Crystal Lightning || (Kakashi Hatake x OC)

Lonely Nights - LEISURE

"Hey, dad. I miss you. You too, mum."

Dark clouds loomed over the village as the subtle rumble of thunder rolled in. The black slug nestled around Kakashi's shoulders as if it was a scarf. The air was humid, indicating that it will rain any time soon. He was sat on the grass, hugging his knees, staring at the tombstone that had his father's name engraved in it. Next to it was his mother's grave, the woman who he had no memory of yet had left a hole in his heart. After the high of discovering his true feelings for Akira, he fell back into one of his lows. It came from the feeling of fear. His intrusive thoughts made him believe that having feelings for someone will send him into an endless hole of solitude. Look at his parents.

"Akira is a Kekkei Genkai, and she's becoming better at controlling it. I saw it myself on our first mission together. She's becoming better. I hope you can see that. I hope you can see me, dad. Auntie Ari is also always saying what a wonderful person you are. I'm happy you shared that with her."

There was no one around but the sound of nature singing in the background. It seemed peaceful, unlike his heart. He felt so small and insignificant, and the world just felt big and intimidating.

"I don't think I'm doing well without you guys. Everyone is trying to help out, but I still need you to be here with me. I am your son after all. Dad, why'd you have to do that? You could've just finish that stupid mission." His nose flared and his throat felt dry, "Was I not important enough for you to stay?"

That night. He thinks about that night every day, especially before bed. It haunts him. The pool of blood drying on the floor, and the stench that burnt his nostrils. The blank stare of his father's lifeless eyes. Kakashi may have his hands stained by the enemy's blood, but it felt different. It only reminded him of the anger he had for his father. It only made him hungrier for revenge. The shinobi life killed his father, right?

"I don't want to end up like you."

Rain began to trickle before it got heavier, and the sound of raindrops had all blurred into a roar of loud claps. He puts the hood of his coat on and lingered for another minute or two, taking in one last look of his father's name.

He finally walked away with a heavy heart. It has been complicated trying to understand and accept his father's death, even if a few years have passed. His head was hung low as he walked through the streets of the village, the black slug curled up on top of his head now. He dragged his feet until he was met with a small bookshop. A new issue of his favourite manga had just been released.

The square windows of the shop televised the shopkeeper sipping a hot tea, enjoying the rain. A balding old man wearing a pair of round reading glasses. He waved Kakashi in.

The bell rang as Kakashi shyly opened the door. He took his hood off and greeted the man with a bow.

"I haven't seen you in a while, boy. Is everything okay?"

"Yes, I've just been busy with missions."

"My, my, how much you've grown." He shuffled behind the cashier and pulled out the manga that Kakashi was staring out from outside. "I saved you the last copy."

He patted his pockets only to find out that he doesn't have his wallet with him. He smiled at the shopkeeper apologetically, "I don't have my wallet with me. Maybe some other time."

"Don't worry, I'll get it for you." A woman interjected. She peeked from one of the shelves, her long red hair dangling freely. "Haven't gotten you a birthday present, ya know? Sorry it's late."

"I... You don't have to...."

"I haven't seen you in a while. Minato must've been keeping you busy, huh?" She approached the dripping wet boy, "Why don't you have dinner with us tonight?"