So... a lot has happened. I had to be hospitalized for DKA (I'm a type 1 diabetic) & a mini stroke (I couldn't move my right eye and my vision was blurry and doubled). I had a CAT scan done and they didn't see anything, so then I got an MRI done & was diagnosed with MS (and I got two more done too). So I'll be starting infusion treatments since I have two legions on my spine. Oh, and I lost my job. Annoying I'm broke as fuck, but my body can't deal with factory/warehouse work (I hated that shit anyway)

Now, for this story, I have three more chapters after this written out. The actual plot of the story is finally coming! I have a general idea of what I want to do. I just have to put it all together so things make sense.

And I'm rewatching Naruto! So the feels are real & my ships are soaring canon & my "weird" one. (My fiancée likes to "make fun of me" about NaruOro, but she clearly doesn't understand the beauty of it & yeah, I'm weird & everyone who reads this story knows what's up :D )

And seriously, thank you for all the support! :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Naruto Shippuden. This is just for fun, no profit will be made from this (and I don't want to either). This is purely for my and the entertainment of Naruto fans.

Dedication: To my beautiful, amazing, intelligent, girlfriend Phillipa (Shadow Spirit Dragon-wolf) for being there for me through not only my writing (both fanfiction and my original story) but real life in general. You have been my inspiration and my support through everything.

Warnings: Violence, explicit sexual conduct (no rape!) homosexual relationship, relationship with a large age gap, struggles with belonging, self-hatred, obsession, self-harm, self-experimentation, human experimentation, mental disorders, a dark view of the "afterlife", (bonding of) pain and isolation, self-worthlessness, and male pregnancy.

Pairings: NaruOro, canon pairings (except, obviously, NaruHina).

Summary: Sometimes, the deepest scars are the ones no one can see, but in a world moving into the light even the oldest inner wounds can be seen

Enjoy! :)

Chapter Forty-five: Foam

Iruka

It's been about a week and a half since Naruto and Orochimaru left for their honeymoon and I've been watching Maruta. Overall, he's a good baby. He sleeps a lot. I suppose it's a good thing for him since he spends so much energy moving.

I sweep my kitchen floor while Maruta takes a nap. According to Maruta's chart, I'm supposed to give him a bath tonight and put oil on his tail as he's going to prep for a shed soon.

There's a knock on the door.

"Come in!" I call.

Hinata comes in with two cups of tea in foam cups with lids. She told me she wanted to help with Maruta's care and to talk.

"Hinata, you didn't have to get me anything," I say, putting the broom and dustpan away and taking the cups. "Come, have a seat."

She follows me into the living area where Maruta is snoozing in his bouncy chair, gripping onto his Kurama plushie.

"It was no trouble, Iruka-sensei," she says as we both sit on the couch. "Has Maruta been sleeping long?"

"Maybe about an hour."

Hinata nods.

We sip our tea.

"Are you doing alright, Iruka-sensei? Maruta isn't too much, is he?"

"W-what? No, no! He's great!"

"You just seem exhausted. You know you don't have to prove anything to anyone, right?"

I sigh, setting the cup down. "It's not so much Maruta. Sure, he's a lot of work, but I care about him a lot. I suppose it's all of this with Naruto and Orochimaru. I can't wrap my head around it."

She stares at the snake child as she speaks. "Yes, it's a lot to take in. It doesn't seem Orochimaru and Naruto understand it themselves. Love is funny like that."

"Seems so."

"I'm not suffering because of it, Iruka-sensei. Sure, it hurt that Naruto didn't love me, but it would hurt more if I forced him and he was unhappy. Naruto has been unhappy all of his life. And I really do love Shino. He's helped me so much."

I rub my eyes. "You're right. It's just… Orochmaru? I suppose it's difficult for me to accept he's not the same man who killed Lord Third."

Shino has always been kind and a great listener. Perhaps he'd make am excellent academy teacher.

"Yes, but we have to try. Naruto would be upset if we keep treating his new husband like he doesn't belong."

But does he? He's hurt so many people. Naruto included. This is a time of peace, but is it truly peace? I want to believe it. I want to keep Naruto's dream alive.

