Because I care {Fatherly Kakashi}

Deep-rooted adrenaline flickered within Naruto as he breezed past shrouded bushes and trees. The urge to get away to get somewhere- anywhere away from here just so he could breathe was all too strong. As it invaded his senses he never once glanced behind him. His lithe figure was nothing more than a mere speck that danced upon treetop to treetop.

Naruto knew that he must look like a frenzied blur of orange and black along the vast greenery. He darted out of the clearing leaves and branches skimming past his whiskered cheek. The biting sensation that the branches left against his cheek grounded him as it left a slight stream of crimson along his cheek. Naruto took note of the fact that the eerily silence was once more prominent almost as overwhelming as it had been earlier. Had it ever truly left- or had he just filled it with noise and the static of his own thoughts?

What had he done? Snapping on Sensei like that. How foolish could he be to outright tell Kakashi that he knew the man didn't like him? He could never just keep his mouth shut even when it was better for him to. And because he couldn't he'd caused this disastrous situation.

He grit his teeth against one another biting his lip in animosity. He was so unbelievablystupid to throw this all onto Kakashi at once. Practically throwing it at the man's face- burdening the man so much that the man felt obligated to deny the obvious distaste Kakashi harbored towards him.

The worst part was that It wasn't even Sensei's fault. The blame couldn't be pinned on the elder not when Kakashi hadn't signed up for him in the first place. Sensei had been stuck with him- gotten the short end of the stick by having to deal with him. All because no one else had wanted to.

And really Naruto understood the Kyuubi had wrecked people's lives, shattered the peaceful illusion that most had sought after. And caused oh so much heartbreak for those who had to endure it. Kyuubi had caused mass destruction and agony and in turn, so had Naruto. Naruto was the demon brat after all and he possessed the Kyuubi so therefore he was now responsible for what had been done.

Naruto wondered not for the first time what pain he'd caused within Kakashi's life. For the umpteenth time wondering just what heartbreak he'd been responsible for as the immoral demon brat. He guessed he'd put Kakashi through alot considering that even on the best days Sensei still appeared to be weighted down. So terribly sad and shattered but attempting- longing to be rebuilt.

It was no wonder Kashi Sensei couldn't stand him. Loathed him even.

But at the same time, he didn't understand what was so wrong with him. Couldn't see what had been so bad about his intentions which had been genuine. Had Sensei been unable to see them for what they were worth- unable to see him? Or had the elder immediately painted him as the troubled kid tainted with bad intentions just as everyone else had?

Damned Kashi Sensei Naruto thought heatedly against the oncoming rush of tears that pricked at his cerulean blues. Blurring and distorting his view of what was in front of him as he picked up his pace within his haste of getting away. All that he'd done was try to help the man. Why was he the one getting scolded for trying to be helpful?

Naruto had outright refused to leave the copycat ninja despite being ordered to. He hadn't known- hadn't been sure that Kakashi had meant him too. He just- he'd thought that Kakashi had been concerned for Sakura. Only Sakura.

And he didn't solely think that way because Kakashi didn't care for him. Or that the silver-haired man valued any of their lives more than the other. In fact, it had little to do with that and alot more to do with the fact that Sakura at the end of the day had people, a home- a family awaiting for her. Something he'd never had nor could he ever dream of having. Naruto would be completely and utterly lying if he claimed to know what that was like - what it felt like.

And Naruto well he didn't have anyone. No family, not many friends, and while Iruka cared it seemed more of an obligation than anything. Most days he felt as though Iruka valued him more as a responsibility than anything.

So yeah Naruto hadn't really thought that fleeing had included him at the time.

He wasn't a child Naruto wasn't sure he'd ever had the luxury of being one. 

He'd grown up fast than other children he'd been forced to just to survive.

So for Kakashi Sensei to suddenly treat him as such had been ridiculous. He didn't need it. Didn't need someone pitying him- pretending to care.

Naruto came to a sudden halt.

The air stilled throwing off his disarray of thoughts as Naruto's ears preened in sudden alertness. Arm hair standing up against the goosebumps. Something didn't feel right Naruto thought something wasn't right.

A single crunch against leaves had Naruto preparing himself. Sudden paranoia sinking into his veins.

That wasn't Kakashi that he knew. His Sensei was quieter as well as the fact that Kakashi had lighter footsteps. He could only detect them because he'd grown accustomed to them.

Naruto's senses suddenly screamed at him urgently. Sending his body into autopilot as he flipped out of the way narrowly missing the edge of a kunai that'd been targeted at him. He stared at the tree bark the kunai had plunged itself into.

Too close. How had he not of heard the enemy before? And what did this mean for his Sensei? Was the man okay?

Naruto whipped out a kunai and flung it at the man in defiance. Before the orange-clad teen charged in defiance.

''Fine just know you've made your choice.'' The man raged before advancing on him.

"Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto shouted. The blonde hero rushed ahead forward, followed by countless clones. As they launched in the air they formed in teams of two and began molding chakra to form…

"Rasengan!" All the Naruto's shouted at once as they formed the attack, completely surrounding the enemy. To the rogue ninjas' credit, the man didn't break a single sweat. Only looking up as the swarm of orange closed in on the man, instead simply smiling, taking Naruto completely by surprise.

