First I concluded it strange, then, almost impossible. True of all the foes I've faced in my short -and tedious- twenty-eight years were different persons with undisclosed lives -usually- and untold struggles. An ally was an entirely dissimilar matter. With an enemy, if the foe was peculiar to the normality your best bet at life was to kill on sight. Comrades, you couldn't murder them if they put you at illease -though there are some people in the village capable of doing so.

The Uzumaki was odd, not his amnesia, for I couldn't say I'd known someone to have ever suffered from it. Merely in his actions. Unlike everyone I knew, he was simply too lively. Practically became luminescent with a glow of life, he smiled wider then most, had loser shoulders, gazed at everything with childlike wonder. I could only name it abnormal, as I've never seen such a disposition before. Not even from young children with long lives spread before them, my Kakashi laughed and smile though he reserved himself far more then most. Still Naruto seemed so much more indulgent then any kid I've met.

Although, most of my friend's/comrade's children were around Kakashi's age, and three years old was not a very good landscape for judgement.

I do consider that perhaps comparing an adult to children probably varied on some manner of rude. Moreso when I was practically calling him childish in the process. Though that certainly wasn't my intent! In fact it was actually rather cute when I compared it to some women I've seen doing similar when visiting the daycare center. The same manner of alluring as when I'd found myself intermingled with Kakashi's Mother. Naruto-kun did not appear to be of the same conduct as she however, far more intrigued by general curious nature, with a simplistic side of pure trust that not even kids indulged in these days. Memory lost or not, it would seem I am having trouble believing he had lived at all in this war-torn time.

It simply made no sense, to have someone so carefree trained for combat. I peered at his face: he had a heart shaped facial structure, wide set beautiful blue eyes, and smooth warm tanned skin, exotic wisker like markings, glowing golden hair... Were it not for how short it was cut, and the flatness of his chest I could be easily fooled into thinking him a woman. Then again, perhaps I was only making assumptions and he was in fact, a she. For now, until I actually had the balls to ask outright I'd only use genderneutral terms, I didn't want to accidentally offend Naruto-kun was actually a kunoichi. Nonetheless, as embarrassing as it was to consider, they are very... exotic, beautiful even. So perhaps they are a part of the Seduction Division? It would at least account for their lack of memories, such a division did rely on secrecy. Perhaps something had gone wrong an infiltration mission where their target had found them out?

All I am thinking is pure speculation, far fetched as nothing is actually known.

"You have very beautiful hair." I didn't realize that I was even thinking that before it slipped out. How stupid sounding, it was something my son would've said in his blunt nature. Not a fully grown shinobi. To my surprise, however, their pride did not seem to be insulted and instead a large grin curved on their face. Honestly, one of the most genuine I have ever seen, brightened by sincerity.

"I don't know why, but that feels like the first time I've ever been told something like that." That couldn't be true, even if their inclination was right, I couldn't believe it to be. Not with such a luminous appearance.

I shook myself, we were close to the daycare now, and while it would normally feel disquieting to have a stranger in my house alongside my son, mentally it didn't seem to conflict with my paternal instincts. Objectively, I should always be a little wary, but with this Uzumaki, any ingrained paranoia was soothed by the conduct of their warm persona. Namely, if Kakashi was in danger, my mind was telling me that Naruto would not be the one responsible.

I hadn't looked to the shadows about, but it seemed to be in the middle the day, and as a result, almost all the kids were at the nearby park. Each of them playing, the older ones a more brutal game of capture the flag, while those younger were being monitored by the volunteers in a corner with some blocks. My son among the latter grouping, though he was watching the older kids with interested eyes. Clapping along occasionally when one of them managed to grab a flag, or when they were stopped by the opposition. It was adorable.

