Author's Notes: Thank you for reading this story! I didn't know people would be interested in something like this! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING!
Drabble 2
Word Count: 537 words
The first time Sakumo notices that something is dead wrong, he has been calling Kakashi's name for a full five minutes, but the two-year-old boy hasn't even looked up from his coloring book. Under any other circumstances, Sakumo would have dismissed that incident; it is not uncommon for kids to remain focused on a thing that holds their attention and interests them.
However, the fact that Kakashi still hasn't quite tried to talk or even babble yet while he's seen kids half Kakashi's age who can speak words and be partially understood, the fact that Kakashi takes such a long time to understand what Sakumo is telling him despite talking slowly for a boy of his age to comprehend, and together with the fact that Kakashi almost never responds to his name has Sakumo wondering.
What exactly is wrong with my kid? And like every other parent out there, Sakumo watches and worries and tries to understand. Letting out a sigh, he gently taps Kakashi's shoulder. When his son looks startled for a moment before his eyes reach Sakumo's, the elder Hatake feels something twist inside him before cold dread settles deep in his gut.
He smiles at Kakashi, "Why don't you show me your nice picture?" He asks, testing his theory. He doesn't point at the book. Kakashi looks at him in something akin to confusion. Sakumo repeats his demand, talking much slower this time, "Why don't you give me the book?" Still, Kakashi doesn't seem to understand what he wants.
Sakumo points at the book, and Kakashi's expression turns bright in understanding. He hands his father his coloring book, proudly showing off all the colors. He can't hear me… Sakumo thinks, even as he gives Kakashi a wide grin and ruffles his hair. He's surprised at how unsurprised he is when he makes the discovery, Kakashi is deaf.
Maybe deep down, Sakumo has always known. How could he not when Kakashi never reacted to sudden noises, even as a baby? How could he not have known when Kakashi didn't even blink when one of his dogs started howling loudly? How could he miss something like this when it affects his son's life so drastically?
Yes, Sakumo admits he has always known about this, but he was just ignoring it, refusing to believe or acknowledge the problem. He still is, and Sakumo feels disgusted with himself quite suddenly, as he congratulates Kakashi on a job well done.
Just because Kakashi is deaf doesn't mean there's anything actually wrong with him. He's still healthy. He can still run and play and jump and cause a mess. He can still be his son.
Yet, Sakumo fears others might look down on his son if they were to find out. He doesn't want his son to live a hard life just because of something he had absolutely no control over. He wants Kakashi to grow up and become a strong, independent person one day.
Thus, Sakumo teaches his son. He teaches him how to understand, how to form letters then words then sentences. He teaches him how to respond, how to know someone is talking to him.
But most of all, Sakumo teaches him how to be a shinobi.
Author's Notes: This is it for this drabble! Who do you want to find out about Kakashi's condition next? Minato, perhaps? Or maybe Obito? It's your choice, so make sure you vote by a pm or a review :D
A Response to the Review on Drabble 1:
Seth7: Thank you for the review as usual! I'm glad you liked the idea and didn't find it boring :D