Unplanned Paternity

3

Three Years Old... Again

"Naruto! Get that out of your mouth!"

Naruto looked up, all innocent eyes and cute expressions. The effect was somewhat marred, however, by the kunai he was currently chewing the handle of, his hand awkwardly holding the somewhat dull but still sharp enough to cause damage blade.

Kakashi was Not Impressed.

"Naruto," he growled warningly. "Put. That. Down."

The blonde considered, and, wisely, chose to obey, quickly placing the knife back on the table where he'd found it.

"Naruto. You know you're not allowed to touch Daddy's kunai," Kakashi said sternly. "I don't care if you wanted it, I don't care if you could reach it. It's against the rules."

Naruto had the grace to look shamefaced. "Sorry."

Not good enough. "Why aren't you allowed to touch them?" Kakashi pressed. Naruto bit his lip, tears forming in his eyes.

"B'cause... I c'n get... hur'?" he sniffed. "An' you no wan' me hur'?"

"Right," Kakashi agreed. Inwardly, he was wondering how long it would take before Naruto no longer was reduced to tears each time Kakashi showed the slightest bit of displeasure in him or his conduct. "No park today," he said firmly. He felt a bit guilty – really, playing in the park was the only truly childish thing the kid did, but he couldn't keep picking up his kunai like that.

Maybe it was time to start letting him use them rather than the wooden training ones Kakashi had been teaching how to throw and fight with. In that way, he'd certainly get a better appreciation for the deadly items.

Another voice riled at the idea. He's just a baby, it argued, Give him another year or so yet.

Naruto nodded tearfully. "'M sorry, Daddy," he repeated, much more sincerely.

"Okay," Kakashi said, holding out his hand. Naruto toddled over and crawled into his lap, curling up against his chest with a sniff. Leaning back and looking up at the ceiling, Kakashi held the boy for a while, simply waiting for him to realise that the adult wasn't mad at him and he'd been forgiven.

One and a half years into this crazy assignment, Kakashi was much better at acting his part. Having read a great many books on parenting, he had quickly become familiar with such ideas as 'time out', 'clear boundaries', 'providing safe environments', 'frequent praise' and even 'recognising and rewarding good behaviour'.

Kakashi was proud to say he managed to follow the guidelines fairly well, all things considered. He'd been removed from active duty ever since he'd come home and had been given a monthly allowance comprised of pay for both long-service leave and some bastardised version of maternity leave. At least, that's what the others Kakashi's age called it. Really, it was ongoing pay for his mission, but no one was to know that.

As a result, he'd spent a lot, if not all, of his time with the kid. Unable to think of anything better to do, he'd started taking him training, teaching him the basics of being a ninja.

He hoped that this didn't count as pressuring the child or putting unfair expectations on him. All the books agreed that such behaviour was extremely detrimental.

Naruto shifted in his arms and hugged him, a slightly chubby cheek resting on his collar. Kakashi automatically hugged him back.

"Lub you, Daddy," the small child sniffed. "Sorry."

"It's okay, Naruto," Kakashi repeated. "I love you too."

Yes, he was used to speaking the words. He had gotten quite good at the affectionate touches that would reassure and comfort the child. That was another thing the books all said – a child had to feel loved, and there was no way Kakashi would let his – no, Sensei's – son be miserable.