A small battered child covered in grim and grit ran the Clan roads. Breathing in ragged and painful gasps, glancing behind to make sure their pursuer wasnt too close. A desperate and frantic pair of green eyes searched for a hiding spot, praying to find one soon. Their legs were screaming in pain from the life or death dash, the skint and bloody knees. Panic set in when a voice from behind the white haired child became louder. The child slid around a corner and slammed into the legs of a man, making kid fall back on its rear with a squeak of surpise and pain. The man glanced down, blinking in shock for a moment before a polite smile slipped onto his face.
"Im sorry, are you ok, little guy?"
The child turned its eyes up to look at the white haired shinobi, it flinched away when the man crouched down to inspect the silent and terrified kid.
His breath caught in his throat at the state of the little one. Striking white wavey hair that was kunai cut to fall into a shaggy mop. The piercing burgundy eyes that hid behind thick wavy bangs. The childs body was dirty and bloody. A busted full bottom lip that left crimson smudges on its white teeth. The man noted the elongated k9s that looked sharp enough to cause serious damage.
"Are you ok? Where are your parents?"
The child simply stared with wide scared eyes, tears welling up from the emince fear that was clearly writen on the kids face. The man glanced around for a moment, concerned but slightly annoyed at the negligence of the kids parents. Obviously the little one had just been put through the ringer. He turned his slate colored eyes back down on the child, softening at how the poor thing looked ready to piss its self. Maybe he should try to seem less intimidating.
"Im Hatake, Sakumo."
The kid blinked and tilted its head slightly. Sakumo was about to assume the little thing either didnt understand him or couldnt hear, that was until a soft almost bell-like voice reached his ears.
"Im...Hachiko..."
"Just Hachiko?"
"Hmhm,...I have no..parents."
The silver haired man smiled politely at Hachiko, with a nod he stuck out his hand to the child. Hachiko flinched back, flinging an arm up to shield while using the momentum to shove away from the outstretched hand.
Sakumo's eyes widened at the display, the poor thing didnt even know what a handshake was. The worst part was the scared and betrayed eyes of the terrified small kid that stared into his. He felt as though those intense orbs were seeing through his soul. His mind flicked back to his own child just inside the house a few yards to his right. What had this child seen? Why had no one stepped in to help?
"Its ok Hachiko-chan, i wont hurt you. Im a shinobi of the hidden leaf sworn to protect the village. And that also means you."
Hachiko went to say something but was cut off when a loud yell erupted from outside the line of sight of Sakumo, the road Hachiko had turned from when they ran into eachother. He stood while staring at the corner of his home, waiting for the owner of the voice to appear. He didnt have to wait long.
"There you are! What did i tell you about running from me!? Huh?"
Hachiko immediately scrambled up and ran towards Sakumo, desperate for any way to get away from the much larger child.
The larger kid reached out and snagged Hachiko by the wavey white hair, making a scream rip from the childs throat. But before the large boy could do anymore Sukamo was instantly between the children, hand on the boys wrist. Startled the dark haired boy flinched back, releasing the locks from his grasp. Hachiko then latched onto Sukamo's pants leg, burrying a tear stained face into his trousers.
"Care to explain why you are chasing down my friend here?"
While his voice was light it held the authority of a man that wasnt going to take any bullshit. He didnt miss the small gasp of disbelief or the large eyes staring up at him at the mention of the word 'friend'. The burnett boy went to snap at the man until his eyes locked on the white short sleeve cuff with red triangles decorating the hem. He froze, eyes going wide as dinner plates.
"I-i-i ..Hatake-sama...Im.."
Sukamo let his grip go but delivered his most 'gentle' glare he could. No since in giving the kid nightmares. The burnett boy took one look at him before turning tail and running back the way he came.
Smirking in amusement after the boy before glancing down at his new accessory clinging to his pants leg.
"Are you ok, Hachiko-chan?"
Wide bright eyes met his slate colored ones, he held in a chuckle at the little mouth hanging open in disbelief. He reached down to ruffle Hachiko's hair with an arched eyes smile, his trademark really. A bright blush roasted the childs cheeks, making The Great White Fang pause, his hand stilling in the childs hair. He crouched down, with some difficulty since the kid refused to let go of his trousers. How didnt he notice before? Now that he was more or less eye level he could see it clear as day.
Little Hachiko was a girl.
His first assumption was wrong, something he now felt bad about. He had called her a boy, not that she seemed to care. And now that he was getting a good look at her he realised that she had to be about 6, same age as his son at home. A soft smile slid across his features, making Hachiko blushed a darker shade of pink.
