Kakashi Hatake woke from another restless night, something that wasn't new. The room was cold from the open window, crickets sang their song, the spring morning gave off a faint scent of flowers and fresh rain. These were 'sleep essential's' his foster mother would insist on every night, even in the heaviest of rain, the window would remain open until the sun rose. Most of the other foster boys slept throughout the night, for some, it was the first time they had gotten any real sleep in so long. Kakashi remained unphased by the pleasant atmosphere, and was lucky to get five hours of sleep these nights.

He laid there staring at the shadows on the ceiling, following the cracks and imagining bugs and water running in those cracks. He dare not leave the bedroom unless the 'parent's' were awake.

Kakashi gasped and shut his eyes just as the bedroom door creaked open.

Slow your breathing, pretend to be asleep, Kakashi instructed himself. He heard soft footsteps enter the room, sheets ruffled, then more footsteps exit the room and the door closed shut.

Kobi and Notsuo, he thought to himself, opening his eyes. Haru, the oldest boy in the Home, was the only one allowed to be up with the parents; training, chores, aiding the 'Mother' in readying the rest of the children for the day. Kenji, Kobi and Notsuo, the other three boys in the room, were sleeping soundly. He pondered how any of the other boys could sleep so peacefully when they are suffering so much.

Don't nightmares keep them up?

Like him, they are all orphans, left to the care of the Village Child Care System. Like him, they have nothing left, they have no one. They were taken from their home for a variety of reasons, and placed in so many different Homes that it was near impossible to remember what Home used to be. Placed with complete strangers promising them a chance at a new life, leading them with hope of being part of a family, pulling on a facade that any of them can love and care for them like their real parents would. These boys have no reason to go on with life, yet they still breath air and walk on the earth just like everyone else in the Village Hidden in the Leaf's.

Hopeless.

Abandoned.

Unworthy of any love.

His heart grew tight, his teeth clenched, his breath grew still, his eyes closed tightly so to stop the persistent tears. Kakashi was too strong to cry, he had to be. Just like how his father raised him. Kakashi's mind wandered to his father and when he last saw him. When the other's spoke of their parents, they always talked about the happiest memories; walks around the village, visiting the Yamanaka flower shop, making bets against an Akamichi in an all-you-can-eat contest, breakfast at the kitchen table.

Jonin sworn to serve the Hokage and protect the villagers.

Would things be any different, would I be here, if I had a mother? Kakashi often wondered, trying to remember what his mother looked like before her death. It was hard for him to forget what his father looked like; all he had to do was look in the mirror. Kakashi resembled his father so greatly that he had been mistaken for him several times.

Kakashi groaned, frustrated to have these thoughts come up so early in the day. It always meant that his parents would be on his mind all day, making it difficult to find motivation to do much of anything for the rest of the day.

Turning onto his side and staring out the window, the sun came over the distance sky, turning it into a wave of pink, dark purple and blue. Kakashi knew that once the sun had risen above the cliff with the carving of the Hokage faces, he would never get back to sleep. He heard the mother of the household singing to herself in the hallway. Once her voice faded, Kakashi decided it was safe to get up and wake the rest of the other boys. Once he was dressed in a black hoodie and pants, he walked over to the bed on the right side of the room where the twins slept. He ruffled Kobi's blond hair, patted Notsuo's back, they rolled onto their backs and yawned, looking up at Kakashi with tired green eyes.

"Come on, time to get up." Then, he walked over to Kenji and pulled off his sheets. Kenji yawned wide and tried to stretch. And then, he walked back over to the twins, who were still laying in bed with their eyes closed.

Kakashi sighed, bending over, picked up Notsuo, and placed him on the floor. The toddler yawned and rubbed his eyes, then he turned around and pulled on Kobi's arm. Kobi fought for a moment before deciding to get up and out of bed. While he was opening his eyes, Notsuo pulled Kobi towards the door and attempted to reach for the doorknob. Kakashi chuckled lightly. Notsuo tries to act like the older brother of the two, acting like he was older than three and much taller. Kakashi shook his head, walked over to the door and opened it.

