Chapter 8

Kushina was busy making lunch when Minato and Genji headed out to pick up a few things from the store.

Naruto entered the kitchen, dressed in black shorts and a blue sweater. "Hey, Mom! What are you making?"

Kushina looked up with a smile. "Some grilled cheese, along with macaroni and cheese and broccoli and cheese for lunch."

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow... ummm... Mom, that sure is a lot of cheese."

Kushina let out a light sigh. "I know your father bought all the cheese close to the expiration date. I didn't want it to go to waste, so I figured I’d make it all up for lunch."

Naruto understood and nodded. "Okay, Mom. Can I help? I mean, I’ve never really cooked before."

"Of course!" Kushina replied, her face lighting up. "You can help stir the macaroni and cheese."

With a smile, Naruto moved over to the stove to stir. As he focused on the task, Kushina checked on the broccoli cooking nearby.

"Naruto," she said, her tone shifting slightly, "there's something I need to ask you."

Naruto looked over, sensing her concern. "Yeah, Mom?"

"Your father told me about what you mentioned when you were in heat in Konoha. Did anything... well, you know, happen?" Kushina asked, her voice wavering slightly as she broached the sensitive topic.

Naruto shook his head, his expression serious. "Not really. I first went into heat when I was 11. I was on the street when it happened. Some alphas tried to come after me, but Iruka saved me and got me to safety. He explained what my heat was since I was an omega. There were other times in public, but I managed to get away or there were no alphas nearby. I always hid in the bathroom or the apartment, worried someone would come through the windows."

Kushina's heart sank at her son's words. "Is that why your father found you in the bathroom a few days ago when you were in heat?"

Naruto nodded, looking down. "Yeah... It was just a habit. I got so used to doing it that I forgot I could have just stayed in my room."

Kushina turned away, tears brimming in her eyes, though she didn’t want Naruto to see them. Quickly wiping them away, she turned back and enveloped Naruto in a tight hug. "Don't worry. I promise that’s not going to happen again. You’ll never have to be afraid like that again."

Naruto felt the warmth of his mother’s embrace, and it wrapped around him like a protective shield. "Thank you, Mom," he whispered, feeling a mixture of relief and love.

To be continued...