"Empaths feel more deeply, more intensely, and more persistently than those around us. We even feel what other people are afraid to feel within themselves."

-Mateo Sol

I

Hibana

Spark

The summer solstice is upon Konoha once again.

With a sigh, Tadanobu Okemia rose from her bed. She glanced at the calendar pinned near her desk, molten gold eyes narrowing in offence. Three days, huh? Why do I even bother anymore?

The approaching June day meant the biannual celebration thrown by her clan. Over time, the meaning of the party itself had changed. Now, it was simply a village tradition for shinobi and civilians alike to attend, to drink, and be merry. It was a way for civilians to show their thanks to the ninja who protected them and a reminder to the shinobi as to why they fight. However, in the last few years, to Okemia, it was a burden she was forced to bear. Why?

The Tadanobu's had lost their clan status ten years ago. And the real kicker? Okemia was the last living Tadanobu in the Land of Fire as far as she knew. So, why did she continue this tradition? She supposed, in some way, that it honored the memory of her family. It made her feel closer to the deceased relatives that she once held in such high esteem.

Also, the whole village expected it twice a year, on both the summer and the winter solstice, and Okemia hated to disappoint anyone.

Resigning herself to her upcoming fate, Okemia made to get ready for her day. After her brisk shower, she situated her long, copper hair in a loose bun and secured it with two metal rods. She pulled on her sleeveless, dark green kimono top and black shorts, finishing the last tie around her neck.

Next, she quietly made her way into the small kitchen. She filled her kettle and clicked on the stove to let it boil. Okemia eyed her plants on the small deck. The sun hadn't quite risen yet, but she figured the small herbs must be thirsty. She retrieved the pitcher from under the sink and filled it to the brim. She slid open the glass door to her small deck, which she shared with the neighboring apartment. As Okemia started to water the small greens, she stiffened as she realized she wasn't alone.

Boredom, tiredness, contentment, and the smallest sliver of annoyance overcame her.

"You're up early, Tadanobu-San." Came the toneless statement.

Straightening up, she turned to the other owner of the shared balcony. One onyx eye blinked languidly back at her.

"I rise before or with the sun, Hatake-San," Okemia regarded him with a polite smile. "Never after."

The annoyance vanished.

"So, I've noticed."

Finishing her task, Okemia disappeared back inside her apartment without bothering to slide the door shut behind her.

Hatake Kakashi watched her go, mind lingering on the redhead. While he found he knew of her father from his father, he didn't know much about Okemia. She was quiet and kept to herself. She never had company and never bothered him. He supposed she was perfect as far as neighbors went. This complex had thin walls, and his rest was never disturbed as long as she's lived next door.

Okemia reappeared on the balcony a moment later with two small cups of tea. Wordlessly, she offered him one.

Small pang of shock, followed by a brush of warm gratefulness.

Okemia merely smiled at the older shinobi as he nodded his head at her, taking the offering. Kakashi sat on the railing with his back again the wall beside his door. He could watch her without a care as she rested her back to him, one elbow on the railing in front of him.

The zing of curiosity made her smirk.

Okemia sipped her tea slowly watching the sun start to rise over Konoha. Kakashi was a presence she really didn't mind. He was a concealing type, so she wasn't overwhelmed without her seals. She had to admit, she was curious too. Okemia could count on one hand all the times she had seen her neighbor in the two years she's lived here. She could count on two hands how many times she's spoken to him in her lifetime. That was a side point, however.

Kakashi dug deep. The Tadanobu name was fairly well know. A shinobi only family, one of the few that founded Konoha even. He remembered seeing her around as a child. They may have even been in the academy together, however briefly. Kakashi's memory was hazy at best, but there were two things he was sure of.

Firstly, Tadanobu Okemia was Uzumaki Kushina's student at one point in time.

It was the thickness of confusion and metallic scent of determination that stirred her.

Realizing she had finished her tea, Okemia placed the grey cup on the rail, threaded her fingers and stretched up, exhaling in pleasure. She turned to find Kakashi already watching her. Okemia raised a copper brow in question.