"Thank you." Notsuo bowed, then pulled his half awake brother out of the room.

"Are you getting out of bed or what?" Kakashi asked over his shoulder at Kenji, still laying on his back. "At your weight, it's dangerous to be on your back."

"Yeah, yeah, I've heard it all before." Kenji groaned in pain, waddling and rolling around in the bed until he managed to sit up in his bed. Kenji was eight years old, but had the body of an overweight teen with an appetite of a full grown adult. Kakashi pitied the overweight boy, wheezing and panting on the bed like he had just ran a marathon. The aroma of breakfast filtered into the room, and Kenji smiled. In a blink of an eye, he had rolled out of bed, was on his feet and out of the room.

"He can hardly reach above his head to put away a dish, but he can get downstairs for meal time without much trouble." Kakashi yawned, leaving the room.

He walked up to the staircase and began his descent, wondering what mission was waiting for him today. Half way down the stairwell, Kakashi felt a hand slap his back. He spun around, hands clenched into a tight fist and met the face of a boy around his age. This boy had shiny black hair shaped like a bowl around his head, black eyes, a very large nose and very bushy eye brows. The boy looked at him with curiosity, but his smile was wide and excitable.

"Good morning." The boy greeted with heavy enthusiasm, his black eyes full of joy and excitement.

"Good morning."Kakashi said plainly, waving. Then, he tilted his head, recognizing him from somewhere. "I've never seen you around here before. Are you new?"

"Yes, I am. Just moved in this morning." He said proudly, pointing at the two bags along the edge of the wall.

Only two bags? Kakashi thought, then he examined Gai's attire. A black sleeve-less jumpsuit with an orange scarf and orange striped leg warmers that seem to be almost as clean as the day they were bought in a store.

Simple, energetic, clean, he'll fit right in, Kakashi decided.

"I'm Might Gai." He said, smiling with bright, shiny teeth.

"Kakashi Hatake." Kakashi said, plainly, putting his left hand in his pocket. "You seem rather cheerful this morning. How long have you been up?"

"It's the start of a brand new day!" He jumped and raised his arms over his head. "That means anything can happen! Start of something new to work towards. But, each day begins with a vigorous training routine. And it's more fun with a friend to challenge. Care to join me?"

Kakashi was surprised. They had just met and he was asking Kakashi to train with him. That's when Kakashi remembered where he had first seen Might Gai; Gai was just outside the Academy Gates with his father and they ran into Kakashi and his father. Kakashi was glad to be wearing his mask, he didn't want Gai to see his teeth biting into his lower lip. That would only lead to questions Kakashi wasn't ready to answer.

Less than a year was all it took. In such a short amount of time, Kakashi's life had gone through a drastic change.

"Hey, are you ok?" Gai asked, his smile had disappeared, concern filled his dark eyes, his hand was on Kakashi's shoulder. Kakashi backed up and shook the depressed thoughts from his head.

"Sorry, I was just lost in thought. What did you say?"

"Well, do you care to join me in a vigorous training session this morning?"

"We better not." Kakashi answered, hearing a familiar singing downstairs. "The 'Mother' of the household will be upset if everyone's not present at the table for breakfast."

The disappoinment in Gai's face felt so heavy that it formed a rock in Kakashi's gut. He didn't want to let Gai down, actually, he wanted to challenge him just to let out some steam. However, as he recalled the first time Kobi had a tantrum over a toy in the market, 'Mother' had taken away all his toys for the entire day and she placed him in the libaray stuck inside his play pen surrounded by books and a television set until bed time. Kakashi never heard a young boy scream so much and so loud in his life. Although he has broken some of the rules, he was only punished by being sent to his room for the entire day unless he was required for a mission, that was the only exception. And he didn't want Gai to suffer with this being his first day.

