A/N: This is the last chapter..it's been a long road.
Please READ: The next "chapter" will be a semi not really long author's note. So this is the LAST chapter. I just don't want to get anyone's hopes up or anything.
Thank you and I hope you enjoy
Winter had begun and there was snow falling everywhere. Sasuke initially didn't want to go outside, but Naruto dragged him out and they ended up having fun together. They went sledding on a little hill and attempted in making a snowman. It ended up looking like a weird mound but they enjoyed doing it. Even Kyuubi joined in the fun, but only because Naruto had landed a snowball right in his face. They threw snow at each other, exhausting themselves out.
When they came inside, they had tea and hot chocolate to warm themselves up. They all had playing with each other. Kyuubi had learned to just relax and let loose a bit. Although he was still his grumpy old self.
The orphanage was ready, but they still required staff to hire and such to maintain it, so there wasn't anyone living in it yet. They all helped to get it ready which included a lot of travelling time. Sasuke was the most exhausted, but he still gave it his best.
It was late December so Christmas was coming soon. Naruto and his family stopped actually celebrating it when they got older, so it's been awhile. But Naruto really wanted to give Itachi and Sasuke a special moment they could treasure and look forward to. Naruto explained how Christmas was to both Itachi and Sasuke and they seemed excited to experience it. Kyuubi never really bothered to participate much, but he was actually interested since Itachi was there.
It was later in the evening, stores were about an hour away from closing. Kyuubi was working today, but he decided to go earlier so he could go shopping before going to the bar.
He browsed through a clothing store, walking down the aisles. He saw some toys and stuffed animals along the way which reminded him of Sasuke. He gave a soft growl as he passed by them. He then went by some yukatas. He knew Itachi had some kimonos and yukatas already, but he wasn't sure what else to give him. The thought of Itachi wearing clothes he bought was a little exciting. He looked through the many designs. He rarely went shopping unless it was for his own things.
He then came across a yukata that was all black with red roses and petals. Kyuubi didn't know much about fashion, but he felt that it suited Itachi. He picked it out, making sure it was an appropriate size.
He was going to go pay for it, but he passed the toy aisle again. He grumbled and picked up a big poofy stuffed cat and then went to the counter to pay. He gave the young man money, telling him to keep the change.
"Would you like any of these wrapped?"
"Oh, uh yes, both are separate gifts." Kyuubi said as he put his wallet away.
Kyuubi watched the young man fold an place the yukata in a flat box and then put the stuffed animal into a big bag with tissue paper. He handed it to Kyuubi when he was done and Kyuubi thanked him.
He walked back to the carriage and then went to the bar. He decided to find Naruto's gift later. He never really bought Naruto anything, but he then felt kind of bad. Naruto did a lot for him, but he never really thanked him or gave anything back. He also felt that Naruto would complain about Kyuubi getting the others a gift and not him. He hated when Naruto nagged on him.
He held the gifts even though he didn't have to. He had paid with his own money rather than Naruto and their dad's money. He felt a little happy.
Kyuubi was on his way home and he had gotten just a tad drunk. He was still awake, but he just felt a bit tipsy. He clutched the gifts and when he arrived home, he thanked the driver and got out of the carriage. It was past midnight so he quietly unlocked the front door and stepped in. He locked it and then went downstairs to the basement. He nearly had a heart attack when he saw Itachi sleeping in his bed. He quickly hid the presents and then went to the bathroom.
He let his ears and tails out as he brushed his teeth. When he was done, he peeked back into his room, making sure it wasn't just his minor drunken state seeing things. But Itachi was still on his bed. He slowly approached his bed and slipped inside the blankets next to Itachi.
"Mm..Kurama..?" Itachi stirred awake despite Kyuubi being as quiet as he could.
"Why'd come down here?" Kyuubi was curious and he was a little nervous, he felt he sounded a little curt.
Itachi turned to face Kyuubi.
"It's a little cold in the empty room by myself, and Sasuke's with Naruto-sama." Itachi softly explained. "I also wanted to make sure you got home okay."
"Thank you 'Tachi." Kyuubi still wasn't fully sober yet, so he gave a toothy grin.
Itachi and Kyuubi has gotten close over the weeks, but Kyuubi felt that they haven't really progressed. Ever since the incident, Kyuubi tried to be as patient as he could. He did not want to make Itachi uncomfortable like that again, so Itachi approaching him was a treat. He just hoped he could keep his cool.
Very shortly, Kyuubi ended up just falling right asleep. Itachi didn't even manage to say a goodnight. Kyuubi rolled to his other side in his sleep which made all his tails go onto Itachi. At this point, Itachi was used to it so he let himself go to sleep. He had come to like the warmth they gave.
