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-one: Miracle

Orochimaru

I groan, blinking open my eyes. Something warm and comforting pulls me close. I sigh contently, closing my eyes and snuggling into the embrace. Soft lips kiss my forehead.

"Good morning, beautiful," Naruto whispers gently. "How are you feeling?"

I blink, eyes fluttering open to peer up at my lover. "What… happened?" I ask. I try to sit up, but sharp from my abdomen prevents it.

"Easy," he chides softly. "You're still sore from the surgery."

"S-surgery…?" I reach a hand down shakily. I bolt up when I feel it's flat!

"Oreo?"

"Where is the baby?" I demand.

"He's in ICU."

"Why?!"

Naruto looks down, biting his lip. "Oreo… he's…"

"He's what?! Bring me my son!"

"Oreo, I can't. Listen; he was born too soon. He's lacking a lot of important things. Minly things like umm nutrients and such. Sakura can explain it more."

I push myself off the bed, standing on shaky legs. Naruto is in front of me in an instant as begin to fall.

"Easy."

"I want to see him!"

Naruto makes a shadow clone. "I'll ask Sakura," the shadow clone says, leaving.

The real Naruto picks me up, getting in the bed, and holding me close. "Please don't be upset, Oreo. I haven't held him-"

"But you've seen him!"

"...yes."

"So why can't I?!"

"Well, you're really not in the condition to. I mean you just woke up."

"I don't care! I want to see my son!"

The shadow clone returns with Sakura. Naruto dispels it.

"Well?"

"First, I need to explain what we are dealing with then I will allow a short visit."

"No! You bring him to me or I will get him myself!"

"Oreo…"

I feel adrenaline rushing through me as I stand. Sakura and Naruto block my way. Both their eyes intense and determined.

Mine only mirroring them back.

"Listen; Oreo, I know you want to see him and hold him, but he's sick."

my eyes blaze as I turn to his teammate. "Then fix it!"

"It takes time. Tests are still being run."

I fold my arms. "What exactly is wrong?"

Sakura pulls out a medical file, handing it to me.

I open it, reading the contents.

"His skeletal and muscular systems are severely underdeveloped. He only has one lung, although it is abnormally large. His chakra network has an unusual system and seems to be overpowered by sage chakra. He's severely malnourished, and his core temperature is dangerously low."

"Naruto mentioned he's premature. Yet, you claimed his due date was on the 30th of April, which, he was born."

"Yes, but he appears to be that of a baby four months premature. He's too tiny. His length and weight are too low to have been that of a full term baby. I was simply estimating when I believed would be a normal time given the time of conception; however, your situation is different and I should have accounted for that. That was my fault and I apologize."

"It's okay, Sakura. I mean how were you supposed to know?" Naruto says.

"Is that all?"

"So far."

I move forward. Pain rips through me but I don't care! I will see him!

Naruto picks me up. "Love, stop that." He looks at Sakura. "Is there a way to bring him in here?"

"Yes. If Orochimaru would have been patient then I would have explained that."

"You could have just brought him in. It would have saved you the trouble."

"I wouldn't have been able to explain anything to you."

"Just get my son."

She rolls her eyes, but leaves anyway.

Moments later, a cart is wheeled in. Wires and a respirator are attached to a small baby. Sakura stops in front of us, and Naruto finally lets me go.

I peer inside. The baby-my-our-son is sleeping soundly. He's wrapped up in a green blanket, the lower end in a mini 'cone'. Tiny hands are balled into equally small fists. Dark lashes hide his eyes.

"He's so,.." I whisper, touching the glass.

His head turns and bright blue elliptical-pupil eyes meet my own.

We stare at each other for what seems like eternity, yet only a moment. He breaks into a wide grin, fogging up the mask. Two tiny Fang's protrude from his upper gum.

" He's got fangs?!"

"He is part snake."

"Let me hold him," I whisper.

"Oreo, he's not in any condition…"

Sakura looks between us and the baby. "Naruto is right, but…"

I waste no time opening the case and picking the baby up after I've gently undone his equipment. I walk over to the bed, Naruto right behind me.

We get on the bed, starting at the bundle in my arms.

I unwrap him, smiling at the little toad onez he has on. He stares at me, smiling.

I burst into a sob, holding him close, and rocking him gently.

"Oreo?"

"That's natural. I did it with Sarada."

"Oh…"

A tiny hand touches my face. I move back just enough to see it. I beam, licking it.

He giggles,sticking a tiny tongue out.

"He has a snake tongue!"

"He has mine you mean?" I smile.

"Yeah! He's super cute!"

"How is he fairing?"

"He's shivering, but I'm hoping to fix that."

"How?" Kit asks.

I lie down, holding my son. He stares up at me as I kick his cute, chubby face. He giggles.

"That sound…"

"It's a precious sound."