"Aww~ They're so cute dattebayo!" A chuckle escaped me unbidden as my companion echoed my thoughts unintentionally, that same bright full smile from earlier illuminating their aura. I had to stop myself from attacking as my arm was suddenly grasped and I was pulled down, sharply. "Ne! Ne! Do you have a kid Sakumo-san!?" Excitement poured off them, actually, it was more like hope. Normally this might alarm me, however, given how they seemed so genuinely happy at the prospect, cobalt eyes lightened into Azure, I am confident it was not a question to exploit weakness.

"Ah..." Before I could answer with something intelligent, the supervisor took notice of me, waving. Naturally, I gave a small gesture back, rather occupied by the fact that I was still being held captive by a fellow shinobi. They did let me go after a moment, the children once more taking their attention, seemingly they were rather scatterbrained. The type to get distracted if I flashed a clean kunai in the sunlight.

"Tou-san!" Blinking the thoughts away, I smiled as my son came running to me, small arms extended for a hug and smiling sweetly. I crouched low, catching him as he launches himself at me, joyous as always to see me. It filled me with a pride that he was still so happy with life, let alone that I could give him a kiss on his chubby cheeks without a begrudgement of maturity.

"Kakashi-chan! Were you good for the daycare people?" He nodded at me with a serious sharp nod, I have to imagine he copied that from somewhere, maybe his mother, but I kind of doubted that. At least I could remain reassured that he was probably telling the truth. He rarely caused trouble when I wasn't home, though Horonigai was prone to complain about how alike me he was, after having taken him for the week. It would irritate me if our relationship wasn't so disdainful. Before I could ask anything else he was looking to Naruto-kun, who I'd forgotten was travelling beside us, they were suddenly so quiet.

I shifted Kakashi to my other hip so I could better look at our guest, just in case. Visually there was nothing wrong, but he didn't seem very coherent, merely blinking at the ground. Their eyes weren't bleak so they weren't stuck in their mind, but certainly thinking deeply, and they seemed to be clutching a pendant or necklace, hidden by the high collared jumpsuit. "Who 're you?" I was going to reprimand Kakashi for such a rude way to ask, but they didn't seem fazed by it. Smiling small, I might've blinked more then normal in surprise as I recognized the expression. Naruto had the same warm expression that I saw many of the caregivers at the daycare bestow to the children, a visage that could only be shown when looking at, or dealing with children. I'd describe it as pure compassion.

"Just a guest Kakashi-chan. I hope its okay if I stay with you and your Dad for a few days?" They were actually asking, not just playing kind or humorous, truly asking for permission from my son.

Maybe it was purely parental feelings, but something in me caved towards the mystery shinobi at that moment: As Kakashi hesitantly answered, a blush and a pout because of that blush, on his face. "I guess that's alright.. Can you make food? Tou-san is a bad at it." That made me want to pout, at least I'd already known it, but he didn't need to tell anyone that so plainly.

"Sure! I'll make you the best dinner you've ever eaten dattebayo!" Again, they grinned wide. It was honestly alarming just how jocund they could make the air, with merely a smile.

-------------------

Naruto was making... something, I couldn't say I knew what. They were running about my kitchen, apologizing every few minutes for using my food. I can't say it bothers me much, while the village was technically rationed, it wasn't nearly as bad as it had been when I was a child. So by my own standards, if we had so much food, we may as well make something tasty of it. That is, if I had any cooking talent whatsoever.

My skills could be great in the field, but when it came to preparing meals, I just hadn't learned enough. The rather mysterious shinobi in my kitchen, however, looked to be quite adept, or at least better then myself -admittedly that isn't much of a feat. With my son very occupied with his very important doll collection, I think it would be prudent to open myself up for some conversation with my guest. Perhaps try to kickstart some memories for them.

"You are quite good in the kitchen Naruto-kun, where did you learn?" They poked their tongue out in concentration as they sliced the salmon. Giving me an innocent look over the fish.

"I'm not really sure. I just know I've done it a lot as a kid. I don't have any glittering visions of a parent doing it for me. Not even vaguely." This didn't seem to sadden them, I suppose that isn't shocking. Maybe they were an orphan, it wouldn't be strange, most shinobi, and plenty of citizens had died in recent years, before the war as well, this, from the remaining traps and grudges left from the First Shinobi War.

