Sooo ya girl recently got into Naruto. I couldnt help myself and decided to write this angsty mess, that hopefully some of you will enjoy. And if you dont, well... I'm sorry I tried. This story focuses on time when Naruto is still an rash, dense kid who definitely doesn't know how to deal with emotion. I shift between POV's pretty regularly, so I labelled when I did that, but wasn't sure if if it was necessary. Someone let me know.

Also, if you want a follow up/epilogue; comment, and maybe I'll write something up.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Naruto grinned as he waved goodbye to his friends who immediately split after the mission. It had taken a whole week of travel just to return home. Even Sakura didn't have the energy to ask Sasuke if he wanted dinner. The only thing on Team 7's mind was:

S L E E P

Well almost everyone.

The orange clad ninja waved until he could no longer see his friends, then shoved his hands in his pockets. His walk home was comfortably quiet, his mind was full of worries that a kid shouldn't have. The last few missions he had done, failed, and ninjas don't get paid for failed missions.

Sighing he thought how there was no way he could pay his bills this month, unless he landed a miracle A or B rank mission. But he could only do those with a Jonin, and there was no way Kakashi-sensei was gonna take him on another mission right away.

His stomach growled as he walked by Ichiraku's shop as he reached for his flattened toad wallet he paused. Probably a bad idea.

He kicked a rock all the way to his apartment building, before smiling mischievously. 'Gotta make this one count!' He kicked the rock with all his strength chuckling as it flew in the air. As he turned to climb the stairs of his building, he heard a man yell.

Looking behind the corner Naruto saw a man rubbing the back of his head grumbling with annoyance. "If I ever catch who did that, I'm gonna break their legs"

Whispering a silent apology the ninja quickly climbed the stairs. He hadn't meant to hit anyone…but if that man found out it was the 'Demon of Konoha' he really would break Naruto's legs. Shrugging off his jacket, he placed his ninja gear in his laundry hamper before looking around his house for a meal.

His cabinets were almost completely empty, save for a few dust bunnies. But he had managed to find a half a carton of milk, a protein bar in his backpack and a couple of food pills. Looking distastefully at the selection he sighed again.

"Well maybe if I pretend it's delicious, it will be!" He smiled munching happily on the crumbling protein bar as he was about to chug the milk, he sputtered, checking the expiry.

One more day left, he smiled drinking up what was left of the carton. Blue eyes turned to the food pills… now that was something not even pretending could help. The balls tasted like dirt, and Naruto wasn't feeling especially desperate yet.

Placing his sleeping cap on, he crawled into his unmade bed, dozing off into a dreamless sleep. A sleep that should have lasted longer, but was interrupted at the crack of dawn from pounding on the door.

"HEY KID! RENTS DUE TOMORROW, AND YOU BETTER HAVE IT! OR ELSE" As Naruto's pudgy landlord finished his tirade on the young boy's door, Naruto let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Mr. Fuyuki didn't seem like much of a threat, with him being so small and all. But Naruto would never forget the day he missed a payment.

He had only been 8 years old at the time, but his landlord hired a man to break into the flat in the middle of the night, and beat Naruto within an inch of his life. He only ever found out about it because his assailant talked about it, thinking the boy was unconscious.

The worst part was, the damage had been pretty severe, and his landlord doubly charged him for the mess. The debt was part of the reason he couldn't ever leave. Not to mention no other place would rent out to him. Shuddering he pulled himself out of his warm bed, looking through all the places he usually stored money. After digging through his coat pockets and under the couch, he managed to just barely make rent money.

Sighing in relief Naruto looked at the money in front of him. Some of it was in change, but it was all there.

Itching nervously, he wasn't sure what he would do for the utilities and food yet, but he had to find a way.

He needed water. But he could probably do without heat. He looked outside at the mild fall weather. And he didn't have any food so what was the point to pay for gas. Going to the bathroom he splashed his face with water, trying to relieve some of the stress lines that had managed to appear on his forehead.

He smiled at his reflection, grinning and giving himself a thumbs up. Maybe he could work part time for someone? Maybe his friends could lend him money? And if nothing else, he had Kakashi and Iruka-sensei. Right? RIGHT!

Getting dressed in some relatively clean clothes, he grabbed the money and gathered It in a jar before placing it safe in one of his plant pots. After covering it with dirt, he grinned. 'Nice and safe'

Stretching he left his flat and locked the door before heading out. Looking for a job can't be that hard.

After looking all morning he managed to find a place that was hiring. Walking in, he saw an older woman trying to grab a large glass jar full of loose tea from the highest shelf. As her shaky hands lifted it, Naruto could tell it was about to fall. Running over, he slid headfirst to catch the tea before the jar shattered.

The old woman was quite startled placing a frail hand over her heart, but smiled at the boy who had saved her inventory, "Why hello there dear. Thank you truly for grabbing that for me"

A dazed Naruto rasped out a "You're welcome Miss" with his head still slumped

"Was there anything I could help you with young man"

"Oh! Well yes, you see, I noticed the sign on your door and was hoping I could apply for the job" Naruto brushed off the dust from his knees before finally looking up at the woman.