"I think understanding Orochimaru would help everyone. We really don't know him," Hinata says, picking Maruta up as he starts crying. She checks his diaper.

"Are you hungry, little one?"

"Let me see what he's supposed to have now," I say, pulling out the notepad from the cabinet beside me. "It says he's supposed to eat a fuzzy mouse and a cup of chopped fruit." What?

"Do you still have the mice Sakura got you?"

"Yeah. I'll have to thaw one out."

Hinata nods. "I'll get his fruit and give it to him while we wait. What does it say about his drink?"

I look at the paper again. "Juice if he desires it."

She nods, and sets Maruta back in the chair.

He cries.

"Hold on, Maruta. Iruka-sensei and I have to get you your food, okay?"

We go into the kitchen. Hinata pulls out a small bowl and various fruits to chop up while I pull out another bowl, filling it with hot water. I pull the pack of fuzzies out of the freezer and shudder.

"This is so weird."

"It is, but Maruta has to eat the mice."

"His diet is so strange," I say, pulling a mouse out and dropping it in the water.

"Do you suppose he'd like a bit of yogurt too?"

"Well, it doesn't say he can't have it. I should have some vanilla. You could mix the fruit in it."

"I was thinking that," Hinata says, getting the yogurt out and mixing the chopped fruit up.

I pour some apple juice in a sippy cup.

We return to the living area. It'll take about ten minutes or so to thaw out the mouse fully.

Hinata and I sit down and she picks up Maruta, holding him gently and spoon feeding him.

"Does he like it?"

"Seems so. I think the yogurt will help with his digestion too."

"Are we sure it's not the 'creatures' that mess with his digestion?"

"Well, Naruto's shadow clone told me they only give him one mouse every other week and regular food daily."

Naruto's shadow clone has been staying at his house, keeping a distance unless we absolutely need him. I'm sure he trusts the toad and snake that hang out here far too often for my tastes.

Sometimes, the shadow clone seems as if it may disappear. Usually, it's grinning happily.

I do not want to image what the real Naruto and Orochimaru are doing during those times.

I mean how does Naruto think he's attractive enough to…? Must be that tongue.

Okay, Iruka! We do not want to go there!

I sip my tea, calming myself. "And I'm not supposed to give him anything else after he's eaten the mouse and digested it."

"Yes. It's amazing how they can keep up with such a complex schedule."

"I don't think I could."

"I don't know. You're doing a great job, Iruka-sensei."

"Well, the little summons are a big help."

"Who are you calling little? I'll eat you!" The little green snake hisses, shaking his tail.

"Then who would watch the young master?" The toad scoffs.

"Have you two been in the toy basket the whole time?" Hinata giggles, giving Maruta his juice when he reaches for it.

"I was in there first then scales over here decided to join."

"I smelt food!"

"If you mean the mouse it's for Maruta," I say, getting up to get it. I put it in a container and get the small tongs that I was given. I return.

The snake sits up, flicking his tongue. "It's dead."

"Maruta is required to eat frozen/thawed," I explain as Hinata sets the empty bowl down.

"Lame!"

I ignore them and grab the mouse by the tail with the tongs.

Maruta flicks his tongue at the mouse. After a minute or two, he lashes out and sinks his fangs into his prey.

Hinata holds him as he uses his hands and tail to hold the food.

"That looks so gross."

"I don't think it's supposed to be appetizing," Hinata giggles.

About thirty minutes or so later, Maruta falls asleep.

"Right back to sleep," I chuckle.

"Well, he had a lot to eat. How is his schedule like now?"

"Tonight he's getting a bath and oil on his tail. It says it takes him about three days to fully digest. After that, he's scheduled to have a chakra therapy session with you for an hour," I say reading off the chart.

Hinata nods. "Yes, it is time for his monthly chakra therapy."

"Do you mind if I observe?"

"Of course not," she says, rubbing Maruta's back as the two year old curls up in her lap.

"Thank you. I told Naruto I wanted to test where Maruta is and I think the best place to start is with his chakra."

"Well, his chakra is interesting. He has a lot more sage chakra than regular."

"Because of his hybridness?"

"That's my guess at least. There's also something else about it too."

"Oh?"

"Well, I'm not sure exactly. Maybe it's nothing, but it may have something to do with why he hasn't talked yet."