Testing my own boundaries a little, maybe I should ask something a bit more uncomfortable. "Say, not to offend you Naruto-kun, but are you a girl or a boy?" I did not want to be continuously disrespecting after all. There was a large pause, a head tilt in questioning of self and then I got a large grin.

"You know, I'm not really sure. I think I'm both actually." That, was not what I was expecting in the slightest.

"So... You're intersexual?" It wasn't really my business, at all, but my curiosity had gotten the better of me. Whatever the case, it wasn't a bother of mine, but Lord Third would probably have to create another shinobi file eventually if Naruto-kun couldn't remember anything, so it wasn't a complete waste of time to ask.

"Is Kakashi-chan listening?" I shook my head. Appreciative his young age was considered.

"I have female... Bits, as well as male, so that does make me intersexual I suppose." Another pause. "I think...I'm a girl though, I want to be pretty, and called a girl." While I couldn't particularly understand, having never been in that situation, I would at least respect Naruto's wishes on the matter. "I mean, I'm technically both, but, I think I could be one hell of a kickass woman!" It wasn't my place to argue. Besides Naruto-kun was smiling so happy, like she'd just figured out a grand secret and I couldn't possibly encroach on that.

So, she, it was then.

Before I could ask another question and defuse the awkward feeling crawling up my spine, from having asked something so personal. As she put some rice to boil she looked to me, speculation shining in her eyes, as she grasped a knife to cut open a packet of something. "What about Kakashi-chan's Mother? Will she mind that I'm here?" It was obviously not meant to be a tense question, even still it made me sigh at just the thought.

"No, at least I doubt it. Horonigai-san is a civilian, and we've been divorced for two years now." I glimpsed at my son, playing with his dolls as was normal. He was pretty attached to them for some reason unknown to me, glad that he wasn't paying attention. Nevertheless, I am not going to speak ill of his mother while he's in the room.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up something sensitive. Does he still go see her? Or..." Looking back, at the girl -newfound- I noticed she was looking at me with a concerned bite of her lower lip. Clearly feeling guilty for having brought it up, and yet wondering if it had been due to abuse or something of the like. Not surprising, things could get violent with shinobi-civilian couples if things fell apart.

"Ah, she takes him every other week if I'm not in the village. Otherwise, he has to go to the daycare." Naruto gave me a smile as she heard it, relief, I imagine.

"That's good! Does Kakashi-chan like it at her place?" I don't really know, he does tell me when they do fun things together, but nothing very generalized. I know he doesn't like her new boyfriend who will sometimes stop by while she's spending time with Kakashi. Other then that my son didn't really share any details. I said as much, and Naruto-kun 'hummed' under her breath, unconcerned, but otherwise said nothing.

It was strange, I had several good friends about the village, but none of us asked about each other's children unless it was to make sure they were doing well. That wasn't to say it was unwelcome, I am always happy to talk about my pride and joy.

"Chibi! Dinner's ready! You'll like it I promise dattebayo!" As if to make a point she pumped her fist high into the air a most determined gleam in her eyes turning them a navy blue rather then the lighter tones. I was almost tempted to warn her to avoid hitting the ceiling. But I think she may be too short for that.

Before coming over, I saw him gently placing his dolls in the basket, only with the utmost care, of course. Then walking over to us with a small smile on his face, creasing his tiny mole upwards with his lip. We both ended up smiling as the meal was put before us "Itadakimasu!" Kakashi shouted louder then I.

I heard the woman across whisper it to herself before digging in. It was a little odd, but then again, food used to be a bit of a luxury. Taking my first bite was flavourful, and while I had eaten better in a professional setting, it was by far some of the best homemade fish I've ever eaten. Beside me, a hearty 'yummy!' sounded in agreement. Naruto smiled, food causing a bump in her cheek as she swallowed.