As soon as he had done so, the woman gasped in surprised seeing the marks that marred the boy's face, before hissing at him to immediately leave her shop.

"But, Miss, I'm a very good worker! I'll even work for half the rate!" He tried explaining his ninjutsu's capabilities but with a firm push he had been thrown out on the street with a thud.

Looking down he hid under the shadow of his bangs as the women had changed her "Help Wanted" sign to also include NO DEMONS.

He bit his lip forcing another smile the next store it is.

After a full day of searching he managed to find a single place that would give him a job. He would work to unload a shipment of paint mix and bring it to a warehouse. It was a onetime gig, but he would get the full rate. Normally this would be a D-rank mission for a group of genin in a team, but he convinced the man that he could do it by himself.

Naruto got the job, and the man only had to pay one kid.

The only problem was, Naruto could only work at night, this job would be at least a full day of work. Meaning, there wouldn't be any real food in his belly for at least 2 more days. Folding his arms over his head Naruto chuckled. No problem with the food pills.

At the mention of food his stomach growled, holding it he pouted. This was gonna be a LONG few days. As he was thinking, an old drunk bumped into him.

"Oh sorry…myy bad, really. Hey! Naruto it's you!" A hand wrapped around his shoulder

"Pervy Sage! Just the man I was looking for!"

Brows furrowed, "Oh yeahh?" Whys that" his sensei slurred putting the majority of his weight on the small boy

"Well, if you recall, you stole all of my savings and spent it on women and sake!" Naruto practically drilled into the sage's ears

Grinning the Sage gripped the blonds shoulders "Oh I understand now, you must be han-gry. You wanna get some yakisoba, maybe some ramen?"

At the mention of food, Naruto's stomach growled. Laughing the Sage pulled Naruto into a restaurant ordering multiple items off the menu. As the food started coming in, Jaraiya began digging into his noodles. Naruto too, was famished. Not eating for a couple days sure makes you hungry.

As soon as Naruto began eating the owners gave the two men their bills. This restaurant was mainly for higher level ninjas who could afford the meals, the dish Naruto was eating alone, would be 3-4 meals at Ichiraku.

Sleepily the Sannin handed the waiter a wad of cash before passing out. As the owner counted the money before glaring at Naruto.

"You're short, kid. I hope you're able to pay for this" the man cracked his knuckles menacingly

Gulping Naruto began patting the Toad Sage awake, but the man didn't stir. Looking for the Sage's wallet he paused himself. He couldn't steal, let alone from his sensei. Naruto stuttered out an apology.

"I'm sorry Sir, I didn't bring my wallet, but if you just give me a couple days, I can pay for whatever is left of the balance"

While Naruto was still profusely apologizing and sweating at this point, the owner gripped the blonds hair leading him to the back of the restaurant. Gritting his teeth, he growled, "I can walk you know!"

Loosening the grip on the boys head, the owner lead him to a mountain of dishes left from the restaurant. "You will have to wash these to pay for your meal"

With a slight sigh, the boy grabbed the apron nearby, "Where's the gloves?"

Smirking the owner replied, "There is none, and you better be done by the time this place closes or you'll have to do this again tomorrow"

Nodding the boy got to work. The villagers did this pretty regularly. Ever since finding out the boy was capable of back-breaking labour, instead of beating him to appease themselves, they would subject him to hours of unpaid work. He preferred that, obviously, it was easier to pretend he was doing them a favour, or that it was a mission. Looking into the dishwater, Naruto smiled to himself, continuing his task, well into the night.

.

.

.

TOAD SAGE POV

When Jaraiya woke up the next morning, he was confused. First, he was laying on the roadside. Second, he had a splitting headache. And third, his wallet was missing. He exhaled hanging his head. Must've overdone it on the booze again. Still, the chump who stole his wallet was gutsy alright, had he been caught, the punishment for stealing from a shinobi, especially from his caliber, was extreme.

Just as he was getting up, he spotted Naruto leaving the restaurant they were at last night. The kid had dark circled under his eyes, and his hair looked disheveled.

He watched as a grin overtook the boys features, "Hey Pervy Sage! What's happening?!"

The boys voice was like nails on a chalkboard, especially so early in the morning. He cleared his throat, "Well not much tadpole, what happened after I passed out last night?"

Naruto's eyes shifted, he wasn't a particularly good liar. "Well, we were a bit short on the bill, so I offered to do some extra work to help pay it off"

Jaraiya's eyes narrowed taking in the boy's appearance. He was wearing the same clothes as yesterday, "Did they make you work all night Naruto?"

"WHAT? Of course not! I had to wake up a tad earlier then normal" The boy chuckled nervously trying to stifle a yawn. He spun on his heels starting his trek back home.

Rubbing his temple the Sage sighed, clearly the young shinobi was lying. If the restaurant had made him work all night, the kid would've more then earned what it took to cover the bill. But Naruto looked more or less okay, so he felt no need to butt in.

"OI, KID! If you see Kakashi, let him know to find me"

Naruto simply waved a reply, still walking away from the disoriented Sannin.

.

.

.

NARUTO POV

He breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to the Sage for not making a bigger fuss out of the situation. Clenching his fist he winced at the unexpected pain. Looking down at his hands, he noticed the cracking of his skin. Washing dishes all night without gloves had dehydrated the skin, even a twitch of the fingers caused his hands to bleed.