She couldnt help her little hand coming up to touch his crows feet, something that she hadnt really seen before. She prefered staying away from people. But she remembered why crows feet appeared, something she read in a book. Crows feet are signs that youve had a lifetime of happiness, smiles and laughther. Something she wanted desperately.
"...Laugh lines..."
Sakumo opened his left eye, letting her tiny fingers brush across the other eye undisturbed. He was a little bewildered but felt no threat from the child, just curiosity. She looked so peaceful, a small smile forming on her delicate lips. He couldnt help his heart from going out to the child or help his mind flicking back to his son. What if this was little Kakashi? What if he was all alone in the world? Would someone help him? He knew what he had to do then, wasnt even worth putting thought into it. He had already made up his mind.
A small yet almost monotoned voice from his right made Sakumo open his right eye and the little digits to snap away from his face.
"Father, you were suppose to be at the Hokage office 10 mintues ago."
Hachiko immediately ducked her head with a tight frown, wringing her hands on the hem of her over sized shirt. She needed to run away, before Hatake-san turned bad like all the others. But she couldnt get her feet to move.
"Ma, thank you Little Crow-Chaser. Im going now."
"Hn."
Hachiko quickly bowed fully to Sakumo, earning a shocked stare and an interested eyebrow raise.
"Thank you Hatake-san. Im sorry for being a bother."
Unsure what the do next she simply remained in her bowed state until a warm large hand rested on her head, making her look up at him. His eyes bright with amusement with a smile on his face.
"You can call me Sakumo. Were friends now, remember?"
Hachiko stared at him wide eyed for a moment before she nodded with a beautifully bright smile.
She had forgot, they were friends now. She didnt have any friends other than the alley cats that she slept next to every night.
Sakumo blinked at her before a bigger smile spread across his face. She was just too cute, almost as cute as Kakashi.
Speaking of Kakashi, the little boy had made his way over to them. He looked annoyed, making his father smile. His little Crow was getting jealous. He loved his son, more than anything in the world. And he knew his son loved him, but also was very possesive of him. He was a daddys-boy through and through. So seeing another child getting attention from him must have caused his little boy to feel left out and annoyed. With a chuckle he stood to his full height. With a pat to each of their heads he went to walk off but two tiny hands caught each of his pants legs. Stopping abruptly he turn his head back to look down at the two children glaring daggers at each other.
"I have to go now. Is there something you both need?"
The kids dont break their glares, one a little shakey but determined.
Kakashi couldnt believe the little girl clinging to his father. She was an outsider and had no business sticking onto his Father like a grass burr. A heat creeped into his chest, making his tiny hand clutch tighter. Unclenching his jaw he went to deliver a stinging insult but froze. Two obviously frightened eyes turned on him, small yet full lips turned into a tight frown. He sucked in a breath while his eyes widened on their own acord.
She was pretty, even if she was dirty. He wanted to feel disgusted, but couldnt seem to work the feeling up because of his hammering heart. He couldnt believe the girl was this pretty. When he first saw her he knew she was a girl by her scent alone, which was tainted in the smell of garbage and general body odor. She must have been living on the street for awhile, she stunk bad enough for him to assume so.
Hachiko met Kakashi's stare with her own, she was frightened of the little masked boy but she wasnt going to back down. She had a friend and wasnt about to let go. What if he never came back? What if he didnt want to be friends anymore? She turned her big doe eyes up at Sakumo, who met them with a smile.
"Sakumo-san, can i go with you?"
Kakashi snapped out of his stupor to stare at the little girl in disbelief. This stupid girl couldnt go with his Father, he hadnt ever taken him so why would he take her? He crinkled his nose up about to make a retort when his Father's voice made him freeze.
"Sure, theres something we need to discus with The Third. Is that ok?"
Kakashi's little hand slipped away from his Fathers pants, little eyes wide and hurt. He never took him so why take her?
"Ma, my little straw boy, why the pouting face?"
Sakumo had noticed his son's reaction, and to be honest seeing his son pouting was adorable. But he had never seen that pout on Kakashi before, this one looked way more heartbroken.
"Do you want to come too? Ill need someone to help me remember which way to go. You know i tend to forget things so easily."
"Hai!"
Sakumo made his way through the village, turning the wrong way every few minutes so Kakashi could tell him to go the other way. He stiffled a chuckle when a little annoyed voice snapped at him for turning right when he knew he should turn left.
"Tou-san! Youre doing this on purpose now! Were going to be late!"
He laughed heartingly as he adjusted the small children in his arms. They all had been walking, them holding his pants leg until Hachiko stop and reached out for him to pick her up. He obliged then had to pick up his son who refused to move until he too was being carried. Sakumo couldnt help but feel amused, Kakashi rarely liked to be affection with him in public. He smiled, maybe having Little Hachiko around would make his independent little boy stay a kid longer.