The next morning was a saturday, so Naruto had a day off. He was just exhausted and he didn't want to do anything. He woke up early though out of habit so he crawled out of bed and took a shower to wake himself up.
When he got out of the shower, he was greeted by a sleepy Sasuke.
"Good morning my love~" Naruto teased as he kissed Sasuke's lips.
"Hn.." Sasuke only got up because Naruto got up.
Naruto dried himself and put on a shirt and boxers. Sasuke did his best and dried Naruto's hair for him. Naruto loved the attention he was getting, he kissed Sasuke again thanking him.
"What shall we do today?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke shrugged and yawned, showing his little fangs.
"Maybe let's find something to eat." Naruto suggested.
"Okay." Sasuke was still sleepy, but he started heading downstairs.
Naruto followed him downstairs and they decided to make their own breakfast. Sasuke toasted bread while Naruto fried an egg. He slid the egg on top of the toast and sprinkled some salt on it. They ate it, satisfied with their small meal.
Naruto couldn't help but notice how much Sasuke had grown in these short months. He had matured a lot and Naruto was glad. As much as he loved Sasuke, he didn't want Sasuke to be stuck in the childlike mentality. Of course he wouldn't push it out of Sasuke, but Naruto could see the improvement in him. Especially now that Sasuke feels more safe and comfortable in his environment, he didn't have anything to fear that would shrink him back further. He had noticed as well that Sasuke's speaking was better, although he was still quiet, he felt that was just in his nature.
Sasuke wanted to see Itachi, so he ran upstairs to wake him up. He was disappointed when he saw Itachi's bed empty, so he ran downstairs. Naruto followed him shortly behind since he had nothing better to do. Sasuke opened the door to Kyuubi's room and nearly jumped on Itachi, waking him and Kyuubi.
"Aniki!" Sasuke beamed, ignoring Kyuubi.
Naruto then came and purposely jumped and landed right on Kyuubi copying Sasuke.
"Aniki~" Naruto grinned, knowing it would annoy the hell out of Kyuubi.
"What the fuck Naruto!" Kyuubi groaned from the impact and threw Naruto off.
Naruto just laughed, he was in a good mood. He had to quickly get up and run away because Kyuubi was furious. Kyuubi ran after Naruto, making a ruckus early in the morning.
"Sasuke, what did you need?" Itachi sleepily asked, he just chose to ignore what just happened with Naruto and Kyuubi.
"I just wanted to say hi to aniki." Sasuke hugged his brother.
Itachi sat up and gave Sasuke a proper hug.
"I'm sleepy Sasuke." Itachi yawned. "Did you already eat?"
Sasuke nodded and got off the bed. He dragged his brother out of bed. Itachi was used to waking early, but he was starting to actually enjoy sleeping in more. He wanted to go back to bed, but seeing his little brother energetic was what made him get up.
Upstairs, Kyuubi had pinned Naruto into an painful position on the ground. Naruto was throwing complaints, telling him to let him go. Kyuubi was warning Naruto to 'never pull that shit again'.
"Kurama..?" Itachi called out when he saw what was happening.
"Shit." Kyuubi mumbled to himself as he quickly let go of Naruto.
Naruto got up and groaned as he stretched his arms out. He was thankful Itachi came because he had forgotten how strong Kyuubi was. Sasuke hissed at Kyuubi and he growled back.
Kyuubi put an arm around Itachi's shoulders and led him towards the stairs.
"We're going out to eat." Kyuubi growled, clearly irritated at Naruto.
They went downstairs, ignoring Itachi's soft protests and Naruto let out a little laugh.
"Man, that was scary." Naruto sat down at a couch.
He patted the seat next to him, signalling Sasuke to sit. He leaned against Sasuke when he sat down.
"It's lively in this house again." Naruto smiled. "Not that I want to be wrestling with anyone, but it's just different. I'm so happy Sasuke, what do I do?"
"Naruto, I love you." Sasuke suddenly confessed.
"Hm? I love you too Sasuke." Naruto put his head on Sasuke's lap.
Sasuke bent down and kissed Naruto's lips. He was taken by surprised when Naruto gently grabbed the back of Sasuke's head, bringing him into a deeper kiss. He snuck his tongue in Sasuke's mouth and continued to kiss him. Sasuke's cheeks started to flush and he quickly broke the kiss, a little saliva dripping from the corners of his mouth.
"Ahem." Kyuubi was passing by with Itachi who couldn't watch Naruto kissing his brother like that.
They had changed clothes, ready to go out. Itachi wanted to say goodbye before they left, but he wasn't expecting to walk into them kissing.
