviously this can make it easy for the hybrids to just rip their papers to shreds, but considering papers were important in selling hybrids in the first place, something like that won't be common since their masters probably hid it away already for safe keeping."

"Wouldn't this still make them be homeless?" Naruto asked.

"Yes. This is why I decided to open an orphanage for hybrids. This will help house many hybrids who need help. I'm sure there are nice people out there who would want to adopt a hybrid, and there will be an adoption fee, but it will all go to helping the hybrids and it will be much cheaper than what the stores are selling hybrids for. And I am asking you if you would rather work there instead of working at my business."

"Of course.." Naruto looked at Sasuke who didn't really have an expression on him. "I'll do it. But what will happen to the hybrids in the shopping district?"

"They will be able to sell all the hybrids there sadly, but once the hybrids are sold, they are out of business. While it may seem like a good thing, they are still human as well. We will have to give them compensation for several weeks so they an opportunity to look for another job."

"Sasuke, are you okay?" Naruto noticed Sasuke was quiet. "Don't you think this is good?"

Sasuke nodded and he grabbed Naruto's sleeve. Sasuke just felt uncomfortable talking about things like this.

"I'll go talk to Kurama and Itachi." Minato got up and left the room.

"Sasuke, would you like to help work with us?"

"I..I don't know.." Sasuke truthfully said.

"Why not?" Naruto was curious.

"W..what if they don't like me..?" Sasuke was still a little nervous when it came to other hybrids.

"Don't worry over something like that." Naruto rubbed Sasuke's ear. "Whether they like you or not..hell they might not even like me, but in the end..it's about helping them find a proper family to be with. Don't be scared though..if anything does happen, I'll always be here. Just make sure to tell me, okay?"

"O..okay.." Sasuke nodded.

Naruto laid back down and sighed.

"Man today was such a long day. I think this means I'll be able to spend more time with you though." Naruto grinned.

Sasuke smiled back and gave a chaste kiss on Naruto's lips.

"Aw, come here." Naruto brought Sasuke down with his arm and gave him a big kiss.

Soon it was Itachi's turn to barge in to Naruto's room. He ignored the fact that they quickly separated from each other.

"Sasuke..! Isn't it great news?" Itachi was excited. "Doesn't that mean that in time to come we will all be free?" Itachi gave a smile uncharacteristic to him.

"Yes, I guess eventually you all will be free." Naruto didn't even realize that.

Sasuke got up and went to hug Itachi, sensing something a little off.

"I'm..just happy.." Itachi whispered as he squeezed Sasuke. "At least from this point on, I can feel safe.." Itachi tried hard to hold his tears back. "I don't..have to worry so much anymore..it's such a relief."

Naruto didn't say anything. He couldn't imagine how Itachi felt, and he felt it was best to let the brothers have their moment.

Minato came back in the room, startling Itachi a little bit.

"Well, I'm leaving now, I'll visit again later."

"Uh..uhm..th..thank you." Itachi gave a small bow.

Minato patted Itachi's head, giving a soft smile. They said their goodbyes before he left.

"Master?"

Naruto didn't answer.

"Master please don't tease me.." Itachi knew Naruto was ignoring him on purpose.

"Fine, what." Naruto gave up quickly.

"May I help work when the orphanage is open..?"

"Of course you can, but only if you stop calling me master."

This stumped Itachi.

"Please." Itachi pleaded.

"Nope." Naruto avoided Itachi's eyes, trying not to feel bad.

"N...Naruto..sama.." Itachi whispered.

Naruto gave a wide grin.

"You're getting there. I'll accept that."

Itachi nodded.

"Thank you..I'll take my leave now." He bowed his head a little before leaving.

The next week was hectic for both Minato and Naruto. They had to look for potential houses they could buy in order to set up the orphanage. It would take too long to build one, so they were looking for mansions that were for sale. They did manage to find a couple houses, but they would have to refurbish it to suit it as an orphanage. This would cost a lot of money and time either way. They had to shuffle between looking at homes and work.

They settled in a mansion that had the most rooms and bathrooms. It had a bigger kitchen than the others and the backyard was spacious as well, and it had a white fence surrounding the property. All in all, it was the biggest place they found. They had no idea how many hybrids to expect at the place, but they had to be ready for anything; the hybrid population was big.