"Look, you just started here, so I'll give you a few pointers." Kakashi explained as briefly as he could before they had to be at the table. "The parents are very by the book, if you don't follow the rules, you receive punishment. Even just saying 'no' will get you sent to your room without supper. It seems unfair, it probably is, but considering how many kids they have to look after, they have to rule with an iron fist. So, just follow my lead, keep your opinion to yourself, you'll fit in just fine."

"Kakashi Hatake!" He heard her sing his name, sending an uncomfortable chill down his spine.

"When she starts calling your name like that, we're getting close to breaking a rule. She'll give you a subtle hint, a bit of a warning at first, but you don't want to push it." He walked down a few steps, then said over his shoulder: "Come on, let's go."

Kakashi heard Gai follow him at a slower pace, no doubt slouching and pouting. He rounded the corner into the kitchen and placed himself at an empty chair at the table.

Five children surrounded the table while Mother cooked. Wearing her white apron she quickly made breakfast as Father left for the day without greeting the children. Kakashi took a seat next to Haru and Gai stood in front of Mother. She rests her delicate hands on Gai's shoulders, her green eyes wide and excited, her bright blond hair fell into large curls over her broad shoulders. Kakashi stared at what looked like food in the center of the table. Blackened toast on one plate, undercooked eggs on another, steaming hot ham next to that, red and green vegetables mixed with too much vinegar sat in the center of the other dishes. The only thing that seemed to be edible was the cold green tea. One of the other things he had grown accustomed to was different kinds of cooking, and how easily it was to tell who had a genuine talent for the culinary arts, and those who believed they had it.

"Everyone, I want you to welcome Might Gai. He is new to our family." Mother introduced with a delicate voice, squeezing his shoulders. Gai maintained his enthusiastic smile through the pain from her perfectly trimmed nails digging into his shoulders.

Kakashi never caught her name, even when he was dropped off at this Home, she insisted that the Case Worker address her as 'Mother' as well. All the children called her their mother, even her own husband. And everyone knew him as 'Father' or as 'sir', no names, only titles. Whenever they were out in public, both parents would call the children their son's and daughter's, the children would introduce each other as 'my brother' or 'my sister' to other children when the parents were present. It was like the parents were trying to make it seem as though they were a true family.

Some family, Kakashi thought to himself. He sat and listened to her explain the rules to Gai without a care. Mother pointed to the right, opposite of where Kakashi sat.

"This is Mai, the oldest and only daughter." Mai waved and went on playing with her blond hair.

Snob, Kakashi thought.

"Next to her is Kenji." Kenji paused and waved, food dropping from his mouth. When they first metl, Kakashi thought he was a member of the Akamichi clan, he had their red hair and their appetite. But wouldn't a member of the clan adopt him?

"Next to him is Haru." Haru didn't give any acknowledge that he heard her. He lowered his hood and dropped his head down, but he managed to wave a greeting to Gai.

"Next are the twins, Kobi and Natsuo." The twins sitting next to Kakashi and continued to throw food at each other. They stopped when they heard her say their names.

Then, she held her hand to Kakashi. "And I assume you already met Kakashi."

"Of course!" Gai yelled."I ran into him this morning. I, still, hope you will join me for morning training." Gai mentioned again.

Kakashi sighed.

"Sure, I'll join you. But do not be too disappointed if you lose to me."

"I will win! That I promise!" He shouted, scaring everyone. Even Haru raised his head.

Mother giggled lightly. "Now please eat breakfast. You may proceed with this challenge afterwards, but food comes first." She gave Gai a gentle push forward and he sat beside Kakashi. Kakashi, his plate already made for him, picked at his food while Gai mowed down everything and dashed for seconds. He looked over at Kakashi, noticing his food was nothing more than mash and spread around like lumpy dressing on his plate.

"Are you going to eat?" Gai asked swallowing a mouthful of food. "It's always good to eat before training, you know."

"I'm not really the breakfast person." Kakashi replied pushing the food away, repulsed that Gai could swallow anything the food that was on his plate without feeling nauseated. "Besides, you were going to start training before breakfast, if I recall."

