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People always misjudged Orochimaru. Assumed they knew the Sannin. Expecting the worse.
One assumption that personally peeved Orochimaru was that he disliked children. That was not the case, he was just not fond of other people's children. Clear distinction. Sakumo, his mate on the other hand, was all glee and never met a child he didn’t like.
Orochimaru adored his children. His few precious cherished little ones. How could he not?
His brilliant student Anko, Jiraiya’s blonde sunshine Minato and a few other had a special place in Orochimaru’s heart. And of course, his son Kakashi, the spitting image of his beloved Sakumo, would always be precious.
And that love though typically difficult to earn was never closed off. Orochimaru remembered when, Kakashi first had brought home Iruka and how quickly a new space in the family was made to accommodate the Umino.
Iruka was sweet, yet firm, dedicated, and loyal. Iruka knew when to laugh and when to be serious. Orochimaru could think of no one better to balance his aloof, anti-social son.
Sakumo and Orochimaru loved the prankster as one of their own almost instantly.
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Orochimaru knew how to love his mate, and children, he even knew how to love his teammates, but a grandchild. That was different.
When Kakashi and Iruka had brought home little Naruto it felt as if a puzzle piece slid into place that Orochimaru never knew they needed. Orochimaru was surprised by his need to spoil and coddle. And both he and his husband were always elated to have precious time with Naruto when both Iruka and Kakashi were needed elsewhere.
Oro watched as his husband took to grandparenting like a wolf to the hunt. Eagerly he watched Sakumo be his kind and playful self. Personally, Orochimaru preferred quieter, more gentle interactions. He was the preferred grandparent for naps, coloring, storytime, and the occasional soothing.
It wasn’t uncommon to see the Sannin gently bouncing and rocking the child into a nap as he casually followed Sakumo from one market stall to the next. All the while shooting deadly looks at those who had the audacity to whisper or stare at the little Jinchuriki.
Those who were not so blatantly rude softly smiled or looked befuddled at the scene. Orochimaru would admit that it was probably amusing and confusing to see the terrifying snake Sannin casually nurturing a bubbly blonde child.
Despite the attention Sakumo was always undisturbed by it all, and Oro had never cared what others had thought of him. Why would he begin now?
But back to Orochimaru’s current issues, his stubborn son.
Iruka and Kakashi were prodded to relax by friends, Sakumo, and even Lord Third. After having a meaningless squabble turn sour the couple finally relented. A date night was scheduled. Orochimaru and Sakumo were the first to offer care and insisted on keeping Naruto overnight.
Despite these frequent daytime visits and outings as a family, this was Naruto’s first overnight away from his parents since his adoption. And it was clear Kakashi was nervous to leave. But the young couple needed this, they needed the break. Raising a child was not easy work, Orochimaru would know.
Even knowing nothing would go wrong, and his parents were safe, Orochimaru watched as Kakashi struggled to part with his child overnight. The Hatake wolf instincts were in full effect and not so easily rationed with like Iruka. Iruka was nervous, but assured in his in-laws’ capabilities. Orochimaru could tell that Iruka truly needed this date night.
Now Orochimaru found himself unsuccessfully coaxing the pair out of his house.
Gentle coaxing and reassurances were not working, so on to Plan B. Orochimaru sharply reprimanded his lingering child, “Kakashi. Get out, go.”
Kakashi opened his mouth to speak stunned by his mother’s demand.
“You are being overbearing, and you are acting as if I have never cared for a child, cub. It is quite offensive.”, spoke the snake before Kakashi could attempt to argue.
Iruka hesitantly replied in Kakashi’s stead, “Oro-san I apologize, it is just our first time out together since the adoption….”
Orochimaru noticing this hesitance realized he needed to rid them of his house before his foolish children talked themselves out of an enjoyable night.
Smiling and with an appeasing tone Orochimaru turned to the brunette, “Iruka, again the formalities are not needed. I know this behavior. I too married a clingy Hatake wolf.”
With that Orochimaru looked directly at Kakashi and shooed at him. “Go on enjoy your night, attend to your husband, it is essential to take time for each other even after children”
Sakumo as if on cue appeared from the kitchen, wide smile as always. As he entered he reached over Orochimaru’s shoulder and tickled the tiny blonde’s chin eliciting a sweet giggle.
“Listen to your mother, he’s always right, also you have the White Fang and the Legendary Snake Sannin, two very capable shinobi, watching their grandchild nothing will happen.”
“Mahhhh, two retired shinobi”, Kakashi mumbled under his breath as he slid his sandals on and turned toward the door.
“I heard that”, came the now cool tone of Orochimaru. All the while he maintained focus as he quickly unwound Naruto’s death grip on the sleek black hair.
“Sorry mama”, Kakashi shamefully replied giving one last hesitant look in the direction of the active little blonde in his mother’s arms.
“Iruka, I hope you enjoy yourself tonight, and Kakashi take this time to enjoy your mate!” Sakumo bellowed to the exiting pair as he gently pinned back Orochimaru’s hair out of the reach of small hands.
Sakumo received an appreciative hum in response.
Orochimaru took a moment to snuggle the little boy closer to distract from his departing parents. As he leaned his head down for better access to his sweet grandson Orochimaru gently tapped Naruto’s tiny nose. The toddler happily reciprocated the affection smushing his face into Orochimaru's cheek and neck.
Orochimaru’s grip tightened swiftly pulling Naruto impossibly closer.
He would do anything for his grandchild. The thought that Konoha saw this gleeful tiny person as a monster made red flash in Orochimaru’s vision.
As quickly as the rage came it was gone as Sakumo expertly swooped Naruto out of his spouse’s arms.
“We are going to have so much fun Naru-chan, aren’t we?” Sakumo cooed.
Orochimaru relaxed as his ears filled with small giggles as he watched his precious grandchild be lifted overhead and lowered gracefully by his devoted wolf.
A gentle smile graced Orochimaru’s as he watched. There was no need to worry. Naruto was now a part of the family and as long as they lived Sakumo and Orochimaru would ensure he had a good life.
After all, that was what grandparents were supposed to do, wasn't it?