The location was a little secluded as it was bordering along the wooded area, but they hoped it wouldn't be a big deal. Minato signed the papers for the house, knowing it would probably take several years for them to pay it off, and that wasn't even including all the expenses for furniture, clothes, food, and toiletry. They would at least be able to buy the necessities.

During this time, Sasuke didn't see Naruto as much. He asked if he could come with, mainly out of curiosity, but Naruto said no. It would've been too hectic with Sasuke around. Sasuke understood, but he was a little upset.

Sasuke spent time with Itachi, but things were a little bit tense between Itachi and Kyuubi. Kyuubi had holed himself in his room once again. He didn't want to come out and face Itachi. He felt slightly embarrassed, and he was unsure what to do. He came to the conclusion he liked Itachi, but he never had experience before. Itachi would only briefly talk to him if needed, but at the same time he didn't talk to Itachi much. He felt like a mess.

Naruto had finally come home. He hugged Sasuke and smiled at Itachi who came to greet him as well.

"How is everything?" Itachi asked, he was the most curious about the progress of the orphanage.

"It's honestly tiring, but we are in the process of ordering furniture. But dad said it'll be bout a month or two before it will be ready, but who knows." Naruto then yawned. "Hopefully it'll all go well." Naruto grinned.

"I'm glad." Itachi gave a small smile.

"I miss you.." Sasuke softly said.

"I know, I miss you too. Don't worry though, I'll be able to hang out with you guys again soon." Naruto messed Sasuke's hair. "Where is Kyuubi anyways? Is he okay?"

"He's been in his room for a while." Itachi softly spoke. "He hasn't come out often."

"I'll go check on him." Naruto sighed.

He made his way downstairs. He could hear the brothers following him from the distance. He knocked on Kyuubi's door, but there was no answer.

"Kyuubi?" Naruto could hear a soft groan through the door.

Naruto opened the door and saw Kyuubi laying on the floor next to his bed. There were beer cans that were scattered, some had actually made it to the trash can. It had been awhile since he drank. Last time he was badly drunk was before he turned into a fox.

Naruto hated when Kyuubi drank excessively. It wasn't often, but it always brought a bad mood. But this time was different. Kyuubi was just laying there, not saying anything.

"Hey, you okay?" Naruto closed the door, feeling Kyuubi needed some privacy.

"I feel like shit." Kyuubi mumbled.

"That's what happens when you drink." He sat against Kyuubi's bed.

"I can sense the two outside the door. Please leave." Kyuubi covered his eyes with his arm.

Kyuubi sighed in relief when he heard them quietly go upstairs.

"Is this about Itachi?" Naruto asked.

"Ugh..is it that obvious."

"Just a guess." Naruto shrugged. "You seem to like him a lot."

"I do.." Kyuubi admitted slowly sat up next to Naruto.

"Then what happened?" Naruto never thought he'd be giving love advice to Kyuubi.

"I don't know..maybe I'm overreacting..it feels so frustrating."

"Kyuubi..you've changed a lot ever since Sasuke and Itachi came into our lives. We all did..don't worry so much. Just give it a little time." Naruto tried to assure him.

Kyuubi suddenly got up and rushed to the bathroom. He vomited in the toilet, coughing and groaning. He felt Naruto patting his back. He never felt so miserable, but atleast after throwing up, he felt a little better.

"Stop drinking when you're upset. Why do you even drink in the first place?"

Kyuubi shrugged, it was an old habit he had picked up from being at the bar so much. He was tired. He wished this uncomfortable feeling would just stop.

"You do know they are worried for you." Naruto helped Kyuubi up.

"I know.." Kyuubi shrugged Naruto's arm off. "I just don't feel like talking to them at the moment..that's all."

"Fine, but don't go back to isolating yourself down here again."

"I know." Kyuubi mumbled. He walked back to his bed and flopped down on it.

"At least come for dinner." Naruto said before he left.

Naruto headed back upstairs and was met with Sasuke and Itachi waiting at the top of the steps.

"He's fine. He's just having a hard time." Naruto reassured them, mainly talking to Itachi.

Itachi nodded, feeling he was the reason why Kyuubi had isolated himself. He felt bad but at the same he didn't know what to do.