"Jasmine is my favorite." Kakashi told her, offering back his empty cup. She took it with a light chuckle.

"Great minds, Hatake-san." Okemia said, a grey cup in each hand. "I also like lemongrass with mint." She added with a shrug. The clinking of glasses drew his attention to her hands and she balanced both cups in her right hand. Kakashi looked back up to see her smiling brightly.

Surprise. Interest.

"Perhaps, if I find you here again, I'll brew that." Okemia proposed. Without waiting for a response, she turned and headed back into her apartment. Before she closed the door completely, a copper head popped back out to regard Kakashi.

"Have a good day, Hatake-san."

Perplection. Awe.

Sliding the door closed, Okemia was cut off from the string of emotions coming from her quiet neighbor. She had to get ready for work. Walking to the mirror in the living space, she snagged a paint brush and a pot of jet-black ink. She glanced at her upper arm on her left, then turning to look at her right. Dipping the brush in the ink she decided. Right it is.

With a practiced precision, Okemia began her skin seal. Hada Inken. She reminded herself. With every kanji brush stroke, she smiled. After a minute the first seal, Hada Inken, she reminded herself again, was complete. Pulling one of the metal rods from her hair, and with a flick of her wrist, the dark metal tessen unfurled into existence. She used the weapon to fan the ink, being mindful of the sharpened edge, encouraging it to dry faster.

While that seal was mostly dry, she turned to her left forearm. Herasu Inken. The reduction seal started to come alive in seconds. Again, using the tessen with her past clans emblem, she fanned at the second seal.

The third and final seal was a small one, but perhaps the most important. The Eikyō Inken. She recited her teachers words in her head. This seal cut off her ability to manipulate and influence emotions. It was a combination of fluid and jagged lines. And it always rested on her neck, where it was the least likely to be damaged.

With all three seals in place, Okemia was ready to face the day. Placing the tessen back in her hair, and flipping out all the lights, she slid her shoes on and she was out the door.

And right back at the side of one Hatake Kakashi.

"Yo."

Nothing. She smiled. Perfect.

"Twice in one day, Hatake-San. I'm flattered." She joked with a chuckle.

His single eye closed, and curved for a moment, smiling.

"A happy coincidence only, Tadanobu-san." Kakashi replied in kind. He noticed the sealing work immediately, dark black causing a stark contrast against pale skin.

"Heading to work?" Kakashi wasn't sure why he asked, perhaps it was the beat of silence that prompted him.

"Mmhm!" She hummed in response, turning to lock her door. "Konoha Seminary."

Civilian school. Kakashi mused to himself. He should have known.

"I will be your gracious escort this morning." Kakashi said with a mock bow. "I have to file mission reports and the school is on the way."

Okemia merely crossed her arms and shook her head at his antics. A smile gracing her features, nevertheless.

"I humbly accept your offer, Hatake-san." She responded, bowing back with more feeling.

Sweeping an arm out, he motioned for her to lead the way down the stairs. "Shall we?"

Okemia didn't respond verbally. Nodding her head she took a step in front of the jonin and bounded down the stairs. Following behind her, Kakashi thought back again.

Tadanobu Okemia was Uzumaki Kushina's student at one point in time. Those seals, their intricacy, proves that. Secondly..

His thoughts trailed off a minute as he moved to walk beside her as they hit the main road. Taking a glance at her again, he continued as they made their way into the throngs of Konoha's busy morning life.

Secondly, Tadanobu Okemia was just a civilian. A strange civilian. Covered in seals.

Here it is! The first chapter, or rather just an into, of Kyōkan. I hope its well received. I've been reading Kakashi fanfics non stop, and I get so frustrated when I don't see one quite my tastes. I've dug around here and AO3 for a good civilian!OC fic, and just decided to write my own. I'll be meshing a lot of Japanese in this story and trying to stay true with honorific use, which is new to me. Any corrections, comments, and questions are welcomed and appreciated. Chapters will come out weekly for a while as I have a chuck of this guy written out.