He groaned. He didn't even have bandages at his home, he hardly ever needed them because of his healing ability. But he couldn't just sit around and wait to heal, he had lots to do today.

Straightening his back an idea struck him. Sakura was always prepared with the first aid on mission, she could help him! Running to her house he hesitated knocking on the door. It was still pretty early. Were his injuries severe enough to disturb her? He looked at his bloody hands.

The pinkette was his team-mate, 'I'm sure she wouldn't mind'. Knocking on the door with his elbow he held his hands behind his back, waiting for the response. To his surprise, a yawning Sakura opened the door.

"What do you want Naruto, I'm trying to catch up on some loss sleep here" She rubbed her eyes with annoyance

Stuttering the blond spoke as quietly as he could, "Well act-ually I was w-wondering if you could…"

A vein pulsed in the girl's forehead, "Naruto, would you just spit it out"

"W-well if you weren't busy.."

Before he could finish Sakura hit him over the head knocking him a few yards away from her house. "No idiot! I WON'T go out with you. No matter how many times you ask"

Groaning Naruto reached up to grab his head where a large lump was forming. But just as he was about to ask for help, the door was slammed and locked. Smacking his head a few times he voiced his thought exasperatedly, "Why couldn't you just say it!"

He pouted thinking back on the situation, her eyes were just so pretty and green. Every time he saw her he couldn't form a half decent thought. Shaking his head he stood up, not that she would ever know that, or care. 'Lets face it, she'll only ever have eyes for Sasuke'

Rubbing his new bump he hummed, 'I could ask him..'. Shuddering he could already envision the response he would get:

'Oh poor little Loser got injured. Of course I'll help you!' Sasuke laughed maniacally pouring lemon juice on his wounds.

Shaking his head. Okay, that last one was a bit dramatic. Realistically asking the Uchiha for help would go like this:

"Hey Sasuke, you got any spare bandages?"

"No"

And he would close the door.

Nodding, yep, that sounded about right. Not to mention his team-mate would probably never let Naruto live it down even if he did help. The boy sat down on the sidewalk. Lets see…

There was always Kakashi-sensei.

He could never say no to his favorite student. Grinning, Naruto took his bloody hands and ran towards his sensei's apartment. Knocking hard on the door with both elbows this time, he belted out, "KAKASHI-SENSEI! It's half past noon, you gotta be up by now! LISTEN I NEED YOUR HELP WITH SOMETHING"

.

.

.

KAKASHI POV

Jolting up his mask-less face immediately cringed. Spikey silver hair was pointing in all directions, and there was actually a line of drool that had crusted beside his mouth. Safe to say, Kakashi had definitely woken up on the wrong side of the bed. Looking down at his boxer-clad form; the kid undoubtedly wanted to train, but there was no way he was going out to refuse him like this. Quickly summoning Pakkun he explained what the dog needed to say.

He nudged the dog towards the door who simply rolled his eyes at his master's antics.

As Kakashi opened the door for the pug, Pakkun stepped forward. "Oh, hi Naruto, Kakashi aint home right now, he left for the bookstore about an hour ago."

There was a moment of silence and Kakashi felt sweat drip down his forehead. 'Did Naruto figure out that he was lying?'

"Oh, that's fine… When he gets back, let him know that Jaraiya was looking for him, kay?"

"Sure, take care kid" The dog closed the door with his hind leg and Kakashi quickly locked it.

Holding up the pug the Jonin spoke in a hushed whisper, "You think he fell for it?"

The dog snorted, "He's not as dumb as you think he is, y'know"

The elite ninja internally groaned as the guilt starting eating away at him. He had just wanted a day of peace reading the new book that had just come out. He glanced to his set up of the novel and snacks. Putting the dog down he ran his fingers through his hair,

"You think I should go find him?"

The dog scratched behind his ear with his back leg, "I don't know boss, he's your kid"

Tapping his foot impatiently, "I'll stop by his place later with some food, and he'll forget this whole thing happened."

Giddily he flipped into his bed, flipping through the pages of the new book.

.

.

.

Naruto POV

'Well, I guess I have no choice. I have to wait for these to heal…and rest" He crinkled his nose at the thought, dragging his feet to his apartment. He also had to give Fuyuki the rent, though it was due tomorrow, he always gave it early. He didn't want the landlord to ever believe he was a bad tenant. Walking by, Naruto paused, there was a piece of paper sticking up from the rubble. pulling it out he found a 100 ryō note.

'I guess my luck is changing, eh?' Laughing he thought to himself, 'I could have Ichiraku tonight!'. Just as he began sprinting to his favourite place, he paused.

"I guess… I should buy real food. I could probably get some eggs and milk with this" Slumping, he voiced his thoughts with a pout, but Ichiraku was just sooo good. And he wouldn't have gas soon anyways.

"ICHIRAKU HERE I COME!"

As if they could hear the blond's proclamation Ayame smiled, "You better make this an extra large bowl, Dad"

Bursting into his favourite restaurant Naruto immediately seated himself at the bar, "Good Afternoon Teuchi, Ayame, I'll have one..uh"

Looking at the menu and the bill he had, Naruto paused. While he'd usually get a regular bowl, or large, today he could only afford a small bowl, with no extra toppings.