Impact, a loud explosion, and a cloud of dirt flew between the two blinding both.

_______

  Thick calloused hands crudely wrapped themselves around his slender neck the moment the cloud of dirt dispersed. And Naruto despite himself was left stunned as his arms grew slack in shock. He'd been so sure-

He struggled disdainfully even as the heavy hands warningly wrapped around his jugular the more that he writhed. Shit

Why hadn't he been more careful?

''Now that wasn't so hard, was it? We could have saved so much time had you just cooperated.'' The man snickered before grasping Naruto's neck tighter cutting off air. It wasn't for long but it was long enough that it had panic flowing inside of Naruto. Eventually, the amusement died down from the man's face as the rogue ninja grew bored at the antics. Instead letting the grip slacken just enough to allow Naruto to speak and gasp for breath.

''N-never'' He rasped out.

''Oh really?'' The voice called out tinged with a mocking undertone. ''You have a death wish stupid child? Or just need some convincing?''

Convincing? Of what- he was just going to die anyway. Nobody was coming. But he'd expected that.

He'd always only had himself. Apparently even in death.

''He isn't coming - ya stupid bastard,'' Naruto lamented cheekily. ''You'd know that if your little ambush had actually been worthwhile.''

''You insolent fool.'' The elder snapped backhanding him across the face. ''If you won't lead me to your Sensei then you're of no use to me. Disposable.''

Blood tinged his mouth as his face was sent careening to the side at the force of the blow. Still, Naruto didn't grant the man with a reply at least not a vocal one. Only dawning a bloody smirk. It seemed to frustrate his opponent to no end as the other shook him.

''Is that what you want? You stupid brat - would you like me to rid this world of your filth? Because I can do that rather-'' Naruto couldn't contain his eye roll at the statement. ''Easily ''

Yeah yeah, he'd heard it all before-

Just get on with it if your gonna do It.

''Do it, you won't. Do what you will with me even- kill me. Just leave him out of this. It won't matter anyway.'' Naruto challenged.

It was enough of a jest for the other to take it. Raising Naruto higher into the air, grip furling onto his neck tighter than before, legs dangling.

He willed his wide eyes shut as his air supply began depleting.

Before-

''Naruto, where are you'' A distant voice called earning a smirk from the man who currently held his life within those furled hands. "Damn this, where are you, kid?"

'''Aww you hear that?'' He heard the man coo as the grip tightened painfully, effectively cutting off his airways as thick fingers dug into delicate skin. ''It's your little sensei here to watch you die''

Can't - breathe Naruto thought gaze flickering as Kakashi's form appeared.

The moment his Sensei appeared it became clear that the Copy Ninja was holding back, in what appeared to be fear.
Fear of the enemy reacting and killing Naruto with one swift move. The man had his chance, Naruto was completely at his mercy. Kakashi lifted his hands as if to surrender.

''Take your fucking hands off of him,'' Kakashi didn't even hesitate. Taking a step forward eyes gleaming in fear. ''Now''

'' Now now Copy Ninja,'' The man's fingers continued digging into his bruising neck. ''You wouldn't want to be too hasty now, would you? Not with this arrogant boy's life right in my hands.''

No- no his vision was beginning to dim.

''You absolute coward. So weak that you have to use a child in your own useless ploys,'' He didn't want this. Didn't want Sensei to have towatch him die. ''Just leave him out of this, he hasn't done anything. It's me that you want.''

''You're right,'' ''It is you I want. But he's a rather valuable bargaining chip if you ask me. Lead you straight to me.''

''If you hurt him I'll-..''

''You'll what? Watch as I wring his thin little neck?'' Kakashi's eyes glinted dangerously.

''Stop! I'll do whatever you want just let him g-''

''No! Don't.. Kashi -it's not worth it.'' Naruto wheezed out before everything began to fade. Cheeks red, eyes closing, and head lulling to the side in unconsciousness.

_____

Fear coursed throughout Kakashi as the sunshine blonde head lulled motionlessly to the side.

He needed to do something and fast. Naruto was fading.

''Naruto don't,'' Timing is crucial. ''Last chance to let him go.''

Nothing.

He rushed forward and flung three kunai at the man while leaping in the air. It was distracting enough for the criminal to drop an unconscious Naruto, the boy collapsing to a heap on the ground, still in a way Kakashi had never seen. Kakashi took advantage of the distraction and jumped protectively in front of Naruto while the man backed away. The Jounin stood in front of the boy.

Kakashi quickly turned and checked over Naruto while still keeping himself aware of the enemy's position.

Naruto's chakra was barely noticeable but he was breathing and had a strong pulse. Had the man been draining Naruto's chakra as well?

Still alive, thank God. Too close, Kakashi. He mentally sighed in relief and turned on the enemy, molding his Chidori.

The primal urge to protect Naruto making itself apparent once more.

"I'm your opponent," He announced as he launched in the air, thrusting his Jutsu at the enemy, pushing the cruel man further from the defenseless boy. ''Not him!''