"Sorry." Naruto mumbled as he got up.
Sasuke quickly wiped his mouth. He felt a little embarrassed, but he stood up and hugged his aniki.
"We'll be back soon." Itachi hugged him back, trying to block the image out of his head. It's not that he was against it, but actually seeing it was something a little hard to bear.
Sasuke nodded and they waved goodbye to them as they walked out the door. He then turned around and leaned his head on Naruto's shoulder, burying his face in his neck.
"What's wrong?" Naruto asked as he rubbed Sasuke's hair.
"It feels embarrassing when aniki sees.." Sasuke mumbled.
"Aw, I'm sorry Sasuke." Naruto kissed the side of Sasuke's head. "We'll just have to be careful."
Sasuke nipped Naruto's neck before standing properly. Naruto noticed that Sasuke was slowly developing a weird habit of biting him. He didn't mind it, but he hoped Sasuke wouldn't eat him one day.
They went to their room and they sat at the kotatsu cause Sasuke wanted to doodle. Naruto started nodding off, but woke up when Sasuke poked him with his pencil.
"Mm..but Sasuke, I'm sleepy." Naruto mumbled as laid his head on the table.
Sasuke just let him be and he got a new sheet of paper. He tried drawing the sleeping Naruto. He drew the basic shape of Naruto's face and then started to sketch lines, trying to resemble Naruto.
Naruto could hear the scratch marks, but he didn't realize what Sasuke was doing until he opened his eyes. The two locked eye contact and Sasuke was taken aback for a second and then sheepishly hid the paper with a blank one.
"What were you doing?" Naruto got curious and sat up.
"N..nothing..!" Sasuke quickly grabbed the paper so Naruto couldn't see it.
"Aw, why are you acting to so shy?" Naruto started to approach Sasuke.
Sasuke got up to run but Naruto managed to catch Sasuke's waist in his arms.
"Gotcha!" Naruto grinned, but he fell on top of Sasuke.
Sasuke started to laugh and soon Naruto joined in the laughter. Naruto sneakily grabbed the paper from Sasuke's hands and tried looking at it. He tried getting up to get a better view, but Sasuke nearly tackled Naruto.
"Is..is this me?" Naruto managed to clearly see it.
Sasuke was on top of Naruto this time, but he felt embarrassed.
"I love you Sasuke." Naruto's cheek were a little red as he hugged Sasuke.
Now it wasn't a great drawing, but Naruto could tell it was him. He couldn't explain it, but he was just really happy.
"Is it okay if I keep this?" Naruto asked his lover.
Sasuke's face was buried in Naruto's chest, but he nodded.
"Hey Sasuke?" Naruto sat up, careful to support Sasuke in the process.
Sasuke's ears twitched in response, but he was still a little embarrassed so he didn't look at Naruto.
"When I say I love you, you know I really mean it right?"
This made Sasuke sit up.
"O..of course I do.." Sasuke was confused why Naruto was saying that.
"No, nothing.." Naruto mumbled. "I may have said this before, but I want to always remind you. I love you so much. You've made me so happy during the time you were here. And I know I have been forgiven, but I will make sure nothing will ever happen to you. You deserve everything Sasuke..and I want to give that to you. You changed my life and even our family has changed. I want you to know how much I appreciate what you've done for me."
Naruto held Sasuke's hands gently and gave a soft smile.
"I love everything about you." Naruto gave a chaste kiss on Sasuke's lips.
Sasuke didn't say anything but he gave Naruto a big hug.
"Thank you." He then whispered into Naruto's ear.
Christmas was right around the corner. Naruto had brought the brothers out shopping. It was really hectic since it was the holidays. They were a little nervous, but Naruto did his best to make them comfortable. Naruto noticed that some of the hybrid shops were already closed down and the area in general where they sold hybrids were less crowded. Naruto could hear some people cursing Naruto for the changes in the laws even though he wasn't the one who actually did it. They were just taking it out on Naruto since he was the Hokage's son.
Sasuke and Itachi still felt scared going through that area, but they had no choice since it was between the food shops and then the other shops. It didn't help that people were cursing Naruto. They were relieved when they had finally passed it.
They bought things for Kyuubi and Naruto had them choose more clothing for themselves. Naruto had actually went shopping alone and bought gifts for them beforehand. He had them pick out more clothes though because they didn't have too many winter clothes.
They thanked Naruto when they were done and started to head home. When they got home they worked hard to wrap the gifts. Sakura ended up teaching them because Naruto wasn't too great at it. Itachi and Sasuke took it seriously which made Sakura happy. They wrapped Kyuubi's gift and it was a little messy but they were proud of it.