"Sakura did say he was underdeveloped. Do you suppose he has too much sage chakra? Well, more than he did when he was first born?"

"Maybe. It's almost like his body is mixing all of his chakra together. I think if he exercised more and had a way to expel the extra sage chakra it would help him."

"I took Maruta to see Lee yesterday."

"What did he say?"

"Maruta's arms are strong, but his tail is weak."

"Yeah, the sage chakra in his tail is the strongest too. I give him chakra massages to help, but it only does so much."

"I shouldn't be saying this, but maybe we need to make him use his tail more?"

"We can't exactly force him. Although, I do get what you're saying. His arms aren't always going to be able to help him "walk"."

"I don't want to, but Maruta hasn't really made much progress since he's been born, has he?"

"As far as "walking" and talking go? Not really."

"And it's stressing his parents out I'm sure, so why don't we talk to Sakura and see what she thinks about my idea."

Hinata looks at me for a while, rocking Maruta. "What is your idea, Iruka-sensei?"

"Let's bind his arms."

Orochimaru

A week and a half away from Maruta has been difficult. Kit tries to occupy my mind and his as well. I'm not stupid enough to believe I'm the only one concerned about our son. Still, I trust Kit's judgment that Maruta is in good hands.

We've had a lot of sex since we've been here. My husband's stamina is unmatched. He'd give Jiraiya a run for his money.

Jiraiya…

All of this that's been going on lately, I feel as though I've neglected my friend. What would you think if you saw me with your godson, Jiraiya? Would you support us or try to warn him about how selfish I truly am? And what about Maruta? Would you love him?

I'll be able to ask those questions once I bring him back.

Naruto stretches, feet sticking out from the sheets.

"Good morning, Oreo. Did you sleep well?"

"Considering you knocked me out once again, I'd say so," I reply, pulling the covers around my naked body.

"Oh, sorry about that. I didn't realize…"

"Again?" I smirk.

"Hey! I was lost in the moment, okay? Give me a break, Oreo!" Naruto pouts.

"Well, let's give the "moment" a rest. I'd like to show you around Otogakure today."

He sits up. "You want to go out?"

I shrug. "I'm curious about the changes made to it, and you've told me you've wanted to come here."

"True, but are you sure you're up to it? I mean you've been working hard taking care of Maruta and then the wedding…"

"The sex is making me the most exhausted," I deadpan with a smirk.

"Aww! But Oreeeeeoooo!"

"Let's shower and get dressed."

"Shower together?" Naruto beams as I stand up and slip my robe on hanging up on a nearby hook.

"No."

"Damn!"

About an hour later, both of us are showered and dressed casually. There aren't a lot of people in Otogakure, but Sugitsu and Karin want to change that. It'll take time naturally.

"This is a nice place for breakfast," I say as we enter a shop.

"Lord Orochimaru, Lord Naruto. Welcome, welcome! I was wondering when you two lovebugs would come out to eat!" the owner chuckles.

We sit down.

"Blame it on Naruto. I had planned to come by-"

"Oreo, everyone knows you barely eat. Stop blaming it on me," Naruto pouts.

"You never give me time to say otherwise," I smirk.

"So mean!"

The owner and I both laugh.

"So who are you anyway?"

"My name is Nujiya. My father and I used to travel all over selling our gourmet food."

"It's nice to meet you. I'm always up for food!"

"Nujiya-kun doesn't make ramen, Kit."

"Well, I'm sure he doesn't make rat sandwiches either, Oreo!" Naruto says, sticking out his tongue.

Nijuya chuckles. "What would you two like?"

Naruto looks at the menu. "Hmm… maybe the octopus sticks and dango and some coffee?"

"I'll have three raw eggs and a glass of water."

"Coming right up," Nijuya says, heading into the back.

"So, is Nijuya someone you took in or?"

He comes back with our water and coffee.

"I brought out the sugar and creamer if you wanted it," he says.

"Thank you."

He nods and goes back into the kitchen.

"He's fairly new. Suigetsu found him."

"So he's going to be the designated food place?" Naruto asks, putting sugar and creamer in his coffee and stirring.

"One of them at least. The food is good."

