This idea came from a picture of Kakashi and little Naruto I came across. It was so freaking cute I felt I had to write a story about Kakashi meeting little Naruto. I did not have a real plot except that Kakashi meets little Naruto when it was cold outside. It has turned out darker then my original idea and a lot more elaborate then I had planned.

Just to let everyone know I do not own Naruto and I will not make any money off of this story. I also do not own the cover picture and I do not even have talent to draw anything more than very bad stick figures. I think the artist's pin name is minzoku.1 and no I have not contacted them to ask permission because I cannot figure out how. If you know how let me know. J

EDIT: I have edited this chapter…twice. The first time I was nearly finished and then my computer froze and turned itself off and the genius that I am never saved anything. So here it goes again! Wish me luck!

Warmth

Chapter 1

Kakashi rubbed his gloved hands together trying to warm them up as he walked along Konoha's outer walls. The young ANBU captain was dressed in full gear patrolling the outskirts of the village. It was unusual for Kakashi to be in the village, he had spent almost all of his time away from Konoha since it happened nearly three years ago. It was New Year's Eve and the Hokage had called all teams home for extra security around the hidden village.

Kakashi looked up at the gray sky and shivered as he felt the ice-cold mist slide onto his face through the eyeholes of his mask. Not many people would be out celebrating outdoors tonight Kakashi noted to himself. The temperature had dropped throughout the day and it would not be surprising if the freezing mist turned into snow.

When he saw his replacement approach from the corner of his eye Kakashi nearly sighed with relief. It had been a cold, wet and boring twelve hour shift for the Copy Ninja and he would be happy to peel off his soggy uniform and take a hot shower. He quickly made his report to his replacement, only rain and cold weather.

The white haired shinobi did not waist anytime and sprinting towards the heart of the village as soon as his replacement started his rounds. He was not surprised that the streets were virtually empty as the rain began to pour heavier and the only people he saw were fellow masked ANBU who had been pulled off regular duty to patrol the village.

As the rain became heavier he was surprised to hear angry voices coming from an ally way and decided to see what was going on. Kakashi jumped to the roof of a building that overlooked the area the noise was coming from and he was surprised to find a crowd of nearly thirty people gathered in a circle angrily shouting at something in the center.

"Demon!" Shouted a middle aged woman.

"Monster!" Spat a portly red faced man.

"Murderer!" Rang out another voice in the crowd.

"Why is it even allowed to live?" Someone else cried out in the mob. "Someone should just kill it!"

The crowed buzzed with murderous agreement.

He was alarmed when he heard what was being said and warning bells went off in his head. Something was not right here. What could cause Konoha's normally peaceful citizens to become so angry?

Making sure to stay out of sight Kakashi leaned over the ledge trying to see what was going on in the middle of the crowd. He was puzzled when spotted a small scrap of gray trash. Puzzled he looked around trying to spot something that would cause a mob to gather like this but he could find nothing.

Then to his surprise he saw the gray trash move and it dawned on him that it was not trash but something alive. When a fat red faced civilian kicked the creature sending it tumbling into a nearby puddle Kakashi hissed in anger as he saw that it was a small blonde child that the mob had been attacking.

Kakashi jumped to the ground and stalked towards the crowd barely controlling the killing intent rolling off of him as he approached. The civilians quickly parted allowing him though the crowd. The Jonin glared at the fat man who had kicked the child, taking satisfaction when he noted a dark stain appear on the man's pants.

He scooped up the small child in his arms and held him protectively against his chest shielding him away from the crowd with his body. When Kakashi looked at the crowd of people surrounding him nearly took a step back when he saw the looks of pure hatred on the villagers' faces. What was wrong with these people?

The shinobi spun around in surprise when he felt something wet and cold hit his back and was shocked to see that a village woman had thrown mud at him.

"Don't defend that monster," She spat out. "He deserves to die!"

Cries of agreement rang throughout the mob.

Not understanding what was going Kakashi looked down at the small child in his arms trying to figure out what sin an innocent child could commit to earn such hate. When he stared down at the child recognition blossomed in his mind, he had only ever known one person with such clear blue eyes, though they had never reflected the pain and fear that the child's now held. Minato-Sensei his now deceased teacher and father figure who's blue eyes had always held warmth and kindness when he had looked at Kakashi had the same eyes.

Kakashi knew who and what he held shivering in his arms. His grip on the child tightened around the child.

Several members of the crowd collapsed to their knees as Kakashi lost control of his killing intent and it crashed over them in murderous waves.

How could anyone harm a child? Kakashi fumed in his mind. Particularly this child who very existence saved them from the wraith of the Kyuubi by being a human sacrifice to contain it. This poor child who lost everything the day he was born so that they could be safe.