It was Christmas day and even Minato was at Naruto's home. The maids had gone home to their own families, so it was just them. They had a nice Christmas tree that they all helped decorated and they had it all lit up. Sasuke and Itachi have seen Christmas before, but they had never actually participated in it.
They made dinner together and chatted. Itachi was still a little nervous around Minato, but Minato did his best to be friendly. Minato felt that it was nice that they were all together. It was this moment that he realized how much Sasuke and Itachi impacted their family. Before, he wouldn't even see Kyuubi as much since he mainly stayed in the basement. And Naruto seemed much more happier and lively. He learned to love his family and accept them all.
After the new year, they would open the orphanage. They had the staff ready and all the furniture were settled. They just needed to get food, but they did have perishable food stocked up just in case.
Since Kyuubi had agreed to work at the orphanage, Minato was very glad. Minato didn't really like Kyuubi playing at the bar too much because he knows he's picked up some bad habits there. He wouldn't stop Kyuubi from working there cause he knew he liked it there, but he just hoped he wouldn't drink so much. Minato decided to just leave it alone for now because Naruto usually dealt with Kyuubi. Minato did love Kyuubi, but sometimes he was just unsure how to approach him without hurting him.
After they were done eating, they sat near the Christmas tree and decided to light up the fireplace. Naruto and Minato put firewood in and it took a bit for it to catch fire. Sasuke loved the warmth it gave, but Itachi was a little apprehensive. Kyuubi noticed this and gave a small nudge on Itachi's shoulders and could see the small smile form on Itachi's lips. Kyuubi's heart jumped but he kept a straight face.
They all sat on the ground and they grabbed presents they hid under the tree. Minato went first and gave a nice envelope to each of them. Inside was money and a letter Minato hand wrote himself.
"I..I can't accept this.." Itachi looked shocked.
"Don't worry about it." Minato smiled.
"Th..thank you.." Itachi took it in grace and bowed his head.
"Thank you!" Sasuke gave him a big smile.
Naruto and Kyuubi said their thanks as well and Naruto gave a box to each Sasuke and Itachi.
"Merry Christmas you two." Naruto smiled.
Sasuke was first to unwrap the gift and it was a sketchbook that had Sasuke's name on the bottom right corner with a bunch of fancy pens and pencils. Sasuke flushed a little but he thanked Naruto.
Itachi slowly opened his and it had different types of hair ties, even cute ones since Naruto just tried getting a bg variety. There was also a nice wooden brush that had tachi's name engraved on the back. Naruto knew Itachi's hair was important to him. It defined his only freedom he had.
"Thank you.." Itachi gently ran his fingers along his engraved name.
"You're welcome." Naruto smiled and then turned to Kyuubi. "This is yours." Naruto handed Kyuubi a box.
Kyuubi didn't say anything but he opened the box and it was a simple yet elegant shot glass with gold trimmings and Kyuubi's name written along the bottom.
"Now before you get mad at me, I just want you to remember me, us when you drink too much."
"I'm not an alcoholic." Kyuubi mumbled.
"Yeah yeah, but I just wanted to give you something you'd use too."
"Thanks." Kyuubi mumbled, he did like it though.
"I wanted to give you guys something with your names on it." Naruto sheepishly said and then gave the last present to his dad.
"Oh?" Minato didn't expect a present.
He opened it and it was a mug with the words 'dad' on it.
"It's for you to leave here." Naruto mumbled. "I want you to visit here more often."
"Thank you son." Minato smiled and hugged Naruto.
"These two actually have something to give you Kyuubi." Naruto pointed to Itachi and Sasuke.
Itachi brought a box out and he gave it to Kyuubi who opened it rather quickly. He didn't expect a gift from them so he was curious. There was a nice, soft black turtleneck sweater and then a white one as well.
"Thank you." Kyuubi looked at the two brothers giving them a soft smile.
"Okay Kyuubi, gimme gimme." Naruto was surprised to see that Kyuubi had bought gifts, so he wanted to see what he got.
Kyuubi was slightly annoyed, half wishing he didn't buy a gift but he knew that wasn't true. He handed Naruto a box who opened it immediately. It was an orange jacket with blue accents and a white collar.
"Oh my god, I love it!" Naruto said excitedly and he annoyingly gave Kyuubi a tight hug.
"Get off of me..!" Kyuubi nearly kicked Naruto off.
Kyuubi didn't show it, but he was really happy that Naruto liked it. He then gave the big bag to Sasuke.
Sasuke gave a gasp when he saw the huge stuffed animal.