"But he doesn't make ramen," my husband pouts.

"You need more in your diet, Kit."

"What about you, Oreo? You're eating raw eggs again! Didn't Sakura tell you not to eat that?"

"Yes, while I was pregnant, which I''m not currently."

"But your health…"

"How about I only eat these eggs and I promise I'll eat something else until we return home?"

Naruto looks at me for a bit and nods.

We spend about an hour eating and talking to Nijuya. Naruto really enjoyed his food. He even got some food to take back to the cabin.

I show Naruto around the village. It's slowly becoming more lively. People living outside of the five nations and homeless people have come to live here. Some ninja, some not. I used to only want ninja here, but now it doesn't matter.

We stop at a laboratory. One of three that I have here in Otogakure.

"When will you be returning to your experiments?"

I stare at the building that has been fixed up. "I want Maruta to be okay first, but I do need to start up again soon."

Naruto closes his eyes. "You know you'll have to be watched, right?"

"I know."

"But I trust that you won't hurt anyone, Oreo."

"I told you I wouldn't. I need something more steady."

Naruto nods. "I want to be here when you start back up again just so I know you're okay."

I look at Naruto. "Are you sure? I know my experiments can be a bit much."

He scoffs. "Um, Oreo, I've been helping you with your experiments for like four years now. Give me some credit."

"That was before you started studying to be Hokage and had a son."

Naruto takes my hand and we begin walking slowly through the village I created to do experiments. "True, but I still don't want anything bad happening. I know how you can get, Oreo. I have to be the one to ground you."

I stop when I hear women giggling and jumping into the river below the cliff we're on. The trees are mostly blocking them. Fortunately, they're in their bathing suits.

"Jiraiya tried desperately to ground me," I say.

"Pervy Sage cared a lot about you, Oreo."

I close my eyes. "I know."

Naruto doesn't say anything for a while. "You know, I think he's looking down at us and smiling."

"Naruto, I already told you-"

"Well, I want to believe it anyway…"

"I do too."

We stand in silence for a while then continue walking. So much has changed in my life. Honestly, I'm not sure how to truly take it all in. Even so, I need to be able to help those who are dead as soon as possible.

Yet, there's a part of me that wishes for another child. Despite the sickness, I enjoyed carrying Maruta. Being pregnant felt like I mattered for once. Maruta is a symbol of the unique love Naruto and I share. I want more of it. But is it too soon?

"You know, I was surprised to learn you and Pervy Sage were a couple."

"Not many people know."

"Was it too hard?"

"I didn't want Jiraiya to have to stop being himself."

Naruto looks at me. "Wait; so he still…?"

I shrug. "Such things never bothered me. He deserved better anyway."

Naruto squeezes my hand. "Oreo…"

We enter our cabin.."I'm a lot of trouble, Naruto," I say.

"And? I told you I'm not going anywhere."

I look at him and smile. This time the promise can be kept.

Sasuke

I've left the village about a month ago to find answers about the Otosuki clan and help anyone in need. I know it's going to take a while to find the answers we're seeking. Naruto was upset that I didn't come to his wedding, but in exchange, he asked me to talk to Aoda about Orochimaru's nonsense.

I find a clearing in the woods of Kusa, and summon the blue snake.

"Lord Sasuke, what is it that you require? I sense no enemies."

"I want to talk, Aoda."

The snake cocks his head, flicking his tongue. "About what, Lord Sasuke?"

"I want to know about this "Shiromaru" Orochimaru keeps talking about."

My snake summons seems puzzled. "Who?"

I close my eyes. "I thought so."

"Lord Sasuke, what are you talking about?"

"You know that Orochimaru says and does unusual things, yes?"

"Well, for a human I suppose he does. I don't know him all that well. He made a contract with Manda, not me."

"Does he have a contract with anyone else now since Manda's death?"

"Manda's daughter, Zeikka."

I nod. "I want to understand what is going on with him. It's important that I do."

"Well, from what I've been told by Lord Hebimaru, Orochimaru came to Ryuuchi Cave to learn Snake Sage Mode but failed."

"Because of his body being too weak," I say.

"Right, but Lord Hebimaru said it was from something else too."

"What was it?"