Gai ignored the last remark and pushed the plate back. The strong scent of vinegar invaded his nostril's. "Come on, you must be a little hungry. Everyone's hungry in the morning."

"Everyone but me."Kakashi pushed it back.

"Come on."Gai pushed in back.

"No."

For ten minutes they argued and pushed the food back and forth. Each time the plate was pushed back, Kakashi grew more and more angry and frustrated. What was so hard for Gai to understand? No means no, that's the bottom line. Why does he care so much? None of the other children were adamant about Kakashi eating like the way Gai is, and it was starting to grow more annoying with each push.

Haru and the other's watched, resiting the urge to laugh and join in, except for Kobi and Notsuo who were laughing and throwing food around. Haru lowered further down into his seat, pretending to hide. Kenji continued to eat like a spectator eating a bag full of chips while watching sports.

"Boys!" Mother yelled, Kakashi and Gai froze with their hands on the plate. She took a deep breath, stood much closer to the table, crossing her arms against her large chest, her green eyes hard and cold. "Gai, I know this is your fist day, so I will let you off with a warning. But, in this house, we mind our own business and take care of our own being." Those eyes darted over to Kakashi. "Kakashi, you know the rules, and you will eat your food. Why must you fight about this every single morning?"

"I could ask you the same thing." Kakashi shot, sitting back in his chair.

"Because it is the rules!" She shouted, slamming her hand on the table, her gaze hard and cold like ice. "I don't know what I have to do to get threw to you that, while living under this roof, you are to follow the rules or accept the consequences! That is how the real world works and that is how this house is run!"

Kakashi felt something snap. He shot up from his chair so hard and fast that his chair tumbled backwards, his hands slammed against the table, his face close to her's, meeting her gaze with equal coldness. He took a deep breath. "I follow the Ninja Code, those are the only rules I will ever follow and will ever care about. To hell with your rules! To hell with everyone else's rules! I will not follow anyone else's rules and wind up like him!"

He didn't wait for her to punish him, he didn't give her the chance. Quickly, he ran to the back door, yanked it open and slammed it shut behind him.

"Not again." Mother whispered to herself, nails digging into her skin and her eyes were closed.

Gai wiped his face clean, Kakashi's words echoed in his ears, his heart grew heavy as his thoughts went back to his own parents. His father and mother didn't install the 'Ninja Code' into Gai, but did teach him the importance of protecting someone precious. At first, Gai didn't understand what that meant until his mother's death.

Everyone is precious, baby boy, she once said, that is why we are put into teams. We need to understand the values of relationships among comrades, for they have families and loved ones just like you. If they survive, they return to raise their child, embrace their spouses, change the world someday! Just remember, baby boy, every relationship is precious and must be protected.

Every relationship, including foster brothers? Gai wondered. Then he smiled and went to stand up.

"Oh, uh, I have finished. Um, may I be excused?" He asked in a slow manner, hoping he remembered the rules at the table.

"Good job for remembering the rules, dear." Mother looked up and smiled. "You are excused. Haru, sit up! Kenji, slow down! Kobi and Notsuo, knock it off!"

Gai complied while Mother continued to bark orders. He placed his plate and cup in the sink, then ran outside. The sun was already above the tree's, blinding him with it's ray's.

"Ah, such a beautiful day." He whispered as his eyes adjusted.

"Hey! Kakashi! Where did you go!?" Gai yelled, looking around the yard full of high tree's. Kakashi was dressed in black, so it made it easy for him to blend in with the shadows.

You can't tell me what to do, Kakashi thought to himself. After the argument at breakfast, Kakashi ran into the woods and disappeared into one of the taller tree's with thick bunches of leaves. A perfect den. He wanted to get along with the parents of his new Home, but it only angered him when they punished him for disobeying the rules. It was hard enough that he already felt as though he were being punished for another person disobeying the rules.

Then, he heard Gai's voice from a distance. What is it with this new guy? What's the deal with him? If I don't want to eat, then I don't want to eat. Kakashi sat against a tree with his head in his hands, pressed against his knees. All he wanted was to be left alone.