They had dinner but Kyuubi didn't come to eat with everyone else. Itachi mustered up the courage to bring Kyuubi his plate. He quietly went down the stairs and knocked on Kyuubi's door.

Kyuubi opened the door, knowing it was Itachi.

"How are you feeling..?" Itachi asked softly, giving him his plate in the process.

"I'm okay." Kyuubi said, not making eye contact with Itachi.

He was about to close the door but Itachi quickly held it open.

"W..wait..!" Itachi felt the door hesitantly open again. He continued when Kyuubi didn't say anything. "Please..give me some time. I..I don't have an answer for you right now. I..I mean I like you..but I..don't think I'm ready." Itachi said in a whisper.

Itachi was surprised when Kyuubi brought him into a hug.

"I'm sorry..I should've thought about your feelings more. I'll wait.." Kyuubi let go of Itachi and messed Itachi's hair.

Itachi could tell there was a sadness to Kyuubi's tone, but he nodded. His chest hurt when he saw Kyuubi give a sad smile.

"I'm sorry.." Itachi said one last time before going back upstairs.

Kyuubi sighed and he took his food inside his room and ate alone.

It was time. Naruto's birthday was finally arriving. Sasuke was the most excited out of them all. Naruto had taken a break from helping with the orphanage. Minato said he was able to take care of the rest.

Sasuke let Naruto sleep in a bit before shaking him awake, wanting to express his happiness.

"Happy birthday..!" Sasuke smiled and then hugged Naruto.

"Thank you Sasuke." Naruto squeezed Sasuke back with a big smile. He rubbed Sasuke's ears and hair. It's been awhile since he was actually excited about spending his birthday with others.

Naruto tried to keep up with the excited Sasuke. They went downstairs, and Sakura had already made breakfast.

"Happy birthday master." Itachi gave a small bow.

"Thank you Itachi." Letting Itachi slide.

"Happy birthday!" Sakura and the other maids chimed right after.

"Thank you." Naruto smiled.

Everyone ate together while chatting away. It was more lively today and it brought a good mood to Naruto.

"Do you mind taking a walk with me?" Naruto held his hand out to Sasuke.

Sasuke grabbed it and followed Naruto out to the garden. They kept walking until Naruto stopped and brought Sasuke into a sudden kiss. He wrapped his arms around Naruto, welcoming the kiss. He felt Naruto's tongue sneak inside and made a small mewl.

"I missed you a lot." Naruto said as he broke the kiss.

Sasuke nodded with a slight blush in his cheeks. He wiped the saliva that dripped from his mouth with his sleeve.

"I..I have something for you." Sasuke softly said, a little embarrassed for reasons unknown.

"Oh? You do?" Naruto grinned. He wasn't expecting much from Sasuke, but he was actually looking forward to see what he had for him.

Sasuke nodded, telling Naruto to stay there as he ran back inside. A couple minutes later he saw Sasuke running back with a small decorated bag.

"Y..you have to read this first." Sasuke handed Naruto an envelope.

"Why don't we sit down?" Naruto lead Sasuke to the bench and sat down.

Naruto opened the envelope and saw a card that read 'Happy Birthday' in the front. It was decorated with stickers that Naruto assume Sakura bought for him. He opened it and started to read Sasuke's letter. He had to admit he was proud of how far Sasuke had come with his writing.

'Happy birthday Naruto!

I love you very much. Thank you for loving me a lot and I hope you like this letter! I want to thank you for giving me a place to live and aniki. I hope we can stay with you forever and that you will be happy. I love you a lot.

Love Sasuke'

Naruto looked up to Sasuke who wasn't looking at him. He smiled and kissed Sasuke's cheek.

"Thank you. I love you a lot" Naruto smiled when Sasuke turned to face him.

"H..here.." Sasuke gave the bag to Naruto.

Naruto couldn't imagine what Sasuke would give him but he burst out in laughter when he saw a cup ramen inside the bag.

"I..it's not funny..!" Sasuke pouted.

"I'm sorry Sasuke." Naruto continued laughing. "You're just so cute, thank you." He grinned.

