When A Petal Falls

Quit crying your eyes out

Song note:// Baby come on by +44

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Kakashi Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

The moonlight lit the sky, mirrored on the street as he walked into the building. Kakashi sat in slight discomfort at the side of the bar in the usual pub. Head hung low and shoulders heavy but no noticeable scrapes or bruises. This indicated to the bar man that the possibility that Kakashi's visit was more than simple post-mission drink. The barman appeared curious as he passed the small jug over. Though as always, with lips pressed in to a thin line and with a brief momentary pause he made his leave from the heavy lidded figure at his bar.

"Hey, sorry would you mind if I took two cups. I am intending to visit an old friend, it doesn't need to be anything special, any old ones would do." Came a melancholy voice from behind him.

The owner halted, and reached under the counter, and with gentle care placed two fine sake cups upon the bar. "Any old friends of yours Kakashi, deserve only the finest. And honestly, I know where you drink if you lose them, tell your friend he is gone but not forgotten. The people of Konoha are forever grateful".

The barman let the hint of smile escape as he looked at the copy-nin before he turned to study the copper bottles under the bar. A small dusty outline caught the barman's eye, after a quick review of the label he placed it in front of the solemn man.

"It's an old thing, don't protest. No one drinks this stuff here, the least you could do as a regular would be to take it out of my hands, right?" His eye's glaze slightly at what seems like a fond memory. "Plus it was his usual".

With a dismissing wave he turned on his heel, "go meet your friend Kakashi-sama, come back with those cups mind you". The barman listened for the protest that wouldn't come just encase, as he gave space to a man he respected.

After thanking the silhouette of a familiar friend Kakashi spun out from the bar and promptly left.

He jumped to the rooftops speeding towards the Hokage monument. His mind clouded with the day's turmoil's, and the ghost of Sakura's face haunted him to the point he swore he saw her in streets.

With heave of effort Kakashi landed squarely on his destination. Landing with practiced graced upon the soft curve of the stone he placed the cups in front of him. Opening the bottle, he filled the cup. The scent of alcohol filling the night air.

Draining the cup, he sighed. Placing a hand on the cool stone face. "Sensei" he whispered under voice. "Senju Hashirama, Senju Tobirama, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Namikaze Minato, Senju Tsunade. Am I ready to lead, Minato sensei?"

The cool air chilled and the gentle breeze caressed Kakashi's heated face. He looked at the shadows cast by the lantern he had brought with him. Looking at the deepening shadows with each flicker the wind caused, reminding him of a solitary shadow peaking on the very same monument. A deafening roar, a single silhouette, jacket billowing in the night's breeze. One man channelling the will of fire, staring into an oncoming storm of the ferocious hatred from the nine-tails, a devastating attack irresistible by very nature.

With that thought he looked out at the village, the lights, the noises, the smells. He was overcome with gratitude and the gravity of how's life pulling him forward. He would sacrifice himself for the village. He had always been ready and willing, however now that he has reason to live, responsibility. The village must go on, he thought to himself. The team has been dissolved, split and separated. His small spark of happiness being transferred away. Hinging on this one appointment he was rooted.

The weights and shackles of the village almost insufferable for the first time...ever, and with a defeated sigh, lay back to think.

Plagued by a need for answers he thought on his yellowed haired teacher and his infinite well of wisdom.