Crystal Lightning || (Kakashi Hatake x OC)

Cause I'm a Man - Tame Impala

Kakashi stirred in bed, the black slug weighing down on him again. It was the picture on his bedside table, as always. He knew from the moment he saw Sakumo's lifeless body that he will never recover, no matter how much time has passed. It will forever be the scar that will make his heart ugly. Days become a blur, and it felt so exhausting as well as effortful to have to constantly keep himself at bay. Every single day, he would have to forcefully convince himself that there are people who still love and care about him. It was a bit much for him sometimes. Regardless of the support, he's still ultimately alone. Intrusive thoughts lingered in his mind, shaping his judgement as he carries out his responsibilities. He has noticed the whispers all along but never told anyone. Dad shouldn't have done that. This wouldn't happen. He wouldn't have to do this to me. If he just did what he had to do. Did he really not think about me?

"Oi! Kakashi!" Someone banged on the door,

That voice. He groaned in despair,

"Get up! Open up!"

The mission is still tonight! He cursed under his breath,

"Hurry! Open up!"

He then kicked his covers and stomped towards the door, "What do you want, Obito?"

"Whoa, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed." Obito placed his hands on his hip, "Geez, relax!"

"Thought we'd surprise you with lunch!" Rin was there too,

"Do you really sleep with the mask on?" He pointed out, "Get dressed! Minato-sensei is taking us out for ramen!"

"Did I say that?" Minato rubbed the back of his neck,

"Come on, sensei! It's Kakashi-otōto's birthday!"

If Kakashi was being honest, he didn't feel like celebrating. He didn't need to be reminded about the life he was about to have without Sakumo. He didn't need to know that his life will continue even if his father is no longer with him. He especially didn't need to know that he was growing further from what he has left of his father. He didn't need to be reminded that it has been around four years since his father's death. Time had been rushing him to move on when he just wants the world to stop. He wasn't ready, he needed closure.

"Okay, okay."

"Well? We don't have all day!" Obito shooed Kakashi back in,

"Hey! Where are you guys going?" Akira yelled from her door with Hatchi sitting next to her like a bodyguard,

"Hey, imouto! Come with us for ramen!"

"Huh?" Minato checked his wallet nervously, "I guess I'll be fine."

"Can I please come too, Minato-sensei?" She clasped her hand together and gave him puppy-dog eyes,

It was no help with Hatchi assisting her. He whimpered and acted adorable to enhance the severity of her pleading.

"Sure thing, kiddo!" He is so weak when it comes to kids. 

The ramen bar was filled with Team Minato and Akira, just hanging out before their first co-op mission. They were supposed to leave tonight, after supper, so they can arrive at their inn in time for bed. The mission will start in the morning when they will separate from Minato and Choza. The kids were assigned a C-rank mission given their experience and skills on top of their ranks, where they will capture a group of bandits and thieves that has been terrorising the rural villages on the border of the Land of Fire. The leader of this group is a rouge ninja, so Minato and Choza will take care of it. The leader is a famous ninja from the Curtain Village, a place known to host the only black market in the region.