I'm sure y'all noticed that y'all weren't getting any alerts for this story being updated, and then figured out it was Fanfiction, not me. I updated when I said I was going to, so if you have not already done so, please read chapter seven. Seven eight nine is the joke after all :p.

So where this story is currently. Well, I haven't really written anything else. I've been doing other things. I have been thinking about a few of my chapters. Chapters fifteen and sixteen to be exact. I have another idea on how I want to do them. This may make them longer though, so it could push chapters further ahead, but more than likely not. It's not as if I'm opposed to long chapters. Honestly, these chapters are pretty short for me lol.

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: OroNaru, cannon 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 Eight: Hyped

Naruto

Oreo Snake and I sit at a table. I'm eating lunch of, of course, Ichiraku Ramen I had one of my clones get. Oreo Snake has taken two bites of his food (which for some reason isn't Ramen. Weirdo!) and flipped through about fifty pages and has filled pages of his notebook full of the neatest handwriting I have ever seen. (Seriously, it's neater than Sakura's, and I thought girls had the best handwriting! Then again, he is more feminine…).

"I thought you didn't like cold food."

"I don't," he replies, reaching blindly for his water, and taking a sip.

"Well, your food is getting cold."

He just shrugs. "I can always warm it up when I feel the desire to eat. Right now, I'm trying to focus on the task at hand."

"Which is?"

"How to save them, of course."

Is he still on that? Well, I suppose it's an obsession of his. It's really sad though. I mean does he honestly think people who are dead are suffering? I glance at the information he has gathered. It's incredible how organized and persistent he is over knowledge. He's gathered so much information. In fact, if it weren't for him…

"Oreo Snake?"

"Hmm?"

"I just wanted to thank you."

"What for?"

"Helping me save the world."

His eyes meet mine. "I didn't save anything, Naruto. Give thanks to your friends. Not to me."

"I have thanked them, but if it wasn't for you then, even more, people would have died, like Granny Tsunade. Plus, you helped kill that tree."

"You should really be thanking Sasuke. If he decided to destroy the village, I would have."

"I don't believe that."

"Are you saying that I decided to care about you fools, and I used Sasuke wanting to help as an excuse?"

I grin. "Yup!"

Oreo snorts. He grabs his food, heating it with a small fire-style jutsu before eating four bites and setting it aside again.

"So do you double up on bites every few hours?" I can't help but grin.

"Hmm?"

"You know; earlier you took two bites and this time you took four, so… will you take eight the next?"

"Sure will."

I laugh. "You're so funny, man! I'm so glad I'm getting to know you."

Oreo doesn't say anything, just returns to his reading and writing. I watch him for a while. My food, half gone, has been forgotten as well. I glance over at the bowl then inwardly shrug. For some reason, I'd rather watch Oreo Snake.

"So what's your chakra nature?"

"Wind."

"Really?! Why didn't you tell me, Oreo! We're chakra buddies!"

"Chakra buddies?"

"Yes! Oh, and Asama-sensei was as well. He said not a lot of people could use Wind-style in Konoha, so we're special!"

"You get excited over the strangest things. Though, I hope you're aware that I can use all five chakra natures."

"You too?! So awesome!"

"Learning jutsu is extremely important. The more jutsu you know, the better your chances of success. Especially if you have a powerful arsenal at your disposal to dish out. And, of course, knowledge. Knowledge is power. Jutsu is beauty."

I frown. "But I don't know that many jutsu, and I don't know that much either…"

"What jutsu do you even know?"

"Well, obviously Shadow clones, Rasengan, Rasenshuriken-"

"Rasenshuriken? What is that?"

"What? You don't know about that? I did it in the war so much."

"Do you think I had time to study every jutsu you were using?"

"Oh… right. Well, okay. I'll have to show you."

Oreo stands up. "Lead the way."

We go outside. I close my eyes, and blast Rasenshuriken into a tree, shattering it to bits. I look over at Oreo Snake. He stares, that long ass tongue of his sticking out of his mouth, and saliva just dripping down it. What the…?

"Why are you doing that?"

It takes him a few moments before he snaps back into reality and turns his attention to me. "Hmm?"

"You know, slobbering all over yourself. Do you do that often?"

"I don't… slobber all over myself."

"Sure seemed like you were to me."

"The jutsu was interesting. It certainly has power. Where did you learn that?"

"I created it. Of course, I had help but… hey! Don't change the subject!"

"That conversation is done."

"What? No, it's not. You never answered my question."

"I don't feel like talking about it."

I study him for a bit then walk over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, you don't have to embarrassed about it, Oreo. I was just curious as to why you do it. That's…" I pause.

"What is it?"

"Orochimaru," I say, seriously.

"Yes?"

"Why didn't you tell me your chakra was still low?"

"Not everyone has the reserves you do."

"Well, I know, but you barely have any! I mean how the hell do you perform half the jutsu you use?"

"I have enough to do such things. It's not as if I don't have a decent supply. I just hide it."

I frown, placing a hand on the side of his face. I close my eyes for a moment then Sage eyes stare at the older man. "Ah. I see it now. I've never met anyone who could conceal their chakra like that. You're still lower than I'd like though."