The three stopped at the office door, two anbu on guard smiled under their porcelain masks at the trio. It wasnt everday you got to see The White Fang playing babysitter. Not that it bothered Sakumo, he was eating it up. He grinned at the two guards while Kakashi gave them both a blank look. Hachiko meanwhile had burried her face into his shoulder, clutching his flak vest with tiny hands.
Seeing that his arms were full he gave Kakashi a small jossle and signaled for him to knock. The boys eyes brightened slightly before becoming serious, making Sakumo and the two anbu sniffle laughs, he knocked with a straightened back.
"Come in."
An Anbu open the door, letting the trio pass. Once inside the masked Anbu closed the door before the two guards started chuckling softly. Kakashi shot a glare over his fathers shoulder at the door.
"Ah, Hatake-san, who are your friends?"
The Third knew who Kakashi was but couldnt help teasing the shinobi a little. His interest lied with the smaller child clinging to the Jonin's vest and staring at him with round eyes.
"This is Kakashi, my son."
The little boy squirmed until his father put him down, he dipped his head respectively to the Hokage before staring intently at the older man.
"And this is my new friend, Hachiko. Say hello Hachiko-chan."
The little girl glanced at him for a moment before she too was put on her feet. Her tiny hands gripped tthe front of her shirt hem and bowed her head to The Third.
"Hello Lord Hakage-sama."
"Hello Hachiko-chan."
Sarutobi couldnt help but smile at the little children. Both complete oppisites but still could be siblings. The white hair on the girl was very similar to the Hatake Clan's well known Silver locks. Hers was as bright as fresh fallen snow, beautiful he conseeded, while Sakumo's hair was on the whiter side it wasnt as bright as little Hachiko's.
"And what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
"I was hoping you could tell me more about Hachiko. She told me she has no family."
The Third turned his intelligent gaze on Sakumo, reading the real question underneath.
Sarutobi knew of the girl, though most of the village didnt. She was an orphan thanks to the Third War. Her heritage came from the Inuzuka Clan, not the main branch but a powerful side branch. But because of her pale coloring and demure personality the Clan didnt truely believe she was family. Her obsession with cats instead of hounds like her family also made the Clan turn their backs on her. She became an orphan with no family name and ended up at the Konoha Orphanage. But looking at her now he could see she hadnt been well taken care of.
"May we speak in private."
Sakumo blinked in confusion but nodded respectfully. He turned to the two children and ushered them to the door, much the annoyance of Kakashi.
"Wait outside for me ok?"
"Yes, Father."
"Hai, Sakumo-san."
"Kakashi watch out for Hachiko-chan, ok?"
"Yes, Father."
Once the children were gone the men turned to eachother. A serious air filled the room.
Hachiko and Kakashi stood on the steps of the Hakage Masion, both waiting for Sakumo to return. Little Hachiko kept casting glances around, making Kakashi watch her with interest.
Whats she so frightened of?
He got his answer quickly. A group of 3 boys were walking up, the leader he noted was the same boy his Father had sent running for the hills.
"Well, well. Look whose without her body guard."
Hachiko flinched and ducked her head, little hands shaking where she had clutched onto the front of her shirt hem. Kakashi watched, his fathers voice ringing in his ears. 'Watch out for Hachiko-chan.'
"Too bad The White Fang isnt here to save you now."
The boys filed into a semi circle around the small girl who was now ducking her chin into her chest while fighting tears. When a hand went out to shove her a small yet powerful voice made them stop.
"Dont touch her. If you do ill have to use force."
The boys turn to see Kakashi facing them with his arms crossed over his chest with a blank stare. They exchanged glances with eachother before laughing and pointing at the smaller boy.
Kakashi was unfazed by their reaction. They had to be about 8 or 9, not that he cared. Yes they were bigger than him but his Father had trained him since he could walk at the age of 6 months.
"Whatever, kid. Go home."
They turned to Hachiko who was staring at Kakashi in disbelief. He had stood up for her, something she hadnt had happen until Sakumo earlier.
"Dont touch her."
The boys then turned on Kakashi, who again was completely unfazed. He had already worked out a strategy of taking them all down without actually hurting them.
"What are you? Her boyfriend?"
That got a reaction out of the stoic boy, he crinkled his nose up at the larger boy. Why would he come to that conclusion?
Before he had time to think a hand shot out to shove him. It never made it though. A tiny pale hand caught the bigger boys wrist, making him yelp in pain. Kakashi stared wide eyed at Hachiko, she was baring her teeth with a malice filled glare at his 'attackers'.