"I'll have a small bowl today; I'm not feeling too hungry" He quickly added hoping it wouldn't seem suspicious as he handed the brunette the bill

Ayame smiled, "Well actually Naruto, this is the 1000th time you've come here, so we were hoping to treat you with something special, but if you weren't hungry we could make it a small bowl"

His stomach growled with the mention of the word special, and a blush tinged his cheeks. "I'll have whatever you guys recommend"

Laughing a large bowl filled with BBQ pork, pickled veggies, and rice cakes was shoved infront of him.

Bowing his head to the father and daughter he smiled genuinely, "Thank you…so much you guys."

Waving him off, Teuchi smiled, "Dig in boy, it'll get cold"

Naruto grinned grabbing a pair of chopsticks splitting them in half, but before he could dig in, a worried Ayame placed a hand over his. "Naruto, what happened to your hands"

The boy had nearly forgotten about his cracked and bloody skin, "Oh this, I just did some deep cleaning in the apartment, so I think the chemicals messed em up, they'll be better tomorrow!" He grinned to reassure her

Looking back at her father with sad eyes, Ayame grabbed their first aid kit, "Let me patch you up. We cant have you losing your hands now, can we?"

Naruto thought of all the possibilities of life without his hands. No more high fives, no more jutsu, no more...RAMEN! As the image of him unable to use chopsticks entered his mind, he quickly jutted his hands towards her with a tearful look in his eyes. "That would never happen though, right?"

"Not if we can help it" She smiled with her eyes, gently pushing the bowl away, disinfecting the boy's hands. Under all the blood she gasped at the chemical damage, 'This would only happen after long exposure'

Applying a salve all over the boy's hands, she bandaged him up. "There, all done!"

"Great! Now I can eat!" Pulling the bowl close to him he smelled the aroma happily.

Ayame pulled the bowl away again with a laugh, "Naruto, you cant eat that, its cold now"

Pouting, his eyes followed his first bowl of noodles. "D-do you mind if I have that one to go? I mean…I don't want to waste it"

The girl gave him a small smile placing his second bowl beside him, "Of course Naruto".

After practically vacuuming the entirety of it, the ninja patted his stomach, again thanking them for their hospitality.

The whiskered boy took his wrapped bowl leaving the Ramen bar happy. 'Ichiraku really does fix everything' He smiled looking at his bandaged hands, and the second bowl he could have for dinner. Humming he wandered down a shortcut to his home.

As he was walking, he could see a small girl with violet eyes scavenging through the garbage for anything edible. Upon seeing him she scurried off.

"Hey little girl!" Naruto leapt to where she was.

He remembered many days where he would get his meals from the streets. Rummaging for anything that would stop the groaning of his stomach. Shuddering away the memory, he looked behind the bins where she was pitifully hiding.

"I was just wondering if you wanted this bowl of ramen. You see, I already ate earlier"

Bright eyes looked at him hopefully, albeit suspiciously. He wasn't the first strange man who had offered her food after all.

He watched as the small girl pulled herself out from under the garbage. "My name is Naruto, by the way. It's nice to meet ya!"

The girl reached towards the wrapped ramen silently before it was snatched up. "Now wait just a second, you gotta tell me your name first"

Sparking with anger, violet eyes darkened, "I knew it! Everyone always wants something!"

Startled Naruto's eyes widened, "Hey kid, I'm sorry! He looked at the dejected girls face before handing her the large bowl.

The girl who looked like she was about to topple over from the weight, thanked Naruto with a bow before sitting right where she was standing opening her meal. To her surprise, Naruto sat next to her, resting his back against the building.

With eyes narrowing in anger the girl scooted away from him, "You're supposed to leave"

Grumbling with laughter Naruto smiled looking at the sky, "Well I guess I just wanted to know your story. You don't exactly look like the homeless type." As he spoke, he grabbed the edge of her silk kimono

The girl said nothing, slurping her soup, drowning out his words.

Pointing to a cloud the ninja grinned, "Hey that one kind of looks a bowl of ramen"

Violet eyes turned to the sky with curiosity, "You're a crazy old man, that's a turtle"

Clutching his heart at the insult Naruto sulked, 'Old man?"

The girl chuckled at his expression, "So you're a Shinobi, huh?" She flicked his headband

Holding the edge of his headband he shook it against his forehead excitedly, "You betcha kid. And you know what else? I'm gonna be Hokage one day"

Pushing away the empty bowl, the small girl stifled back her laughter, "You?!"

Lips falling into a pout, "Believe it"

Looking dumbfoundedly at her alley-mate, she bumped his shoulder to appease him, "I do. So don't let me down, kay?"

His smile was blinding, she nearly had to shield her eyes,

"You know, I think you're the first one to ever say that." The ninja whispered under his breath

"I wanna be a Shinobi one day too, y'know" She smiled describing her plans to the boy who nodded animatedly

"Hey Naruto…you think…I could try on your headband?"