I close my eyes, letting instincts overload my mind. Before long, my son is naked snd I'm kicking him.

"Most people would find that disturbing, but I find it beautiful."

"Me too. Sakura, look! He stopped shaking and is getting colour n his skin!"

"Wow! You're right!"

I ignire them. I hold him close, making sure every inch of him has touched my tongue. I feel a shift in my chakra, as if a ride is pulling at it.

The baby giggles happily.

I give him one last kick on his perfect face before holding him close to my chest. His tiny tail wrapping around my wrist halfway.

Naruto moves closer. "Hello, baby."

He begins to cry.

"I- I'm sorry! I didn't!"

He cries louder.

I flick my tongue. "He's hungry."

"He won't eat. You have to force feed him."

"Let me try," Kit says.

Sakura nods and leaves for a moment. She returns with a bottle and hands it to Naruto.

I hand our son to his father after wrapping him up.

Naruto takes him gently. "Hello. I'm your father. It's nice to meet you. I'm going to take good care of you."

He smiles then reaches for the bottle, fussing.

Naruto puts the bottle to his mouth, the baby latches on, sucking.

I lick his face.

"Wow. I didn't think…"

"Sakura, we're his parents."

"I can't believe something so perfect was inside of me."

"If you two feel anything off, please get me. he seems stable right now, but you never know."

"Of course, Sakura." Naruto and I watch our son sleeping soundly, dressed and bundled and under the covers between us. I lick him and Naruto kisses his forehead.

"He's so perfect."

"He sure is. To think you and I would create this angel."

"I just wish he wasn't sick."

"The malnourished part will slowly get better. And I believe chakra therapy and physical therapy will help his other problems."

"I hope so. I don't like seeing him in pain."

"Has he been in a lot?"

"If he tries to move certain ways he gets upset."

"Having a tail is proving difficult I'm sure."

"Good thing the diapers and such were custom made."

"Indeed. We will have to watch him and ensure his safety and well-being."

"Especially in his case."

I nod.

We lie in silence, watching our son sleep. His breathing is a perfect sound.

"I wonder how we're going to fix his chakra."

"That, I'm unsure of."

"Perhaps Hinata or Hanabi can help?"

"Would you ask? I don't want to be a burden, but…"

Naruto scoffs. "You know they'd love to."

"Well… alright…"

Blue eyes open, staring up at us.

"Nice nap?"

"You sure sleep a lot."

"Babies do."

"Sakura said he sleeps unusually long amounts of time."

"is that so? Well, little baby, what do you have to say for yourself?" I tease, picking him up and holding him close, nuzzling him.

A giggle is heard then I feel something wet hit my face. I pull back, and laugh.

"Look at all that drool!"

"And he's dead asleep too."

"Hey! I've got the perfect name!"

I look him. "And that would be?"

"Maruta."

XXX

A week and a half later, Maruta and I are released with the promise I'll do exactly as Sakura asked. She's scheduled to meet with Naruto and I tomorrow.

"Ready to go, Oreo?" Naruto asks, tying the large scrolls containing all of Maruta's supplies within.

I cradle my newborn gently, watching him sleep. Drool falling into my kimono. "I do hope you've arranged our living arrangements," I say, sliding off the bed albeit more shaky than I'd like. I hold Maruta close to my chest. Once I'm standing, I reajust the sling around my shoulder.

"Everything is fine, love."

"And I assume you have everything in those scrolls?"

"Yup! Now, let's go!" He exclaims, taking my hand, and pulling me along.

I hiss. "Be careful."

Naruto stops. "Sorry, Oreo."

I smile. He's always been so hyper. How this became my life, I'll never know.

We head out once I receive my discharge papers.

We head out. I feel stares, but I'm too happy watching my son sleeping. What will acknowledging do anyway?

Naruto grabs my hand. Whatever look he gave them must have scared them off because when I glance up, no one is there.

We make our way through the forest, going through the training grounds instead b of the village. We stop at training ground number forty-four. Or-

"The Forest of Death. Where it all began."

"We're feeling nalagistic?" I smirk, licking the side of his face.

Maruta sticks his tongue out, babbling.

"He has your mini tongue!" Naruto exclaims, clearly too engrossed in our son's anatomy than my question.

Must be a Toadoaf thing.

(Although, he's only partiallly one, so…)

"He sure does, but I asked you a question."

"Which was?"

"About you being nostalgic?'

"Oh! Sorry!" He laughs sheepisgly. "Well, not exactly. We have to go this way. Or, it's longer and…"

"I understand."

Naruto smiles. Despite how amazing his charisma is, his lack of social skills still lacks.

(Another thing we have in common).

We stroll through the forest, taking in the sights we never were able b to all c those years ago.

We stop, jumping up into the tree he threw a kunai at me in an attempt to prevent me from hurting his friends.

Silence surrounds us as we glance down at our love together.

