Soulmates(KakaNaru)

F I V E

"He can't go back out there" Tsunade dropped. "The kid can't go back out there. He'd die"

"Exactly what I was thinking" Kakashi mused. "He doesn't look old enough to be living alone. He looks like a minor"

Tsunade nodded. "And earlier when I was bandaging him up, I saw how his bones were showing. Who knows how long has this kid been starving!" the doctor's eyes displayed concern and pity.

Kakashi tapped the counter which he was leaning against, thinking hard.

"What do you think we do Kakashi?" Tsunade asked her long time friend.

There was the sound of coughing from his room.

"I think....I should go back to him" was what the Hatake said before grabbing the tray with the bowl of warm soup, and hurried back to the blonde boy.

"Kakashi!" Tsunade called but was ignored.

**

Naruto coughed uncontrolably and decided to lay back down on the soft comfortable matress.

"My fever finnaly cought up" he thought.

"I'm back" the silverette announced coming to his side holding a tray with a steaming bowl of soup. Naruto felt touched at the man's kindness, but he sqaushed that feeling down when he remembered what he learned after being alone for thirteen years.

No one will do kindess without wanting something in return. "He'll want something from me after all this kindness"

"Here, this'll make your fever drop" the silverette said handing him the bowl. The man touched Naruto's forehead and cheeks, and frowned. "Your fever's even higher now, tch" he clicked his tounge.

"**cough** s-sorry" he didn't know why he was apologising, just felt the need.

"I'll be back soon" the busty blond poked her head in the room. "Hospital called. I need to go" the older woman walked towards the bed and ruffled the silverette's hair before facing the younger blonde.

"Get some rest kid" the woman said to Naruto. "I'll be back soon to see how you're doing kiddo" the woman smiled kindly at them both before leaving.

"Uhhh..." Naruto said awkwardly. The man just smiled patiently. "I....don't have any money to pay you back for taking care of me but--"

"What?" Kakashi frowned. "I don't charge money from people in need of help"

"You don't take money? Then..." Naruto swallowed nervously. Ohh no. If this man doesn't take money in exchange---

"Uhh---Okay well you should know I've never done this before so, please be gentle"

Kakashi frowned again. What was he talking about? "What do you---"

"S-so...how do you want to....start..this?"

Kakashi tilted his head in confusion, before he registered what the blonde boy was implying. "Wh---fuck, no!" Kakashi stood up. "I'm not--I mean, I won't do that"

Naruto blinked in surprise. "You won't?" he sounded very relieved. Kakashi frowned. "No"

Naruto wasn't convinced. "Then what do you want in exchange for letting me rest here?"

Kakashi sighed heavily. "I want nothing in return. You're sick, you were dying when I found you. You were lying there helpless in that alley and If I hadn't found you---" The man ran a hand through his hair. "Why were you out there?" he suddenly asked. "Why were you out there on the streets? Where are your parents? You don't look old enough to be on your own"

Judging from how small the boy was Kakashi guessed he couldn't be older then fiftheen. "He must be a runaway. Now how to pursuade him to go home?"

"I've been living on the streets since I was four. I never knew my parents, and I don't have a clue who they were or if they're still alive" Naruto said straightforwardly.

"Wait....since you were four?" Kakashi was astonished. This boy has been on his own since he was four years old, living on the streets and living off of---of who knows what.

"There was an orphanage. They kicked me out thirteen years ago" Naruto took a spoonful of the soup and brought the spoon to his lips.

Thirteen years ago....so that would mean--"You're seventeen?!"

"You sound surprised" Naruto deadpanned. "I always knew I was baby faced but...." Taking another spoonful of the delicious warm soup before speaking again. "I'll be eighteen in ten months"

"Ten months" Kakashi thought. "I was actualy thinking that maybe I could pursuade him to go back home to him parents....but he's an orphan. And if he'll be eighteen in ten months---"

"The woman who was here with us" Kakashi said. "Her name is Tsunade. She's a doctor. She said that you can't go back to living on the streets or you'll die"

"I've made it on my own for thirteen years" Naruto insisted.

"But one more year and you'll be rotting on a ditch somewhere" Kakashi frowned. "You can stay here you know" he suggested. "I can help you get a job, I know a restourant where you can work as a waiter. The pay is good"

Naruto couldn't help but feel hopeful. A roof on his head, food, and a job. It all sounded---"It's too good to be true. What's the catch?" Naruto narrowed his eyes in suspicion to the man. Kakashi shook his head. "Nothing"

Naruto thought this over. This man seemed very sincere, and he was willing to help him even though he didn't need to. "It doesn't matter that for thirteen years you've managed on your own. Your way of living involves pick pocketing which is against the law. And I'm a cop"

Naruto gulped. Great he's stuck with a police officer who will be monitoring his every move now.

"You're still a minor so you can't be on your own. Not until you turn eighteen atleast so I'll make you a deal" the silverette gave the blonde a close eyesmile. "You'll be staying with me until you turn eighteen. That's ten months of living with me. Ten months of abiding by the law. Ten months of being taught how to actually live your life"

Naruto narrowed his eyes before he started thinking of his current situation. Hot food, a proper home, and a job? And this man right here, is willing to help him. A street rat, a scum of the earth. And he expects nothing in return?

"Why?"

Kakashi lifted a brow. "Why what?"

"Why would you help me? You don't even know me"

By then Naruto had finnished the bowl of soup and it lay in his hands forgotten. Kakashi took the bowl and tray and placed it on the drawer. "Why? Well why not" he answered seriously. "I don't need a reason to help people. No one should"

The man stood up and walked over to his closet and took out a few clothes and boxer shorts. "Are you strong enough to wash yourself?"

Naruto nodded quietly.

"Okay then" the silverette opened the door to what Naruto guessed was the bathroom. "Go bath and you can wear these" the silverette instructed handing the blonde the clothes and a towel. "What's your name by the way?"

Naruto took the towel and clothes gratefuly. "Naruto Uzumaki" he introduced.

"Kakashi Hatake" The silverette nodded at him. "Nice to meet you Naruto"