Sasuke's pout turn to a small smile and he gave a quick peck on Naruto's cheek. It was Naruto's turn to blush. He felt a little flustered since it was his birthday.

"Also, I want to say that we will always be together." Naruto put his arm around Sasuke. "For the first time in my life, I can see my future with someone else. I really do love you."

"I love you too." Sasuke said softly.

There was a few moments of silence. They looked at the aging flowers being blown by the wind. They began holding hands and Sasuke leaned on Naruto. It was in that moment that they both realized how happy they were together. They didn't know what the future held for them but they knew that no matter what happened, they would go through it together. Naruto squeezed Sasuke's hand, glad he was able to spend it with the one he loved.

"Should we head back now?" Naruto asked.

"I want to stay here longer.." Sasuke whispered.

Naruto softly kissed the top of Sasuke's head and they continued to enjoy the cool weather.

Later Minato came to visit in the afternoon to wish Naruto a happy birthday. He had brought a feast home for Naruto and everyone else to enjoy. Kyuubi came out to eat and wish Naruto a happy birthday as well.

"Took you long enough." Naruto smacked the side of Kyuubi's arm rather hard, but in a jokingly manner.

Kyuubi gave a small growl but didn't say anything back. He went and sat next to Itachi despite being softly rejected by him from before.

They all ate and Minato updated Naruto on how the preparation for the orphanage was doing. There was more chatter than usual, much like how it was in the morning. It was a very cheerful atmosphere.

"As a gift from me Naruto, I give you this." Minato brought out cans of beer.

"Why don't you just give those to Kyuubi." Naruto wasn't a fan of alcohol.

Kyuubi ignored Naruto's words.

"I'll drink one and that's it." Naruto took one and popped it open.

They continued to chat and Naruto didn't notice Sasuke taking a sip from his can out of curiosity. Sasuke hated it. He stuck his tongue out in disgust, earning a few giggles from the maids who saw.

Cake was then brought out and they all sang together and told Naruto to make a wish. Naruto closed his eyes to entertain the others and blew the candles out in a dramatic way. Sakura then cut the cake, giving a piece to those who wanted it. Even she had to admit it was much livelier compared to last year.

Naruto enjoyed spending the time with Sasuke. Having the full day with him felt great even though they stayed at home, but what mattered to them was that they were together. He felt bad that he was always exhausted from work. He could tell Sasuke was being patient.

As they all talked, Naruto somehow ended up getting a little drunk. He got caught up in drinking more than he intended. The small party died down as everyone slowly went back to doing their own thing. It was still evening, but Minato had to leave.

"Take care of Naruto." Minato put his hand on Sasuke's shoulder.

"I'm fine." Naruto mumbled.

"Yes yes, I'll update you Naruto." Minato waved goodbye and left in his carriage.

Naruto felt dazed as he stumbled back into the house. Kyuubi ended up helping him up to Naruto's room and dumped him on the bed. He growled calling Naruto a hypocrite.

"He's your problem now." Kyuubi said to Sasuke before he left.

Sasuke looked at Naruto before laying next to him. He felt Naruto wrap his arms around his body. His body shivered when he felt Naruto's hand roam on his back, under his shirt.

"I feel like it's been awhile." Naruto mumbled as he sloppily kissed Sasuke.

Naruto was nearly laying on top of Sasuke at this point. Naruto started to mumble words saying his love confessions to Sasuke. He kissed Sasuke's neck and rubbed his ear as well. Sasuke responded by hugging Naruto.

"Naruto?" Sasuke whispered.

"Hm..?" Naruto looked at Sasuke.

Sasuke didn't say anything but instead he just smiled.

"Ahh you're so cute Sasuke." Naruto mumbled as he squeezed Sasuke.

Sasuke was quite interested in the drunk manner Naruto was in. It wasn't extreme, but rather Naruto was just sluggish. Nothing ended up happening, but they laid there for a bit before Naruto dozed off.

Sasuke curled into Naruto's chest. He was happy that he had Naruto by his side. For so many years he didn't know how life really felt. He was able to experience so many things with his life with Naruto. But now, the past didn't matter to him anymore. All he cared about was the present and the future.

He clutched onto Naruto's shirt. He loved the scent of Naruto; the warmth it gave him. He was excited to spend the rest of his life with him.