AN: I'm finally getting closer to writing the ending! I know, my story sucks but hey, I'm having fun. Anyways here you go and enjoy!

Chapter Six: A Date and a Mistake

Both jounins looked down at their hands to see that they were handcuffed to each other. Then they looked up to see that the genins were gone, leaving a little note attached to the handcuffs. Kurenai flipped up the piece of paper and read outloud, "Since you've been torturing us the whole day, it's our turn. If you can last 12 hours with each other, we might give you the key. Please don't be angry Asuma-sensei and Kurenai-sensei. We just want to have a little fun that's all. Kurenai-sensei? Hinata wants you to know that she didn't want any part of this and that she hopes you don't hate her. Shino doesn't have anything to say and Kiba wants you to know that he came up with the idea so don't give me all the credit. Asuma-sensei? I want to say that I hope you have fun with Kurenai-sensei and don't forget to kiss her goodnight. J Chouji says that he'll share his snacks with you so you aren't mad at him and Shikamaru says...well, all he said was that this was troublesome. Anyway, have fun spending the next twelve hours with each other. Yamanaka Ino."

She looked up from the card at Asuma to see that he was mortified. '...don't forget to kiss her goodnight!' How could she write that! Ahh! I'm gonna get those little...Asuma was silently plotting a way to get back at Ino for writing that when he realized that Kurenai was watching him.

" Asuma? Are you okay? You look like you're about to kill someone," she told him, "I'm sure Ino was just kidding. They're just kids." She patted him on the arm. Okay, why did I just do that? She thought quietly to herself and sighed. Now I'm being naive.

Her touch sent a warm, fuzzy(yes fuzzy) feeling throughout his body. What am I doing? Kurenai thinks that Ino was just kidding so that's a good thing. Yeah, it's not all bad. Wait, handcuffs? Amateurs... He rolled his eyes and gave a to Kurenai who looked perplexed.

"I have an idea." Asuma reached into his pouch and took out one of his knuckle knives (those things are awesome!)

Leave it to Asuma to figure out how to get us out for this. She smiled at him and he smiled back. Asuma lifted the weapon and with one quick slice, cut up the handcuffs. "I just hope they didn't spend too much money on them," he joked.

They both laughed. Then, an awkward silence stretched out between them. It wasn't that there was nothing to say, it was just that Asuma was contemplating whether this was a good time to ask Kurenai to the dance and Kurenai was hoping that he was going to ask. Finally, Asuma took a deep breath of air, gathered up all his courage and asked. " Kurenai, do you...."

Suddenly, there was a cloud of smoke and Kakashi appeared. He raised his hand in greeting.

"Yo!" Kurenai turned to Kakashi and smiled at him. "Hello Kakashi." Kakashi looked at Asuma to see that he was fuming. KAKASHI YOU BUM!!!! Just when I was about to ask her you have to show up! I know you showed up on purpose! I'm gonna... Kakashi sweatdropped. He knew what Asuma was thinking.

"Uh...hi Asuma?" he tried.

Asuma stomped his foot and shook his fist. "GRRRR...HI KAKASHI!!!" He advanced on Kakashi, who was waving his hands side to side and shaking his head. "Hehe, I'm sorry Asuma! I'm sorry!" Kakashi broke into a run and Asuma chased after him shouting death threats and insults, leaving Kurenai by herself. She blinked. What in the world could get the laid-back Asuma so ticked off? What am I thinking? He's mad cause he was going to ask me to go to the dance with him and Kakashi interrupted him. Yeah...She shrugged and walked off to get lunch.

So much for today's mission, Kurenai thought as she enjoyed her take-out chicken at home. She sighed. Maybe he was just waiting for me to ask...or maybe he couldn't think of anything else to say. No that can't be it...She was debating in her head when there was a knock on her door. Kurenai got up and opened it to find Genma on her doorstep. "Hey Kurenai," he greeted.

"Um hi, Genma. What are you doing here?"she asked. I hope I didn't sound rude but why is he here?

Genma grinned, ever-present toothpick between his teeth,"Heh...well, you know that dance that's coming up?" She nodded. "I was wondering if you want to go with me."

"What! I mean...WHAT!"

"Kurenai, I totally understand if Asuma already asked you," he reassured her, confused by her reaction.

"No, Asuma didn't ask me yet. But..." she thought for a moment, "sure, I'll go with you."

Genma smiled, "Great. I'll pick you up at 7." He waved goodbye as he disappeared.

Was that a mistake? What am I talking about? I'm acting as if I'm in love with Asuma. Like he's the only guy I'd go with...

In the midst of her thoughts, once again, here was a knock on her door. She opened it and this time, it was Asuma. Her eyes went wide. Oh no...

"Hey Kurenai," Asuma started. He ran his fingers through his hair and exhaled. "I was going to ask you earlier but Kakashi uh...cut me short..." He looked at her and smiled, "So, you want to go with me to the dance?"

Now normally, this would be the time that the scene would cut to Kurenai, the background would go grey, and she would look shocked. And since it was normal at the moment, that was how she looked.

"Uhh...I already promised to go with Genma. I'm sorry Asuma," she looked at him with pleading eyes. What was I thinking? Why did I agree to go with Genma? Oh god what have I done?

Asuma looked crushed but only for a split second. Then he acted like it didn't faze him at all."Well..ahem...that's okay. I'll see you later." He turned and started to walk away.

At that moment, Kurenai lost her voice. She tried to call him back but she just couldn't for some reason. A voice screamed in her head, What are you doing?! Call him back! CALL HIM BACK! "Wait!" she finally called after him but it was too late, he was out of sight and earshot. She closed the door, suddenly feeling weak. Just as she closed the door, there was another knock. I so don't need this right now... She opened it and there stood the cheery Anko but after seeing Kurenai's pale face, she knew things weren't so cheery after all.

Asuma was heartbroken. She already agreed to go with Genma...Maybe she doesn't like me the way I like her. Maybe she thinks we're just friends...I was so sure...He walked back to his house with a defeated slouch. If he were a dog, his ears would be flat against his head and his tail would be between his legs. When he got into his house, he looked to see a box of cigarettes laying on his table. Without thinking, he grabbed the pack and took one out. He lit it and took a deep drag from it. Kurenai...
"Kurenai are you okay? What's wrong?" Anko had never seen Kurenai in this state before. Sure, serious Kurenai had different mood changes from time to time but she had never seen her friend so...shocked?

Kurenai sighed after letting Anko in and closing the soor. "Anko, were you sure when you said that Asuma liked me?"

Anko was perplexed, " Well, yeah. You could tell by the way that he acted around you. I've watched you to together before and I thought you like him too. Well, it looked liked you two liked eachother."

Kurenai nodded, "Anko, I've realized something." She turned and looked at Anko, her crimson eyes uncertain, "I-I-I..." Kurenai took a deep breath, " Anko, have you ever felt strongly about something but in a second had your feelings...change?"

"Sorry Kurenai, I don't get." What is Kurenai trying to tell me?

"Anko...I...I think...that I'm in love with Asuma..."

Let me repeat myself. Yes, my story is really, really bad but I tried. shrugs Thanks for reading and please review.