The orange clad boy was taken back with the question. It had been the same one he himself had asked Iruqa-sensei when he was around her age, over the same bowl of ramen she had just eaten. Smiling with his eyes he thought of the similarities, 'Life is funny sometimes'.

"I'll tell you what. You tell me your name, and I'll let you wear my headband"

Giggling excitedly reaching out for the band, blue eyes waited expectedly, "My name is Yuura! Now gimme!"

Taking off his headband he smiled handing it over to the small girl, who immediately put it on her forehead, "Does it look better here?". She moved it to her neck, "Or here?", pushing her dark hair up with it, "What about this!?"

This continued for many minutes, as the girl was practically bouncing up and down the alley with excitement. Before finally settling wearing it around her neck like most Konoichi. Ruffling her hair Naruto smiled brightly, "It looks good on you, squirt."

They spent the next few hours in the dirty alley, pointing out interesting clouds, talking about their dreams, and relaxing in the silence. Before they knew it, the sun was setting, and both were laying on their back, arms propped under their heads.

Breaking the silence Naruto turned his head towards the girl "Kid, you ever gonna tell me your story?"

The girl sat up, immediately stiffening, while Naruto simply looked back at the sky. "I know it's not easy. But neither is the lifestyle you're choosing" He continued, all traces of immaturity vanished. "Living on the streets, might sound like an escape, but it's a double-edged sword, kid. Yeah, no ones gonna tell you what to do…but—"

"BUT WHAT? I can handle myself just fine!" The girl stood up crossing her arms

Naruto chuckled sadly, "You were eating out of the trash before I saw you, Yuura"

The girl could feel her cheeks burning under his gaze, her eyes hardening, "You'll never get it"

"You know what, I think I might be one of the only ones who will get it. You see, kid, I lived on the streets for years"

Crossing her arms, she turned herself away from him, assuredly giving him the silent treatment.

Sighing Naruto shook her shoulder, "I was alone for a long time Yuura, and trust me when I say, that's something you don't wanna have to worry about"

Shaking her head Yuura felt tears well up in her eyes, as she shook herself away.

"Do you really wanna be out here when the snow falls? Starving? Hungry? You'll die here" For the first time in a long time Naruto felt anger rise into his throat, and he spewed out the words before he could take them back.

Glaring viciously at him violet eyes cried, "I'd rather die then go back". And before he could stop her, she formed unknown hand signs, disappearing in front of him.

Brows furrowed, 'Was this a genjustsu?'

"Yuura! Wait!" But before he knew it, she had vanished without a trace. The only thing he heard was the clinking of his headband being thrown at his feet.

Alone in the alley Naruto began walking to his home, pausing, looking back to where they sat in the alley. "I'll be back"

Entering his apartment the boy let out a sigh, quickly grabbing the jar full of his rent money rushing to Fuyuki's office.

At the Landlords office, Naruto was sure to count every cent and penny of his rent. Too often people would say it was short, unless he counted it with them. Fuyuki who was not surprised to see Naruto, simply smiled along as he counted.

"No utilities kid?"

"I'll pay that in the next couple days, sir."

Shrugging the short man took the money, "They'll be cut off by tomorrow. Now get out of my hair Brat, I have things to do"

Smiling Naruto slipped back into his apartment, 'I guess I should probably get some rest in now, got an hour before my shift." Flipping himself onto his couch, he immediately passed out, dreaming of ramen, and the little girl with purple eyes..

.

.

.

KAKASHI POV

Stopping at the store, Kakashi rubbed his forehead. What would a teenage boy actually want to eat? He couldn't get him ramen, that's all the kid ever ate. He also couldn't get healthy vegetables as an "I'm Sorry" present, because Naruto DEFINITELY wouldn't eat it. Shaking his head, he sighed closing his eye grabbing blindly. Opening his eye he saw the first thing he had grasped was a box of cookies.

With a single stressed tear running down the back of his head Kakashi slumped, 'Well...it's a start'

'Maybe if I just watch to see what other kid's are buying, I can get a better idea'

The first to walk in was Choji, but Kakashi quickly learned tailing him was a grave mistake, as the boy just took one look at the snack section and practically dumped the entirety into his cart.

Next was Ino and Sakura who immediately began looking towards the diet foods that were available, though both secretly grabbed sweets when the other wasn't looking.

Rolling his eye Kakashi groaned at the futility of the situation. He needed a normal boy to walk in and buy something. And with that prayer being delivered walked in Konohamaru and his gang of Udon and Moegi, all giggling with their pocket money in hand.

The task increased in its difficulty as the three immediately split off in different directions for their desired foods. Creating two shadow clones he watched as, Moegi and Udon grabbed a large chocolate cake to split, while Konohamaru grabbed onigiri with tuna along with pork buns.

Smiling with his eye, he called back his clones deciding to pick up exactly what the young boy had. He was so caught up with his success he failed to notice Sasuke who poked his arm, causing him to jump three feet in the air.

"What are you doing Kakashi-sensei?" his student asked dully, picking up some ripe tomatoes

"Well, I'm trying to buy Naruto some food that isn't ramen" Kakashi replied calmly trying to internally recover from being taken off guard

"That loser will eat anything; I don't know why you're trying so hard" Sasuke huffed out

Pinching his little Genin's cheek, "No need to sound so jealous" Kakashi spoke endearingly

Sasuke, who looked as if his soul was about to leave his body, barely managed to pull himself away with his face still intact.

