(An: ok you can shoot me or pie me or whatever I completely deserve it guys. I have been neglecting this fic to NO END! Just to repay my debt to society I'm going to divert all my attention from all other fics and put my heart and soul here into this one! Sorry again I was a little bugger. Please forgive me and enjoy. Reviews and flames WELCOMED!)

Disclaimer: I own didley squat :'(

The events of the previous night kept playing over and over in Kurenai's mind. She had started something there she could not control. She had made out with her childhood sweetheart. She had slept in HIS bed! Yet something didn't seem to fit just right. Hianata had agreed to help her get ready for her date with Asuma, and for that she was very grateful. Her hang over was getting pretty bad. She'd have to take one of Tsunade's world famous hang over cure pills.

"Ku-Kurenai-sense…" Hinata began as they got closer to her apartment. "I asked S-Sakura and Ion to come over and help me out for tonight's date. I hope y-you don't mind." Hinata said. Kurenai noticed that her stuttering was getting a lot better and could not keep the smile from touching her lips.

"It's no problem at all Hinata, no problem at all." Kurenai said softly. The two mentioned kunoichi were awaiting them in front of Kurenai's door. Once let in, they went on a clothing and make over rampage! Nothing was untouched by the ravenous girls.

As 4o'clock rolled around, Kurenai's apartment looked like a battlefield. Her closet was now empty, all her clothing strewn in piles on her floor and bed. Her make up, or what little she had was scattered across her night table and wash room and she now had her hair pulled half back in a lovely fountain of crimps, curls and braids. The girls had settled on a black mini skirt that Kurenai had not known she owned and the silk shirt from Asuma.

"Ok Kurenai it's done! We have OFFICIALLY finished your make over. Are you ready to take a look?" Sakura said triumphantly. Hinata smiled very brightly at the sight of her Sensei all dressed up. Never had she seen Kurenai look so…well beautiful.

"I'll admit girls, I'm a bit nervous to see myself…" Kurenai admitted nervously. Ino smirked.

"Kurenai-Sensei, I don't think you've EVER looked this beautiful before. That shirt really made the outfit. A silk halter top, I think it's the red of it that does the trick. It really, I don't know, makes you look magical." Ino said sweetly.

The girls lead the shy and self-conscious Kurenai to her bathroom where she saw herself in a mirror for the first time since the girls had arrived. She saw herself blushing at the sight she saw before her now. This as not the tough Jounin Yuuhi Kurenai. Who was this? Kurenai tried to understand what she was seeing, never in her life had she ever felt this happy, this amazing this…Beautiful…

"Girls, I…I'm speechless. Thank you girls. Thank you all so much." Kurenai said as she felt the tears begin to arrive. The girls began freaking out as they saw their sensei about to cry tears of absolute bliss.

"AH KURENAI-SENSEI! NO YOUR MASCARA WILL RUN!" Screamed Ino and Sakura at once. Hinata simply laughed as the two hyper kunoichi rushed over with tissue to blot out the jounin's eyes. As they finished a knock connected with the door, alerting them to a presence that was several minutes early.

"Kurenai-chan, its Asuma come on and open up." Asuma said. The girls all jumped to the fire escape and smiled at the lovely jounin. They vanished out of sight to let Kurenai enjoy her date. None of them noticed the three sets of eyes watching the apartment. None of them noticed the sheen of light hitting lush, silver locks of hair….

"Kurenai smiled a bit nervously as she headed towards the door to answer it. What if Asuma didn't like the new her, what if he thought she looked dumb? A wave of doubt struck the dark haired woman hard. What if he made fun of her…?

Meanwhile in the hall Asuma was getting nervous as well. He had placed on dark jeans and a striped dress shirt. He had many of the same thoughts in his mind as Kurenai had in hers. He grew restless and worried. Why was it taking her so damn long to answer the fucking door? He was worried, really worried. He knocked once more.

"Sorry coming!" Kurenai shouted from inside. She took in a deep breath and opened the door. Asuma stood there, back to her... he appeared to be lighting a cigarette. Kurenai smiled. Typical Asuma, you could dress him up like a gentleman but that habit would be the death of him. He turned around, the freshly lit cig in his mouth. As his eyes met hers, the cigarette was all but forgotten, falling lightly from his agape mouth.