"If anyone of you lays a single finger on this child I will kill every last one of you and your families" Kakashi growled too angry to think of any consequences to his words.

Holding the small boy he jumped to the roof of a nearby building and began to make his way towards the ANBU headquarters.

Now that he had rescued his Sensei's son he had no idea what to do with him. In the back of his mind he wondered if this would be considered kidnapping the village Jinchuriki but quickly dismissed it, if there was trouble the Hokage would step in on his behalf.

"Senpai, who is that?" asked a familiar voice.

It was only a lifetime of practice that kept Kakashi from flinching when he heard Tenzo's voice from a few feet away.

"It is a kid," Kakashi replied trying to sound indifferent.

Tenzo rolled his eyes at his captain's remark knowing he would get nothing else out of the tight lipped man until he was ready. Over the years he had learned that when Kakashi was confused and working out an issue he would not give a straight answer until he made a decision.

Trying to organize what had to be done Kakashi decided that the first thing he had to do was inform the Hokage about what had taken place that night. It was vital that action be taken as soon as possible, the longer it took to start gathering information about how the small had wound up in the rain being attacked by the mob the more likely the trail would become cold.

"Tenzo, could you inform the Hokage that I have the Jinchuriki?" Kakashi asked. Tenzo was one of the few people that he trusted fully without reservations. He quickly informed his friend of what had happened.

Tenzo's eyes went round at what he had been told. Children in Konoha were cherished and child abuse was unheard of. No one would willingly harm a child in the village and this boy had been abused in public and no one helped him until Kakashi showed up

Understanding what had to be done Tenzo nodded his head in consent and took off towards the Hokage's residence to inform the Hokage on the where about of the Jinchuriki.

As Kakashi entered the ANBU headquarters he walked towards the barracks area. The only people who lived there were Kakashi and Tenzo the rest of the ANBU lived in private homes instead of the military style barracks. Kakashi did not see the point on his own place. He spent all of his time away from the village so he did not need anything more than a place to sleep on occasion. Though he technically still owned his childhood home but he had not stepped foot inside in more years then he could remember.

He quickly walked to his room when he was safely inside he gently placed the little boy down on the floor. Kakashi quickly took note of the blonde's appearance, his clothing were not much more then gray rags and he was covered from head to toe in filth. There were several scratches on the boy's face and deep purple bruise covered his lower jaw. The child was also shivering and had a slight blue tint to his lips from the cold

Staring at the small boy Kakashi swore to himself that he would find all those who participated and make them pay. But first he needed to take care of the small child. A child he did not even know what his name was even if he could see his mentor in his bright blue eyes.

Trying to recall how to deal with children Kakashi recalled how easily children could be scared by simple thing and removed his mask placing it onto a nearby shelf, it would be easier to reassure the child if he could at least see his face. He then knelt down to eye level so he could be face to face with the boy..

"What is your name?" He asked the small boy.

The little boys eyes when round in surprise at being spoken too.

"Uthomaki Naruto" the little boy lisped out nervously.

"Uzamaki Naruto," Kakashi repeated. He briefly wondered why the boy carried his mother's name instead of Namikaze.

"My name is Kakashi," he told Naruto.

"Kaw kaw see," Naruto repeated.

"Ka-Ka-Shi," the ninja replied enunciating each syllable.

"Kakashi," the little blonde said careful pronunciate the name.

The ninja smiled at Naruto his eyes crinkling.

"Very good Naruto," Kakashi praised the child.

Naruto eyes went wide at the praise forgetting any apprehension at being around a new adult. It was rare for anyone to show kindness to the toddler and it was even rarer for him to receive praise. Naruto gave Kakashi a wide smile. The little boy was already forgetting the horror of the mob that had attacked him earlier.

Kakashi noted that the small boy was still shivering and he was reminded how his own wet clothing stuck to his skin chilling him to the bone and knew that Naruto was equally if not more cold then he was.

"Well, how about we take a bath to warm up?" The Copy Ninja asked the small boy who was still shivering from the cold.

Naruto nodded his small head happily. This man was very nice to him just like Jiji-san was. Naruto quietly walked up to the white haired ninja and put his little hand into the larger one.

Kakashi who had been grabbing supplies was startled at first when he felt Naruto grab his hand but couldn't help but think how cute the little boy was. Naruto was standing their giving him a small hesitant smile while he held onto him. He could tell the small child trusted him completely. For a ninja lies and secrets came just as easy as breathing trust was something to be earned with blood, sweat and tears. Kakashi could not help but feel honored to be given the innocent trust of this little waif so easily. It was also terrifying, children, especially ninja children, should not trust strangers who just picked them up. He felt that if he was to ever break that trust it could destroy this innocent child.