Humming Kakashi rang up the cart noticing how late it had already gotten, he decided to immediately head over to his students' house.

Naturally he leapt to the apartment roof, walking along the building to the window, easily climbing in. Surprisingly he found the boy sprawled over his couch fast asleep. Unable to bring himself to wake him, Kakashi put the groceries in the very empty fridge, before leaving a short note.

The ninja wasn't a fan of mushy apologizing…or anything that involved emotions really… unless it was in his books of course. So he crept out of the apartment as easily as he had come, taking a second to enjoy the fleeting sunset from the roof.

Out of the corner of his eyes he noticed a familiar figure weaving through the diminishing crowd.

"Where could he be going so late?"

.

.

.

Naruto POV

Naruto woke with a start looking at the darkening sky, "Aw man I'm already late on my first day!"

Rushing he put on his shoes leaving his headband behind. Urgently locking his door while rubbing the sleep from his eyes, the young ninja bolted towards the warehouse narrowly managing to arrive on time.

The owner who chuckled watching the boy desperately catching his breath, simply ruffled his hair, "I wont dock you this time, but don't be late again kid."

Grinning so his eyes crinkled Naruto nodded, quickly forming his shadow clones so he could get to work. The paints were heavy, and it took two clones to lift some of the industrial buckets. Working all through the night, he only took a break pop in a food pill, continuing until daybreak. By which point, Naruto was finally out of Chakra, and couldn't even lift his arms to form a hand-sign.

As the owner walked in to start his day, he noticed Naruto had unloaded nearly half of the inventory and reached to pat the exhausted boy on the back. "Wow kid you did great"

Reaching for an envelope in his back pocket, he gave Naruto full pay for the many hours he had worked. With a bow the ninja thanked him before shakily heading back to his apartment. Walking by the alley he remembered Yuura.

"Gotta come back after some sleep" He nodded hobbling through the streets

As soon as Naruto walked into his apartment and locked the door, he collapsed on the ground, passing out right on the floor.

He woke with sunlight glaring onto his face and his mouth parched. Pulling himself to his knees the boy looked around, scratching his hair. Once the morning confusion wore off, he stretched nearly retching at the stench coming from under his arms. "Yeesh I smell bad, if Sakura was here, she'd kick me into the afterlife"

Taking off his shirt he tossed it into the already full laundry hamper. 'Gotta do that today too'. Hopping in the shower he shivered under the cold water before adjusting to its cruel welcome washing his hair.

Drying himself off, he put a pair of boxers. Pulling the towel around his neck he headed to his empty kitchen. Shutting his eyes to soak up some sun from window, he sighed peacefully, before his stomach growled reminding him why he entered the kitchen at all. Groaning he looked through his drawers for another food pill before noticing a note on his counter.

Sorry I couldn't see you this morning, left some food in the fridge to make up for it. -Kakashi

Smiling he ran over to his fridge nearly tripping in excitement. Forcing it open he was surprised to see so much food, he didn't even know where to begin. Just as he was about to shove a sandwich into his mouth, he hesitated. 'I should try and find Yuura first, she's probably hungry too'

Putting on his last set of clean clothes, he grabbed some onigiri and sandwiches, putting it in his pouch instead of the usual shuriken and scrolls. Looking through the same streets, he found a poorly concealed ball curled up on the side of the road. Snatching the camouflage, blue eyes met purple.

With a yelp, the small girl leapt up, again making the same handsigns, but unlike before, nothing happened.

"Out of chakra, huh?" The ninja sat on the street taking out the food from his pouch, "Good, cause if you ran away, I don't think I could eat all this myself."

Tearing up the small girl reached for a sandwich, settling down with her older friend. After a silent meal, the girl stood up, wrapping her skinny arms around his neck in a hug.

The orange ninja froze, before slowly wrapping his own arms around her frame. As he did, she broke down into tears, sniffling into his shoulder. "I was just so tired of feeling like I didn't matter…"

He rubbed her back while humming an old song, who's words he couldn't remember.

"M-my mom died last year of sickness, and a couple weeks ago, my dad remarried. Ever since that hap-pened it's like I'm not part of their family anymore...so I ran away…" She hiccuped through her explanation

Suddenly, in the depths of his memories, Naruto remembered a few weeks back, a man pleading with the Hokage to take a case…

"Damasa…you're Yuura Damasa. Your dad comes to the Hokage's office even more then I do. He always asks her to find you"

Purple eyes looked up with confusion, "My dad has been looking for me?"

Smiling a bit, he got up, "Of course he is, he loves you! Grandma Tsunade sent Anbu after you! But they all came back empty handed"

Hesitantly Yuura held his hand, looking towards the ground, "It's because of the kekkai genkai our clan has. It makes us invisible even to Byakugan and Sharingan."

Naruto crouched so they were eye-level, "Do you want me to take you home? I'm sure they've been missing you Yuura"

After thinking for a few moments, she looked wearily into his eyes, "He…missed me?"