"K-Kurenai?" he asked. She nodded nervously. He pulled her into a tight hugging; taking in the vanilla scent she now sported…Sakura's idea. He didn't know what had inspired this new look of hers but it suited her. But then again he had seen her beauty the first day they met, while she was covered head to toe in mud. "You look beautiful." He said smiling. Taking her hand as she shut her apartment door, they headed down to Chez Izuki's.

"Have they left yet?" one voice asked impatiently.

"Hold you damn horses, dobe." Another responded.

"This is so troublesome… why am I even here again?" the final voice asked.

"You're here, Shikamaru, because Naruto is too busy eating Ramen and falling in love with Hinata to come and help his poor old Sensei." The first voice replied.

"And why am I here Kakashi? The still unknown voice asked. Kakashi casually whacked the arrogant boy with his hand.

"You, Sasuke are here because you are my genin student and as thus you should at least do me this tiny little favor." Kakashi said with a hint of finality.

"I despise you." Sasuke sneered. Another blunt whack struck his head.

"So Kakashi why are we spying on Kurenai's date again? Are you trying to pick someone to bet on? I hear Tsunade and Giraya have all their money on Asuma, most people do." Shikamaru said nonchalantly. Kakashi froze.

"Who…Whose taking these damned bets!" he demanded. Shikamaru sighed.

"And here I was thinking you were smart. Shizune of course!" Shikamaru said as if it was common knowledge. Kakashi's eye began to twitch.

"Well let's follow them!" Kakashi said roughly. The two younger boys followed without a sound.

As Asuma and Kurenai entered Chez Izuki's all the people within stopped. Apparently Kurenai's newfound look was turning more then a few heads. They took their seats and ordered as soft music played in the background. Kurenai felt herself blushing every time she sensed Asuma looking at her.

What day is it? And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time

"Kurenai." He began she looked up at him and smiled lightly.

"Yes, Asuma-kun?" she asked. He placed his hand on hers and smiled.

Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you

"I'm glad you came out with me tonight. In fact I'm glad your kids decided to do this. It's been a lot of fun. Their all good kids." Asuma concluded, keeping his hand on hers.

All of the things that I want to say just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping on words
You've got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here

"What's going on in there?" Kakashi asked as Sasuke sat on top of his shoulders looking into the restaurant where Kurenai and Asuma were.

"He's got his hand on hers and their talking. Now their food is there, their eating…wow this is so momentous." Sasuke said sarcastically. Kakashi purposely dropped the boy on his head.

"Shut up teme. I can't lose her to him again! I made that mistake once. I can't do it again! I got to, I go to tell her how I feel, and we got to be sober this time!" Kakashi said. The poor guy was so love struck it could hurt.

"That was delicious! I'm so stuffed!" Kurenai said as she wiped her face. Asuma smiled at her. It had been a VERY good meal. And he had enjoyed it with a very beautiful girl. What more could he ask for?

"It was great. Next part of our pseudo date is a nice walk in the part. You ready Kurenai?" Asuma asked. With a nod they were out of the restaurant and heading towards the park. The three mischief plotters followed closely behind.

"We'll end this date there." Kakashi said. He was stopped suddenly as a mass of bugs huddled all over his body as well as on Shikamaru's and Sasuke's. Shino popped out of some bushes. He looked a tad angry.

"I will not have you destroy my Sensei's date. You've had yours. Now I suggest you go home or I have my bugs do some rather nasty things to your bodies." Shino said flatly. All three nodded and headed towards their respective houses. Kakashi utterly defeated.

There's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
Everything she does is beautiful
Everything she does is right

"So I'm glad you like the shirt Kurenai." Asuma said, referring to the silk shirt she now sported. Kurenai blushed deep crimson. What should she say?

"Well I don't know Asuma. I really love it, a lot. It's just so lovely. And well Sakura and Ino liked it as well and told me it looked really good with this skirt." Kurenai said. As she spoke of the skirt Asuma's attention turned to it as well. He had not even noticed she was wearing such a very short skirt. It was dreadfully short, if she only moved slightly you could see….