"Dont touch him."
While quiet the tiny voice was laced with anger. Making Kakashi step back with his gaze still locked on the little girl. She had flipped a switch or something. The demure little quiet child was now standing to her full height with her bangs tucked out of her face to give the boys a full look at her face. Her stance while he had met her was hunched and fragile but now was ridged and almost feral. Her back was arched and shoulders set, her sandled feet were on the balls of her toes. Seeing her complete 180 personality switch made the hairs on his neck stand up.
The boys saw it too, the one in her grip and current glare was frightened beyond belief. Obivously they had never seen this side of her.
Hachiko shoved the boys wrist away. She didnt know why she reacted the way she did. The only thing she knew was that she didnt like them picking on Kakashi. As much as she was frightened of him, Kakashi had stood up for her.
"W-what do you think youre doing?! Ill kick your ass!"
Hachiko normally wouldve cowarded in fear and ran but the rage that was burning in her gut at seeing them try to shove Kalashi around was still aflame. She wasnt scared. She was pissed.
"Shut up. Dont touch my friend."
Kakashi blinked in shock at her, he was her friend? He never had a friend before. Never really needed one. He had his father and thats all he wanted. But seeing her fighting on his behalf was making his heart rant pick up.
Is this what friendship feels like?
"You shut up!"
The boy lashed out, swinging a fist towards Hachiko's little nose. The girl was still mad but didnt really know how to stop the hit. She normally just took them and cried about it. But something stirred inside her, a beast like feeling. She snatched his arm, twisting her body around to expose her back before using the momentum to fling the bigger boy over her and into the dirt in front of her.
The boy let out a shrill scream of terror and pain, making Hachiko freeze. He sat up clutching his shoulder with big tears in his eyes. His shoulder was wrenched at an unnatural angle. Hachiko stared at the boy with big frightened eyes.
She hadnt meant to fling him let alone dislocate his shoulder. People walking by stopped and stared, some came to the boys aid. Seeing him screaming and the stares she was receiving made her take a step back. Her vision tunneled in on the boy. What had she done?
She glanced at Kakashi to see him staring at her with wide eyes. Big frightened tears slid down her face, she turned to run but collided into waiting arms. Letting out a terrifed squeal when those arms closed around her. She struggled with her eyes slammed shut, thinking that she was going to be hurt or worse.
"Hachiko-chan, its ok."
She stopped when the soft voice of concern reached her ears, making her look up into the slate colored eyes of Sakumo. Panic set in, would he hate her?
"I didnt mean-"
"Its ok. Shhh, i know."
Her little face twisted into an agonized expression too damaged for someone so young to have. Sakumo pulled her to his chest, his own heart ripping for the small child. A villager had been questioning the other two boys about what happened, their answer made the two Hatakes heads snap over to stare at them.
"She and that kid started it! They were picking on Kuzo!"
"Yeah he told her to stop but she bodyslammed him!"
Hachiko made no move to defend herself, she was used to their accusations by now. But Kakashi wasnt going to stand for it. He set his feet and crossed his arms with a deadly stare at the two boys.
"Lairs, you three started picking on her first."
Sakumo stood, craddling the little sobbing girl to his chest. He and the Hokage had watched from the window the whole time, ready to intervene if necessary. He was going to see how it would play out that was until he saw Hachiko step between Kakashi and the boys. The men were stunned into speechlessness and watched as the little girl slammed the boy into the dirt. Only then did they move, hearing the boy crying out in pain and seeing Hachiko visibly shaken by her actions.
But before he could come to Hachiko and Kakashi's defense a slightly amused voice cut in, he turned to see his Hokage in full robed glory standing on the steps with his hands behind his back.
"Take the boy to the hospital, his shoulder will need to be relocated. And as for you two-" He turned his brown eyes on the pair of boys who now ducked their faces to avoid meeting his gaze. "I will be contacting your parents immediately."
They looked at eachother before nodding in shame.
""Hai, Hokage-sama.""
Sakumo and The Third exchanged a look. He turned to his son, still seeing the defensive posture the little boy was in.
"Lets go home now King Crow."
He extended his hand down, not really expecting Kakashi to take it but smiling softly when he did. He adjusted Hachiko in his arm while tiny fingers gripped his much larger two in a tight hold. He glanced down, Kakashi was fuming. A smile slipped upon his face at the thought of his Little Scarecrow finally making a friend.
They walked home in silence until they reached the Hatake Clan home. Hachiko sat back in his hold, tiny hands on his chest with big eyes on his face. She had calmed down during the walk, though her eyes were now red and puffy.