Nodding again Naruto smiled, "I bet he'll be so happy to see you."

Slowly Yuura nodded, immediately lifting her arms for Naruto.

The blond rolled his eyes at the action, before picking up the small girl carrying her frame as gently as he could, "So where's your place, kid."

Giving a nervous smile, she rubbed the back of her head with embarrassment,

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T REMEMBER"

Yuura groaned exasperatedly, "Shh old man, it was raining when I left! I couldn't see anything!"

Sighing, 'Well I could take her to Grandma Tsunade, but I really wanna take her myself. Maybe Kakashi knows"

"Alright. I'm gonna take us to my sensei, and hopefully, he'll know."

With a whine she went dramatically limp in his arms, even going as far as placing a hand on her forehead.

Baiting the girl out of her sadness, Naruto hummed "Yknow, it won't be that bad…He has dogs…"

"DOGS?!" Violet eyes brightened, grinning wide, "I LOVE DOGS!"

The ninja chuckled nodding, he already knew that. During their cloud game, every second cloud was a dog.

"PICK UP THE PACE, I DON'T WANNA BE YOUR AGE WHEN I GET THERE!" She bonked his head

A shiver ran down his spine. Her order reminded him of all the other scary women in his life. Ino, Sakura, Tsunade. And the newest addition, a small but most diabolical form of Yuura who bonked his head once more as a reminder, to which he began leaping towards Kakashi's building.

After waiting a few tentative minutes outside of his sensei's door, the small girl grew impatient, "Why are we waiting infront of this door" Yuura pestered

Naruto had yet to knock, he was scared that he would be turned away again. With impatience she stepped beside him, knocking on the door with both fists

As the door opened a crack, the silver ninja looked through.

"Mhm? What do you want?"

The small girl pushed the door open, looking around the flat, "Naruto! There's no dogs in here!"

With a sigh, Kakashi closed his book before turning to his student. "Who is this kid in my apartment?"

Sheepishly Naruto rubbed his hair, "Well, she's actually—"

"Yuura Damasa is the name! Now I was promised dogs…so…"

One eye shifting to Naruto seriously, "Damasa…the kid everyone was looking for? Where was she?"

Just as Naruto was about to answer, Yuura pulled at Kakashi's pant leg. "You're an even older man then Naruto...does that mean you cant hear me when I say I WANT DOGS"

With a vein pulsing in his forehead, Kakashi summoned his pack for the girl, leaving them to entertain while pulling Naruto into his kitchen just before a screech of joy could permeate their eardrums.

"Explain. Now."

After running through all the details of her running away, the jonin felt himself lean on the counter. "And now you want to take her back" He confirmed

Nodding, the usually hyper-excited boy quieted, "I want to make sure she gets home safe"

Kakashi kept a careful eye on the boy, studying his tired expression before cheerfully replying, "It won't be hard, the Damasa clan isn't actually far from here, I'll make Pakkun take you"

Exiting the kitchen the pair were greeted with the sight of 8 ninja dogs firmly placed in hug around the small girl.

"A little help here boss" Pakkun's squished face gasped out

"Everyone but Pakkun is dismissed."

Tails wagging, a definite sigh was heard with a puff of smoke.

Kakashi sighed speaking as calmly as he could, "Yuura, please put him down"

Pouting, she gave the dog one final kiss on the forehead, placing him down gently.

Grumbling of his treatment, the pug pattered off to sit beside his master's feet.

"Okay. Great. Now heres your mission." Looking down at his small dog he continued, Pakkun, you will escort these two to the Damasa clan. There hopefully, enough people will recognize Yuura, and point them in the direction of her house."

Both Naruto and Pakkun nodded, while the girl absent-mindedly looked out the window.

"You think he'll be mad? My dad, I mean"

"Probably. I know if any of my students were to disappear without telling me…I'd be very worried...and angry that they hadn't asked me for help"

Naruto looked at his sensei with suspicious eyes, Why did it feel like he wasn't only talking to Yuura. Heading towards the door he thought bitterly, 'But did he mean it?'

Before they knew it, they were at the entrance to the clan. Shakily Yuura peered up at Naruto, "I'm afraid"

"I'm telling you, you have nothing to worry about" Naruto held her hand, as they walked in. Almost immediately people began to notice the small girl who held onto the pug and the boy like her life depended on it. But simply watched silently as she passed them.

"I-I remember now" She led them to a home on the outskirts of the town, grand but deafeningly quiet.

Rubbing her back Naruto gently pushed her up the stairs leading to the door.

Yuura sucked in sharply, before standing on her tippy toes a shaky finger pressing the doorbell. What was no more than a minute at the door, felt like an eternity for the three.

As the door opened. A middle age man with darkness under his eyes and dirty tousled hair, answered. Though looking like the life had been sucked out of him, upon seeing the small girl, his face transformed. The weight of grief he had been carrying, was lifted as soon as he took her in her arms. The pair started crying holding each other tightly, as if the other could disappear.

As Naruto smiled, he also felt a pang of sadness. Would anyone feel that way for him if he was ever to vanish? Kakashi's answer for the small girl entered his mind again. Realizing he wouldn't be needed any longer, Naruto turned around,

"Come on Pakkun, I got somewhere to be later"

Making their way to the edge of the front yard he heard a familiar voice, "Naruto!" As he turned, he saw the girl grin at him, "Thank you."