''It's funny what great lengths your willing to go through for the demon boy,'' The airy laugh that flowed rotted Kakashi's core. ''And to think he'd been so sure that you wouldn't come. Even accepted his demise.''

Unable to help himself Kakashi froze- heart freezing.

''He didn't.'' He breathed out quietly in despair. Voice gravely ''Naruto wouldn't.''

''Oh but he did,'' His opponent insisted ''Said to leave you out of it. Clearly, you don't know the kid as well as you thought you did. If you can't see his obvious death wish.''

The words struck Kakashi as if a thousand kunai had just pierced his heart.

________

Cerulean blues flicker open as an onslaught of pain hits Naruto. Disoriented the blonde looks around palming at the bruise mottled throat. The hospital Naruto realized before shrugging off the thick blanket. Kakashi peers back at him from a few feet away. Sitting within an uncomfortable plastic chair.

More pale than ever Naruto vaguely notices in concern.

''K-Kashi?'' Naruto questioned hoarsely.

''Your awake,'' Kakashi called out in contained relief. ''Good. That's good- it's nice to see you awake. Was beginning to hate how quiet it was.''

Hah, that's not true. There's no way not by a long shot.

''How are you feeling?''

Like I swallowed a thousand kunai comes to mind. Although it isn't voiced.

''How long-''

''I'll get to that Naruto after you answer how your feeling that is. ''

''Fine.''

''If I wanted to hear you lie I would've asked,'' Kakashi deadpans. ''So answer me truthfully how are you feeling? ''

''Sore, a little tired.'' He finally admits. Whiskered cheeks puffed out stubbornly.

''Ah, that's to be expected. And to answer your question it's been a few days. You've been out for all of them,'' The thought alone seems to disturb Kakashi. ''What's the last thing that you remember?''

''A few days!?'' Naruto echoes in disbelief expression comical.

''Mhm,'' Kakashi mutters back ''Three if you're wanting to be exact. Now are you up to talk?''

''Three days! What are you still doing here? Are- you okay? Is Sakura okay?''

For the first time, Kakashi finally meets his eyes.

''So you seem to be missing the fact that you nearly died. That you baited someone into almost killing you.''

''No, I,'' Hands unforgivingly gripping at his neck tightening accordingly the more that he struggled. Dangling as the pressure grew more taunt against his reddening neck. Laughter, commotion, tears welling as he gagged- mouth agape at the pressure on his windpipe. The cruel inability to breathe. Wanting- waiting for it to subside as his limbs grew slack vision dimming. 'No' Naruto thought swallowing painfully at the gruesome memory 'he remembered'. ''-I remember.''

Kakashi only nods face devoid of color.

''Sakura's fine. She got back to the village and didn't run into any trouble. We took them all out. You on the other hand are not.''

''And you?''

''Me? Well for starters I don't want to hear you say that ever again. Never again.''

''I..Huh?''

''What you said back there couldn't be any further from the truth. I don't want to ever hear say that I don't care that no one does, that you could die and it wouldn't matter, that you're not worth it. And I need you to see that,''

''And why shouldn't I? Damnit It's true!'' Kakashi can tell he’s waiting for something after the outburst, trying to read Kakashi's energy or body language for a sign of what Kakashi wants from him. Naruto has spent so much of his life incurring the wrath of others for no good reason that he’s come to expect it from most people. Kakashi dimly hopes that one day Naruto will know that he never has to expect that from him. That he doesn't hate him- isn't out to hurt him.

''I don't hate you Naruto,'' Kakashi says instead voice sullen.

''If this is just because I almost died you can save it.'' Naruto deflects. ''I don't want your pity. And this isn't any different from the other times I've almost died.'' Kakashi flinches at the reminder.

''I don't hate you, don't even dislike you and I never have.'' Kakashi continues. ''I've been harsh, too harsh on you even because I can't keep seeing you get hurt. Or see you continuously put your life on the line like it doesn't mean anything because it does. Truly Naruto you mean so much more than you think. And yes I went about this the wrong way, so badly that I made you think I hated you. Im not sure how I'd fucked up things so badly between us but I want to fix that. I want to be here for you. I didn't make you leave during the ambush because I doubted your abilities. I made you leave because I couldn't bear to see you hurt. I don't want to lose you.'' A single tear cascaded down Naruto's cheeks at what Kakashi had just confessed.

''I'm sorry Kashi.''

''It's okay kiddo,'' Kakashi said almost inaudibly upon noticing the finger-shaped bruises that marred tanned skin.

''The marks-'' Naruto already knew what Kakashi was going to ask. Even thought of lying but decided against it. ''Do they hurt?''

''Yeah, a little.''

''I'm sorry. Should've gotten there sooner. Better yet I should have fixed things before you even left.''

'' It's not your fault''

''It is''

'' Then I shouldn't have wandered off.''

''I'm at fault for this.''

''Why?'' Naruto inquired.

''Because I care.''

The phrase itself was so small so insignificant to anyone else but to Naruto, it felt like the world. For the first time, he would know what it felt like to be cared for. To have a family And he would forever be grateful for that.