WHAT WAS HE THINKING! This was his best friend! She had been Kurenai, his best friend since forever. But he knew since day one, he didn't want to always be her friend. He had known since day one, he had wanted to be more then that. He had sent her all the signs, but Kurenai was not like the other kunoichi of Konoha. She was different, and thus she was something he loved.

"Uh Asuma?" Kurenai asked smiling nervously as her date seemed to staring off into oblivion. Asuma was having an inward battle. If hints hadn't worked yet, maybe he had to be more…forthcoming, more up front? Well it was worth a shot in his mind at least.

Kurenai was walking back towards him. It was do or die time for Asuma. He could let her see his utter state of confusion, or he could act on impulse and show her how he felt. She was now right next to him, looking up at him with her glorious crimson eyes. He decided to take the plunge.

Asuma gently grabbed hold of Kurenai's waist. He looked into her eyes deeply for any signs of malcontent. Seeing none he placed his lips to hers and began to kiss her as passionately as he knew how. If this didn't make his feelings known, hell, nothing would!

They kissed for what seemed like eons. Neither one seemed ready to break up the meeting of tongues, the connection of lips. Asuma's hands went towards Kurenai's skirt, alerting him to how dangerously short it truly was. Sensing his hand shifting towards her skirt Kurenai broke the kiss. She wasn't ready for this. Not with him, not here, not now.

"I'm..I'm sorry Kurenai." Asuma said breathlessly. Kurenai felt a slight shiver rise as he spoke to her in his breathless voice. It was full of passion, of yearning, of desire. Everything she felt as well.

"No, it's just, I can't do that, not here or now at least." She said softly cupping his face in her hands. He smiled as did she. He bent down and pecked her lips softly. Her eyes closed as she let him have her lips once more. It was perfect, all save for the grim and better taste of cigarettes that lingered in his mouth.

"We should get you home, it's getting late." Asuma said. He was right. The sun had long since left the sky and the stars were burning brightly now. Kurenai let a sheepish smile linger on her face as she let him escort her home. As they parted he left on last kiss on her lips.

"this night was so amazing!" Kurenai said to herself. She twirled around smiling. The mess that had been her apartment was now spotless, thanks to the three sleeping Kunoichi that had unfortunately passed out on Kurenai's couch before sneaking back to their own homes.

I walked around my good intentions
And found that there were none
I blame my father for the wasted years
We hardly talked
I never thought I would forget this hate
Then a phone call made me realize I'm wrong

Kurenai sighed. She had changed out of clothes into a simple kimono robe. What was she going to do? She felt such a similar passion for both Kakashi and Asuma. But who should she choose? Why had she had to kiss them both! She cursed herself for have ever agreeing to this tedious task her genin had done up for her.

Kakashi sat in his room as he examined all the pictures he still had of his Genin days. He had several pictures of Obito, of Rin and of Asuma. But had even more pictures of Kurenai then anyone could possibly know about.

He sat awake in his bedroom, nothing but a pair of dark sweat pants on, contemplating how the rest of Kurenai's date with Asuma had gone. He already knew inside it had gone amazingly. They had a certain chemistry no jounin or genin or chuunin could deny existed. Against that, what sort of chance did he stand? He would lose Kurenai again, but this time he might not be lucky enough to get a chance to repent for it.

"I can't lose her, I won't lose her. No matter what I need to do, I will do it. I need to tell her how I feel, and what I felt when we kissed. I need to…I need to tell her, to at least be at peace with myself." And with that he put a tattered picture of Kurenai and himself at the tender age of only 16 next to his bed side and fell asleep.

And If I don't make it known that
I've loved you all along
Just like sunny days that
We ignore because
We're all dumb and jaded
And I hope to God I figure out
what's wrong

(AN2: sorry again for the wait. I'm a little bugger. SORRY! GOMEN GOMEN! See I really am sorry I took so long! I hope it was worth the wait. School is so hard to keep up with and yes I'm making cruddy excuses so I'll quit it! Next chapter should be up shortly. The songs used in this chapter include You and Me – Lifehouse and 4am- Our Lady Peace. Hope you will review!)