"Were home, Hachiko-chan."
"Home?"
She raised her white little brows in shock then furrowed them in confusion.
"I dont have a home."
"You do now. I talked to the Hokage and youve now come to live with me and Kakashi. I hope thats ok."
"Its not like she has anywhere else to go."
"Kakashi!"
Hachiko blinked before turning her head to stare at the home she would now be staying in, a bright smile burst across her face. She had never had a home before.
It was a typical home to anyone else. But to her it was a castle.
An old Minka, like the other Clan homes in the area. Outfront was a beautiful yard of lush green grass with a small three steps to the door.
She was set down and trotted over to stand beside Kakashi with wonder filled eyes. The silver haired boy didnt see what was so amazing, it was just a house. He shrugged and went to walk into the yard when a small warm hand grabbed his and ran towards the door. He let out a yelp of surprise at Hachiko's strength and stumbled after her until he found his footing.
She stopped at the door, unsure until with a sigh Kakashi slid the front door open. She stepped in, pulling a disgruntled tiny Hatake with her. She paused as she stepped into the genkan* and watched as Kakashi removed his shoes with one hand, his other still in her grip, he took them and placed them in the getabako*. She followed his example and did the same.
Sakumo watched with a smile as the children ran into the house, his little Crow being pulled along looking very annoyed. He was surprised when he saw her grab Kakashi's hand and the boy not rip it away. Maybe his son was finally acting like a kid.
"Dont touch that!"
With a sigh of amusement Sakumo stepped out of his shoes and went to supervise the impending arguement that was sure to happen.
That night the Hatake boys learned alot about Hachiko. She was naturally curious and very inquisitive. So more often than he cared to admit he heard Kakashi yelling from somewhere in the house for Hachiko to 'stop that' or 'dont touch that'. He personally didnt really care that much, she was a trail by fire kinda person. Needed to learn from mistakes before it sunk in not to do something. So he was content to wait it out. But Kakashi wasn't, the poor boy was almost training her like he would a dog. He laughed as he imagined Kakashi whacking her with a rolled up newspaper and shouting 'bad girl'.
One of the hardest things for her to understand was bathtime. Sakumo and Kakashi washed together then soaked together in the tub after they rinsed off. Hachiko couldnt understand why she had to bath alone. Which lead to an already fed up Kakashi snapping at her that she was a girl.
"So? Why does that matter?"
That lead to more questions that made Sakumo very uncomfortable. She was too young to understand such things. The only reason Kakashi knew was because of having a run in with The Pervy Sannin. Which lead to Kakashi not coming out of his room for a whole day from the embarrassment of having 'the talk'. Looking back Sakumo wasnt pleased with Jiraiya for doing it but the damage was done so he moved on from it.
Hachiko stepped out of the dressing room in borrowed clothes from Kakashi. A pair of black pants that were too long and too big around the waist and a short sleeve black shirt. Her hair was dripping wet making the girl shiver slightly. Sakumo and Kakashi had waited for her to get out, more so to make sure she actually did and didnt fall asleep in the tub.
Kakashi frowned behind his mask at the little girl, she had to be an idiot. Didnt she know to dry her hair? He stepped forward and snatched the towel from her hands to fling it over her head. Using his hands to ruffled the towel on her hair. She giggled but allowled him to continue. He whipped the towel off her head and froze to see her white wavey hair was standing up in places and looked like a birds nest. He burst out laughing at her making the little girl frown and tilt her head in confusion. His father joined him and eventually Hachiko did as well, though still not sure what was so funny.
When it was time to sleep Sakumo laid out the futons in a washitsu* and got the three beds ready for the night. Kakashi chose the middle, much to Sakumo's surprise. The littlest memeber of the family crawled over and snuggled into Kakashi's back while Sakumo turned off the lights and laid on his futon. He hadnt expected the kids to become so close so quickly. But watching them fall asleep with Hachiko burried under the covers with Kakashi made his heart warm. That was until Kakashi snapped,
"Kami! Your feet are cold, get them off!"
A small giggle and the sound of an exasperated sigh filled his ears as he drifted off to sleep. A smile on his face.
Word keys:
Minka: Traditional japanese home
Genkan: an entrance hall where people remove footwear.
getabako: Place to store shoes. could be cabinet or cubby holes.
Washitsu: room with tatami flooring as opposed to the wooden or tiled floors of the rest of the house.
Bathing: You are to shower and rinse then get in the tub. Water stays until the whole family has bathed.
Changing room: There are seperate rooms for changing that are attached to the bathroom.
Toilet: There are seperate rooms for toilets. They arent in the same room as the tub and shower or changing room.