"I'm fine, Naruto. I appreciate your concern, but I can assure you everything is alright."

My frown deepens. "Will you tell me if you feel sick, Oreo?"

"…yes." He replies after some hesitation.

"Alright, well, if you need chakra just let me know. I have plenty of it."

Oreo nods.

I drop my hand and look out at the tree splinters. It's amazing how far I've come. I turn to Oreo. I want to understand him. I want him to know he doesn't have to be afraid to be himself around me. So, I try to bring the subject up again.

"Do you realize when you're doing that?"

"Doing what?"

"You know… slobbering all over yourself."

"…"

"Oreo… I didn't mean to upset you."

"Can we move on?"

"But…"

"It's not like I haven't tried to stop it," he mutters.

I look at him for a while. "You hate yourself, don't you?"

"Are we done out here? I'd like to get back to my studying if we're not doing anything of importance out here."

"Would you stop bottling everything up! Just talk to me! I want to help you!"

"I don't want any help."

"I don't believe that. You act as though you're some freak, and-"

He laughs humourlessly. "Aren't I? I'm certainly not human, Naruto. I know you see that."

"Stop! Just stop!" I'm in tears, and I can't stop them. "Please… Oreo… just… stop."

Oreo looks at me for a while. "Naruto…"

I wrap my arms around him and just hold him. I hold him close, feeling his body against mine. And it feels so good.

XXXX

Orochimaru

I tense as Naruto wraps his arms around me. He doesn't move, only pulls me closer. I feel his heartbeat against my chest. He doesn't say anything for a long time. I think this is the longest he's ever gone without talking.

"I'm here for you."

"I know."

"I want to see you happy."

"I want you happy too."

Did I really just say that?"

He looks up at me, his arms tightening around me. "Thank you, Oreo. You're sweet."

I scoff.

"I know you do things I don't agree with, but it's just your way of showing you care."

"And yet, it's wrong…"

"If people didn't have to die then…"

"Shall I bring them back for you?"

He sighs. "You know… I've never done this before…"

"Done what?"

"Held someone like this."

"So why are you doing with me?"

He shrugs. "I don't know. It just feels… right. I can't explain it."

It does for some strange reason. Perhaps that's the reason I haven't pushed him away? Or, perhaps I just don't care anymore. Maybe even both.

"Have you been writing to your friends?"

"Not my friends. Kakashi-sensei though."

"And what does he say about you being out here with me? You know you can't stay here forever."

"I am on mission leave," Naruto replies.

"Oh? And what sort of "mission" is this?"

"To help you, of course. Kakashi-sensei understands my desire for peace and happiness within this world. He is fine with me being here so long as I report to him every few months, which I agreed to."

"I see. And what about your friends? Why have you not talked to them? I'm sure they miss you."

"And I miss them as well. I don't really feel like talking to them. I don't want to explain this situation to them. Not yet. You need me right now. I'm not going to leave you here by yourself. You need more support than they do. They have each other, after all. Sasuke is gone, so I can be as well. All of my friends are strong and can fend for themselves. If there is a dire situation, Kakashi-sensei can send word to retrieve me, but as it stands, everything is fine and thus, I am not needed there. I am needed here, with you. And," he says, a deep blush forming, highlighting the six whisker markings etched onto his handsome, adult face. "I like holding you."

"So let me get this straight: you'd rather hold me instead of spending time with your friends?"

"Yup!" he grins widely.

"You're weird."

He smiles. "I like being weird."

"Obviously."

"Still, I'm here for you. I'm not going to judge you."

"Thank you…"

"Of course. Oreo Snakes don't need to be sad."

I smile a bit. "Your nicknames are so amusing."

"I'm glad you like them."

"Where did you come up with them?"

He shrugs. "They just pop in my mind."

"You mean like your plans?" I smirk.

"Exactly!"

I chuckle. "So does everyone have a nickname or just certain people?"

"Certain people. Most of my friends don't have nicknames, honestly."

"And yet, I do?"

"Hey, it's not my fault you're an Oreo Snake!"

I lick him. "And it's not my fault you're a kit."

"Kit?"

"A baby fox."

"Am I a kit because of Kurama?"

"Well, he's certainly a contributing factor, but you certainly have other characteristics of a fox."

"Oh! Well, that's pretty cool! I'm a kit!"

I smile. I love how excited he gets. It's… cute. Cute? What…? I pull away from him. I should have a long time ago.

"What other jutsu do you know?"

Naruto studies me for a bit. I know he wants to know why I acted… weird… earlier, but it's just not going to happen. Thankfully, he doesn't push it. Though, I have a feeling he will later.

"Well, I can use some kekei genkai, but I'm still working on those, honestly. It's hard to perform some of them. I mean they were kinda just dumped on me, you know?"

"Don't you think it'd be a good idea to open up your arsenal more? We can start with Wind-style since that's your chakra nature."

"Are you offering to train me?" he beams.

"I guess I am."

"But… I'm not Sasuke."

"I've noticed."