"I'm not sure; I was never given the information. Manda was."

And now Manda is dead. Dammit!

"Thank you, Aoda."

"Of course, Lord Sasuke. Is there anything else that you require?"

"Yes, actually."

"And that is?"

"Take me to the snake sage."

Naruto

The weeks seem to come and go here. I miss Maruta and everyone, but it's nice spending quality time with Oreo. I still can't believe we're married! It sucks Sasuke wasn't able to be there, but his job is very important, not only to help with Oreo's situation, but the rest of the world too. I just hope he's not doing too much. I know how he can get!

Oreo flips a page in the book he's reading, curled up on the couch.

I set the bowl of ramen down and watch him. He's a lot more relaxed, but I know that his mind is running 100mph trying to figure out a way to stop death.

I wish I could do something to help him. I'm not sure when I'll get word from Sasuke about what he's found. I hope it's something we can work with. I'm sick of the screaming at night. It breaks my heart.

"Enjoying your book, Oreo?"

"Of course. Reading is a great pastime."

"What are you reading anyway?"

"It's a book on children."

"Children? What about them?"

"This one talks about how they do being an only child vs. having siblings."

"And?"

"Naturally, there are pros and cons to everything. I've been thinking that perhaps Maruta would benefit more if he had a sibling to interact with."

"Well, I don't mind having more kids with you, Oreo." (Because my gods the sex is amazing!) "But, are you well enough to have more?"

"Sakura told me I passed my physical exams, and Hinata said my chakra is much better than it was before."

"So you can get pregnant again?"

Oreo shrugs, placing a bookmark in his book and setting it aside. "That depends on what made me get pregnant in the first place." He looks at me. "Aside from the natural-unnatural way."

"Yeah, I still don't get it either. Do you think they'll have a snake tail too?" I ask.

Oreo closes his eyes. "I hope not. It's given Maruta a lot of trouble."

"I agree. I mean he's precious, but…"

"Either way, we'll love the child."

"Of course! Now then," I smirk, crawling over to my new husband/wife. I push him down on his back gently and kiss him.

He kisses back. It seems like only yesterday he was threatening my home, but now he is my home.

Our kisses are full of passion and intensity. Consuming him is better than breathing. Hands roam and teeth sink into our skin as our clothes are removed between our kisses. I can't get enough of him. He's addicting!

I kiss down his body slowly, licking the patch on the side of his stomach with the marking of counter…counter… umm non-baby seal!

Oreo has to get a new one put in every three months by Sakura. I helped to make it for him. He's due next month to get another one, but since we were just talking about having another baby…

I gently undo the seal. I set it aside and kiss the spot.

Oreo gasps.

I continue, licking, kissing, sucking, and biting wherever I can reach.

Oreo moans, hisses, and gasps. He, too, bites, licks, sucks, and claws everywhere he can reach.

I gently prepare him as we suck each other off. His tongue always feels so good!

I sit up and Oreo gets into my lap facing away from me. I hook my arms under his thighs and gently guide him down and thrust into him.

Oreo moans, rocking against me.

"This feels perfect," I gasp.

"You say that every time," he pants.

I move harder within him. "It's true though."

Oreo chuckles. "Well, you feel perfect as well."

"Good," I say, kissing his neck as I thrust deeply.

I close my eyes, getting lost. Oreo doesn't hold back either. It's us. It's perfect and amazing.

To be honest, I wanted to put forty-five & forty-six together, but I couldn't find a way to make things flow together the way I wanted, thus, they're separated.

Oh, & in case anyone happened to miss this, or wasn't sure: I won't be doing Boruto related stuff (not saying he will or won't be in the story). I've seen maybe 10ish episodes, and to be honest, I hate it. But, but! I want to see MamaOreo sooo badly (the only arc I actually kinda enjoyed was when Sarada met Sasuke & Sasuke & Sakura kicked that weird fake Uchiha that just came out of nowhere's ass! :) ) I heard it gets "better", but... Plus, it's not like this was a canon story anyway :D

Preview

Orochimaru

"What. did. you. do. to. my. baby?!" I hiss, rounding on Sakura.

"Oreo, calm down! Hear her out!" Naruto exclaims, moving between his teammate and me.