Grabbing the small Jinchuriki's hand and led him towards the ANBU bathing area. The bathing area was defiantly the highlight of living in the ANBU barracks it had individual shower stalls with massaging jets but the crown jewel was the bath tub that was the size of a small swimming pool.

Kakashi quickly stripped his clothes and neatly folded them before placing them in his usual locker. He frowned when he helped removed the young boys clothes to start with they were wet and covered in mud but what the Copy Ninja could not quite grasp was that they were old and not much more then rags. Didn't whoever took care of the child receive money in order to provide the child with necessities like clothing? Kakashi felt that when he saw the Hokage next he would have many hard questions for the man to answer.

The ninja started the shower remembering not to turn it on too hot for the toddler. The little boy bathed himself, even if it was a bit clumsy and he had to be told to wash behind his ears. When the toddler was done Kakashi wrapped him in a towel before removing the mask that covered his lower face and jumping into the shower bathing quickly as not to leave Naruto on his own for very long.

He picked up the small boy and carried him to the bath tub. Once they settled into the bath Kakashi closed his eyes and sank neck deep into the pool. It had been a long day and it was far from over with.

After a few minutes of soaking Kakashi felt a small finger poke him on his cheek and he heard a little giggle from the direction he had put Naruto. A few seconds later another poke and more giggles, Kakashi lazily opened his eye careful to keep his Sharingan closed and peered at the giggling toddler. Naruto again gently touched his cheek letting out a happy giggle and blushing.

"Is there something funny on my face?" Asked the shinobi with a raised eyebrow.

Naruto shook his head gazing and the man's face before letting out another cheerful giggle.

"Pwetty," Naruto lisped. "Kakashi pretty!"

The Copy Ninja one of the most dangerous shinobi alive and every hidden village except his own had him in their Bingo books with kill on sight orders, blushed like young maiden on her wedding night. He ducked his head in the water hiding his lower face from the small boy. Not many people knew it but he was horribly shy without his mask covering the lower half of his face.

Naruto found this funny and mimicked the ninja's actions ducking his face partially under the water. He started to giggle sending out little bubbles from his mouth. This seemed to amuse the small boy and soon he was splashing around amusing himself. Kakashi was relieved that the child was no longer focused on his face. He had always been self-conscious about his face since he was a small child. He recalled his father once telling him it was because of one of the older women who lived near him, she would always grab his cheeks and squeal about how cute he was when he was a small child. It had been his father who had suggested he wear a mask to hide his blushing face.

Soon the little boy seemed to slow down and his eyes became heavy and his little head began to nod. Realizing that Naruto must be tired Kakashi scooped the toddler up and quickly dried him off. Not wanting the child to be put back into his wet and dirty clothing Kakashi put one of his own black t-shirts on the boy. Kakashi smiled at the little boy, the shirt hung down to his ankles and his yellow hair stood out like the sun next to the black shirt.

Kakashi gently carried the small boy towards his room. By the time he had finished the short trip the toddler was fast asleep in his arms. Deciding to let him sleep for the time being he laid Naruto on his bed and covered him up. The small Jinchuriki briefly opened his eyes and touched Kakashi's face giving out a soft giggle before falling back asleep.

Kakashi sat in a nearby his bed and watched the child sleep. He mentally made a to-do list in his head. First he needed to talk to the Hokage and find out any information he had on the child. He needed to know who took care Naruto and why he had been out that day in the rain on his own. If they had that person was not taking proper care of the small Jinchuriki then Kakashi knew several places that he could hide the body without anyone ever finding it again.

Deep in thought Kakashi almost did not notice Tenzo's arrival. The Wood Ninja had quietly walked into his room raising an eyebrow at the small boy quietly sleeping on his bed. Kakashi shrugged his shoulders and signaled with his hands to step outside the room to talk.

"What did the Hokage have to say?" Kakashi asked his friend not bothering with formalities.

"He is having a formal inquiry into the orphanage that the boy lives at. There will an investigation into the villagers who had harassed him and they shall be punished. He also request that you keep him with you until he can decide on the boy's future living arrangements." The Wood Ninja explained to his captain and friend.

Kakashi nodded his head in understanding. He would be caring for the small boy asleep in his bed for a while. It was no big deal all he had to do was…

Kakashi's eyes went round and he looked at his fellow ninja.

"How do you take care of a child?" He asked.

For the first time in his life Kakashi had no idea what to do. How could he take care of a child? The only thing he knew was fighting and death.

Kakashi gazed towards his room with the small child deeply asleep on his bed. Naruto already seemed to trust him what would Kakashi do if he accidentally hurt the child in his own ignorance?

This was supposed to be a very short story and then it grew and had babies! I hope everyone enjoyed it. I am not sure how long it will be yet I have at least three chapters planned but I have a feeling that the babies may have babies. This story must be related to a rabbit!