Giving half a smile, he waved to her.

Walking to his apartment was different this time, a little quieter. He was happy he got Yuura home, who knows what would've happened to that little girl.

'Probably what's happened to you before' A dark part of his mind retorted

Shaking his head he got straight to work on the laundry, pouring in the cheap detergent he dumped his clothes in the water. As he started scrubbing the grime away, he felt cuts from his hands burn.

Wincing he continued on. 'Not like anyone else is gonna do this for me'

He looked at his reflection in the glass window he was surprised to see how angry he looked. He didn't get angry often. And for good reason.

Sometimes he was afraid if his smile slipped off too long it would never return. Being unhappy wasn't exactly an option for him, so he told himself. Like putting a bandage on a bridge that was seconds from collapsing.

Scrubbing harder his thought drifted to Sasuke, and to Sakura who at least knew of being cared for. It was something he could only imagine, and savour in the kindness of Iruqa treating him to ramen every once and awhile.

He felt his anger swell inside of him, jealousy when he thought of Yuura's loving dad's arms around her. By the end his laundry was thoroughly cleaned and the air so tense, a match would cause the whole complex to blow. Taking a deep inhale Naruto gritted his teeth.

'Maybe I should sleep it off' Resting in his bed, he set an alarm, but quickly found his anger would not let him sleep, and instead he watched the clock hands move. When it started blaring Naruto punched the clock into rubble. With brows furrowed he knew he already regretted that decision, but he didn't care.

Pulling himself out of bed, he brushed his hair and did his best to form his trademark grin in his reflection. He did a piss poor job, but he doubted that the paintshop owner would even notice. No one else did.

Making his way to the warehouse, he stiffly nodded at the owner before immediately falling into his work, pushing himself harder, and harder, until there was nothing left to move, and it was only 12 am.

Grumbling he made his way back to the apartment, deciding to leap towards the terrace instead of the cramped room.

Looking at the stars he had the urge to scream,

"Why?" He rasped out. "Why would you let me live like this?" Tears of anger welled up in his eyes. "Without you?!

"Do you know how much I wish I could have what they have" He questioned louder, gritting his teeth at the speechless constellations.

"I'm so tired of pretending like things were better, I just wish they were!" Naruto felt his unwelcomed tears falling, before whirling around, punching the concrete wall behind him. The pain that blossomed in his knuckles was welcomed, a distraction from his blinding anger.

"Do you know how much I have to struggle..."

Another punch.

"For EVERY—"

He heard the cracking of his knuckles,

"SINGLE—!"

Again. He felt his screaming voice crack.

"THING I NEED?!"

He gasped gripping the railing, relishing in the pain of his broken bones.

Standing himself on the edge of the building, he spoke to the unanswering sky. "Why didn't you kill me, so I could've been with you!" Sobs racked the boy as the pain in his heart spilled over.

Naruto clenched his fists, but with blurry eyes he looked down to the bottom of the building, he spoke with a sudden calmness, "What if…"

But before the boy could take another step, he was jerked back into a warm chest, arms holding him tightly. Naruto couldn't even look back to face the stranger, his shame forced him to keep his eyes low.

"I didn't mean it! I'm happy I got Yuura where she belonged, I just wish I didn't belong here…to nobody" He hastily tried to explain to the figure behind him, but he didn't get a reply, so he continued.

"Sometimes I get so tired of smiling, but I'm afraid if I stop, I'll never find my way back to the light, that I'll be lost in the darkness forever" Tears kept falling from the boys' eyes, burning his cheeks as they fell.

The arms around him only tightened, as the boy babbled on until exhaustion began to take him, to which, the strangers arms loosened, and hands began to pet his hair, fingering through golden locks.

Eyes closed, Naruto sighed with contempt, "So…warm", and that was the last thing that was said, until he fell asleep.

.

.

.

Kakashi could only blink to try and piece together what he had just witnessed. Holding the sleeping boy, a few tears of his own escaped his eye. He couldn't believe…of all his students…

Picking up the boy, he tucked Naruto in bed. 'Maybe he'll think it was just a dream…'

Kakashi looked at the boy, running his fingers through his own hair with stress. His mind full of questions. How long had the boy been working like this? It was insanity on the body to be a full time ninja, then a job on the side? Did he tell the Hokage? Iruka?

It was…so cold in this house. How could he manage to sleep through this? He placed an extra blanket on the boy. Scanning over Naruto for injuries, any self-injurious looking scars, but found only broken fingers. He looked at the boy's fingers and watched as the new wounds weren't closing as usual. All his chakra must've been used up. Carefully wrapping the boys fingers, the silver Jonin made a vow.

He would be better, more observant. And he most certainly would not let another of his kin die.

Kakashi, was probably one of the worst when it came to emotional issues, and didn't want to put the stain of him knowing on his and Naruto's relationship. But he would make sure Naruto's home was always filled with enough food, that his home was always warm, and that the kid never felt lonely like he did today.

.

.

.

.

Thank you to Meilaan who helped edit this story, show her some love too guys!