"I never thought you'd be the mother of my child. That day…"

"I wouldn't if it weren't for me realizing the truth."

Naruto tickles Maruta's belly gently. In his sleep, a small hand shoots out of the wrap, grabbing his father's finger.

"I knew you were hurting." He whispers, distant.

I don't reply fir a while. It was meaningless at the time.

"You've given me s child. I'm a mother because of you."

Naruto smiles. He turns, cupping my face, kissing me.

Between us, Maruta babbles happily.

As we adventure further and further into the forest and on the outskirts of the village, barely gracing the boarders, I realize where we are.

"Why are we going here?" I ask as we stop at my clan's gate.

"You'll see."

"Lord Orochimaru," Zinubi, the snake gatekeeper exclsins. "It's been ages! And look, you've mated and everything!"

"Hello to you too, Zinubi."

Kirsu greets us once we're inside the land.

After my mother died, Kirsu stayed here to ensure no harm cane to the estste.

"Orochi, how you've grown."

"You've grown too, Lady Kirsu."

"Let me lead you two to the house.".

"I still think you're the prettiest snake I've ever seen." Naruto says as we head deeper into the estate.

"Of course!" She scoffs.

Other snakes greet us. Scaring Naruto at times by either popping up from my mother's lush and vibrant wild garden, the trees, or the many large sandboxes sutuated around for the desert snakes like the sand boas and rattlesnakes.

We finally reach the living quarters. All the houses that were once there are there no more. All except one: mine.

Except it's…

"Naruto, what.. ?"

"This is our new home. I had help with alternations. Captain Yamato and Kakashi-sensei helped a lot.

They did? But why?

"Go on, Orochi. I'm going to go for a swim."

"Is the water passageway still available?".

"Yes, and better than can ever."

"We can swim in it after Maruta goes down for a nap."

"Sounds good "

We slip our shoes off, and slide the door open, waking inside.

At first, it appears nothing has changed except the house being spotless instesd of being covered by dirt and dust. Naruto leads me through the house.

"The damage wasn't too bad, so Captain Yamato didn't have too much issue.".

"Why not just build another house?"

"Because this is the house that called ti me.".

"I see.".

Beautiful photos of my parents and Tsuru are on dressers and stands. Paintings of my parents holding me and with their summons take up some walls.

"Sai said he wants to draw us with Maruta, Kurama, and Nagi."

"I want a drawing of!" Nagi cheers, coming out.

"You would," I smirk.

She boops me. "You'll spoil your mate once you see the rest of the house.".

"Kit is spoilt already."..

"Hey!".

Nagi and I laugh.

We head into our bedroom. It's just as I remember my parebts' room being. Large wooden king size bed with lavender curtains for privacy. A large mat on the floor. Doors leading to outside, the closet, the bathroom, and what I assume is Maruta's room.

We walk in the bathroom, and I take in the beauty of it.

"I even made sure you had plenty of your hair and body products."

"How thoughtful," I say.

A shower on one side, a circular tub in the middle. Surrounded by shelves with many different bath supplies neatly organized. Hinata's doing, no doubt. A double sink with even more bath supplies and-

I pull out a packet of scented oils, candles, lube, and lotions.

"Really Kit?" I chuckle.

"Don't think we won't use that once we've gotten settled in," he smirks, staring at me in the mirror, giving my butt a squeeze.

I gaso.

"I'd take you right here, but you have our son in your arms, and I'd rather not have you wake him up with yiur screams.

I scoff. "You're the one who screams."

"Uh huh. Plus, you need to see the rest of the house. So, I'll just pound you in the hottub tonight. How's that?"

"Better give it to me good. Hard and-"

"Dammit, Oreo."

I smirk, pushing back against him teasingly.

"The rest of the house can wait. I'm taking you right here and now!"

I laugh as he makes a shadow clone, taking Maruta.

"I have Gamatsuri watching him."

I let Anijo slither out of my sleeve. "Watch my son."

"Yes, my lord," the rattlesnake says, slithering off with shadiw clone Kit.

"Now, are we going to have fun in the hottub too?"

"We're going to have fun everywhere." He says, turning me around and kissing me.

"Everywhere, huh?" I purr as we break. "Sounds like a plan."

"Yes, and the first thing I'm going to do is bend you over that bathtub and fuck you from behind."

"So those rails serve a purpose."

"More than one," he says, nibbling on my ear.

Preview

Sakura

"Oreo, are you well enough to go at it again or do you need more rest?" Naruto mumbles in his sleep.

"What?!" I exclaim, trying to grab Naruto.

Orochimaru stops me with a cold, pale hand.

"What is it?"

"I know you've seen a man naked, but I'd rather you not see him."

"Are you two…?"

Orochimaru shrugs. "Kit has needs, Swan. Who am I to deny him?"

"I told you no sex!"

Next update date:

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