"Thank you!" Sasuke beamed, hugging the stuffed animal.
"You're welcome." Kyuubi mumbled, a little embarrassed for some reason.
He handed his last present to Itachi. They locked eyes and Itachi gave a soft smile. He unwrapped the present and opened the box. He lifted the silky yukata out, taking a good look at it and then laid it on his lap.
"It's beautiful." Itachi ran his fingers through the silk. He loved the colours and design. "Thank you Kurama." Itachi looked up with a soft smile.
Kyuubi's cheeks heated up and his heart beated. He only managed to nod as he tried to hide his face with his hand.
Minato noticed this exchange and he closed his eye and took a deep breath quietly. He then opened them and seeing the happy faces of everyone put a smile on his own. He had never seen Kyuubi take an interest in anyone. He did his best to accept it. Naruto and Sasuke was enough, but he felt it wasn't over. He wanted to be a better father for both of them.
He saw they all started going to the kitchen to get dessert, but Kyuubi stayed behind.
"Sorry dad, I didn't get you anything.." Kyuubi wasn't looking at Minato.
"Just you being here is enough Kurama." Minato brought Kyuubi into a hug. "I love you, don't forget that."
"I won't.." Kyuubi hugged his father back and quietly said that he loved him too.
"Let's go join the others." Minato patted Kyuubi's back and they went to the kitchen.
They had a cheesecake variety and they all chose a slice that interested them. Kyuubi didn't really want one, but he chose the plain one so he wouldn't be left out. Itachi really loved the dessert though. Sasuke didn't have any preference towards it but he couldn't finish it.
They talked about the orphanage again and Minato told them to start packing clothes. He warned them to be prepared for hard work. Then Minato asked how Sasuke and Itachi were doing.
"We are very grateful to be living here with everyone." Itachi said with a little bow of his head.
Sasuke nodded in agreement.
"I'm glad you two are comfortable here." Minato smiled as he ate the last bite of his cheesecake. "I should get going soon, so you guys can spend the rest of the day together. I'll hang with Kakashi so don't worry about me."
Minato helped clean up and he ruffled both Sasuke and Itachi's hair, telling mostly Itachi to relax. He hugged them all, saying how much he loves them. They said their goodbyes and then quickly headed back in, away from the cold.
Naruto wanted to spend some time with Sasuke, so Kyuubi and Itachi went to the basement. They had their gifts and Itachi wanted to try his yukata on. Kyuubi waited as Itachi changed in the bathroom. He then emerged and he walked towards Kyuubi.
"It's better than I thought." Kyuubi muttered as he walked up to Itachi.
Itachi started to feel a bit flustered, but he gathered the courage to hug Kyuubi.
"Thank you." Itachi whispered.
Kyuubi was a little shocked, but he hugged him back tightly, relishing the feeling. He pulled away from Itachi, but he had his hands on Itachi's waist. He knew he shouldn't, but he leaned in towards Itachi. They could feel each other's breath, both their hearts were beating fast.
There was just silence.
Itachi then closed his eyes and Kyuubi didn't miss a beat. He leaned in further and put his lips against Itachi's. Kyuubi wrapped his arms around Itachi, bringing him into a deeper kiss. He just couldn't believe it.
Upstairs, Naruto and Sasuke were lounging on their bed. Naruto suddenly swooped Sasuke, bringing him into a hug. No words were exchanged, but Sasuke hugged Naruto. He then gave a chaste kiss on Naruto's lips.
"I love you Sasuke." Naruto broke the silence. "I love you so much."
"I love you too." Sasuke rested his head on Naruto's chest.
They stayed silent. They were content with just laying next to each other. Naruto never thought this was what would happen when he bought Sasuke. But he was glad that it did happen. Life was unpredictable and he felt truly blessed to have him on his side. He realized it was Sasuke's silence that drew him in when he was buying a hybrid. Maybe it was fate, maybe it wasn't, it didn't matter to him. He was grateful things happened in order for them to meet. Even though it was rough, Naruto believed they both have grown from it all.
Sasuke felt his life had changed so much. He remembered how Naruto was when he first met him. He remembered how much he had feared him. He remembered being separated from his own brother. He remembered how Naruto started to change. He remembered the silence he felt when he had reunited with his brother again. He will never forget how much love he has received from Naruto.
They had their whole lives ahead of them, and they were well prepared to anything that happened in the future. They've already gone through rough times and anything ahead of them couldn't stop them.
Sasuke noticed Naruto staring at him. Naruto leaned in and gave a kiss on Sasuke's forehead and then grinned. Sasuke gave a soft smile and snuggled closer to Naruto.
Silence.