"So I'll be boring and…"

"Stop getting so depressed. I want to do this."

"Why?"

"You intrigue me. I want to see how far you can go. I want to see everything you can do."

"Well, alright then," he grins. "Show me some Wind-style jutsu, Oreo-sensei!"

I chuckle. "Silly, Kit. Alright, watch carefully."

He nods, focusing on me.

I perform the hand seals then blast a few trees down with a large gust of wind. "I'm sure you recognize that?"

It takes him a moment to recall. "Oh yeah! Damn, that's some strong wind."

"It's nothing compared to your jutsu, but not everything needs so much chakra usage."

"That's true. It's hard to control my chakra. I've gotten a lot better about it. I used to have to do the Rasengan with a shadow clone and the Rasenshuriken with two shadow clones plus Sage Mode."

"Did you now? Your methods for learning jutsu are unique for sure. Why did you have to use Sage Mode for the Rasenshuriken?"

"It's classified as a forbidden jutsu. At first, it wasn't, but after the battle with Kakuzu, Granny Tsunade labeled it as such."

So that's why I was so excited earlier. It certainly is a beautiful jutsu. I hope I can see it again soon. I shiver inwardly. "Why? What happened?"

"Well, apparently, what happened to Kakuzu happened to me as well. The jutsu attacks the chakra network or some shit like that. My right arm was all fucked up and Granny Tsunade was all like "you can't use that jutsu or your chakra network will be fucked up." It pissed me off 'cause I just mastered the jutsu!"

"And you realized with Sage Mode you could use it?"

"Yes, during my training with Grandpa Sage, I would sneak out at night to practice. After I mastered it, I wasn't in complete control."

"A jutsu like that takes a long time to master, so I'm not surprised you had a few fails here and there."

"Yes, well, I did pretty well after I realized I could do it in Sage Mode."

"Sage Mode is extremely valuable for sure."

"Hey, why haven't you used Sage Mode against me? Not that I remember any of our fights, but Kurama said you never did…"

"I can't use Sage Mode."

He frowns. "Well, that sucks! I mean, I heard Kabuto could, and I just assumed he had a slither noodle contract…"

Slither noodle? Where does this child come up with this stuff?

"He does."

"Okay then, so why can't you do it?"

I shrug. "I just can't. I've tried."

"Does it bother you?"

"Yes and no. I wish I was able to perform it. The concept is quite simple, but the bodies I was in at the time were too weak. No, because I have found other ways to channel such power."

"Which is?"

"The curse mark, of course."

"You mean that mark that you put on Sasuke?"

"Yes."

"That shit was so weird!"

"Weird? How so?"

"Sasuke's skin turned all grey, his hair was all blue, and he had hand wings! It was freaky!"

"I have no control over how those who are blessed with my senjutsu power turn out."

"But you said you can't use Sage Mode."

"I can't."

"But you have senjutsu chakra."

"I do."

"What? You're not making sense. How can you have senjutsu chakra but can't do Sage Mode?"

"Lord Hebimaru gave me senjutsu chakra when I found Ryuuchi Cave."

"You found it?"

"I did indeed. It's an incredible sight to behold. Being in the presence of all those beautiful snake summons, and the Great White Snake Sage, Lord Hebimaru. It's an experience I'll never forget."

"So what did you do there?"

"Trained with the snakes to try and master Sage Mode, of course."

"But if you weren't able to master it, how are you not… you know, a snake? Well, you are an Oreo Snake, but you know what I mean."

"Snake senjutsu works differently than toad senjutsu does."

"It does?"

"Indeed. With toad Sage Mode, you smeared toad oil all over your body when you first started, didn't you?"

Naruto nods. "Yeah, and then after a while I could absorb nature energy without it. What happened with yours?"

"Lord Hebimaru injected his senjutsu chakra into me."

"Ow! I bet that hurt!"

"Actually, it felt very pleasurable."

"A giant snake bit you! How does that feel good?"

"His chakra did. That chakra has helped me do so much."

"Like what?"

"Create my soul, for one."

He frowns. "You… created your soul…? Aren't we born with those?"

"I wasn't."

"Yes, you were! Dammit, Oreo Snake!" Naruto exclaims. He wraps his arms around me again.

I sigh, letting him hold me again.

"You have to stop this, okay?" he whispers, threading his fingers through my hair. "You do have a soul. You didn't create it. You already have one. It's just locked up. It's afraid."

I open my mouth but decide against it. Instead, I close my eyes. With his kindness and power, I believe this child is the key to saving them.

Oh! did y'all see that?! I told y'all things were going to start picking up :p. Didn't believe me, did y'all? :D. And poor Naru never got his question answered. :D. (And it still hasn't been *evil laugh of doom* )

Preview

Naruto

"Just because I'm pale doesn't mean I don't go in the sun. I love the sun."

"I thought you became tan if you were in the sun?"

"In most cases."

"But not with you?"

"My clan was like that."

"A clan of Oreo Snakes?"

He chuckles. "Yes. A clan of Oreo Snakes."

Next update date: June 3rd

I hope y'all enjoyed! Until next time :).