"Ma, I take it I made good on my promise?" I saw a flash of nodding silver hair out of the corner of my eye. "Good. I never go back on my word ya know!" I wanted to laugh at her boisterous personality, present even as we ate but restrained myself.

"Don't eat so fast Kakashi, I know its better then mine, but you still need to watch for bones," I warned instead. Getting a grumpy stare in return. "You're too sassy for your own good..." He's three, I had expected the sass later on, not was he barely past toddler stage. In front of me Naruto gave a startled half-choke, half-gasping sound ripping the plate out from Kakashi's grasp and bolting to the kitchen with a furrow to her brow.

"Naruto-kun?" It was more for the baffled expression on my son that I asked. She didn't even look at me, but she seemed angry if the way her face was scrunched up was any indication.

"I completely forgot to take out the bones, I'm an idiot." Her voice was bleak, it was said as a resigned fact. Now picking apart the fish into a pile of meat that couldn't be recognized. Though it was nice to have someone consider my sons' safety, I know well enough the caution isn't necessary. And I expected Kakashi to make a bit of a fuss over this, and for a moment it looked like he was going to, but then he just decided to pout where he sat.

"He's a clever kid Naruto-kun, he can take them out himself." The look I got for that comment wasn't quite a glare, but it was close. I barely heard the murmur she didn't want me hearing.

"He's a kid, he shouldn't have to protect himself like that yet."

Nonetheless she put the plate back in front of him, a shadowed feeling in the atmosphere directly around her. Without empathy, I knew what it was from merely her body language.

Depression.

----------------------

I slept with Kakashi snuggled up to me that night. Deciding no matter the kind nature displayed, I just didn't want to risk my everything around someone I hardly knew yet. In the cover of darkness, if she was clever enough and quick, she could kill my son and escape even with her chakra sealed. I doubted it, but still, my cautious side won the argument. At least as he was really young junior didn't mind at all, going so far as to cuddle into me for warmth. Which may or may not have made me slightly teary-eyed.

I woke first and left Kakashi to sleep, still holding a small plushie in his little arms. I crossed into the kitchen deciding against socks and changing. Coffee was what I needed, but that wasn't something I could afford at the moment, so caffeinated tea would have to do. I also needed to make some form of breakfast.

Hearing a scuffle from the futon I'd pulled out, I wasn't surprised to see our guest stumble in, eyes almost completely closed and an unflattering amount of drool still on her chin. "Asa... Do you want me to make food?" I laughed, she was a funny image in the morning. "I can do breakfast Naruto-kun, don't worry."

"Stop laughing at me... baka ero-sennin." Then she kind of slumped over before trodding to the futon in the living area and flopping down on it, completely dead to the world. Though she was clearly half-asleep when said, I had to wonder who this pervert was. Then again, it could have been her boyfriend or something she might've been having a dream about, it did sound like an affectionate nickname. I did find the frog wallet she was holding a little strange, though, not all shinobi could sleep without comfort, so maybe that was her version of Kakashi's dog plushie.

I couldn't help but notice that while her chest was completely flat as a boy's, she has feminine curves under her shirt. Normally it wasn't something I could see underneath such a baggy jumpsuit, but she had stripped down to her undershirt which was a black T-shirt, and revealed more of her figure. I felt a little hot under the collar, well, maybe I was a pervert after all.

The smell must have woken her back up, because not long after having gone back to sleep she came back into the kitchen, headband around her neck and jacket not zipped up. Rubbing at her eyes, and still stumbling about slightly. "Ara, do you need help with anything?" I was flipping pancakes, and the kettle was beginning to whistle. "I could make the tea." She didn't wait for a response.

"Poor some for Kakashi as well, there should be enough water for all three of us." Nodding, not awake yet, she did just that as I began plating the finished cakes of the pan.

"Do you have to do anything today?" I turned to her, taking note that she was far more wide-eyed after having drunken some steaming caffeinated tea.

"Well, getting you some more clothes would be a good idea. Maybe reintroduce you to the village."