Love

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The world came to life slowly, first it became hues of white and green and black, then it began to sharpen out. At first, Kurenai thought the mess of dark hair beside her was just her daughter; but then-

"Asuma!"

The body shifted and the head turned to show her lover's tired face. "Wh's up?" He mumbled.

Feeling tears prick at her eyes, Kurenai forced a laugh and straddled her child's father. "I just wanted to kiss you," she admitted as she leaned down and placed a slow, lingering kiss to the corner of his mouth. "I feel like I never get enough time to," she whispered as she moved down to lay her head on his chest. Asuma's heartbeat was strong and steady and alive.

Kurenai could have begun to weep with the way her joy was overwhelming her, what that stranger had promised - it was real! She was going to get one more day with her lover...

His arm came around her middle and squeezed her close. "You okay, Kurenai?" Asuma asked. "You're being a bit, uh, weird."

Smiling, Kurenai buried her face in Asuma's shirt and took a deep breath to inhale his scent; sweat, cologne and some cheap room freshener. How she'd missed these moments, the ones where they were just together with nothing but each other. Pushing herself up on her elbows, she grinned down at his confused face.

"Let's go for a walk in the park today," Kurenai told him.

Blinking, he repeated, "The...park?"

"Yes! Now get up lazy bones!" And with a laugh, she sprung out of bed and strutted to where her clothes were on Asuma's dresser. Twisting around, Kurenai winked at her lover. "If you go to the park, afterwards we can do something a little more...exciting."

Asuma didn't need much more encouragement and again, Kurenai was reminded of how much she'd missed him.

Thirty minutes later, they're walking arm in arm through one of the village's parks. The grass a soft green, the trees full of fresh leaf buds and some birds squabbling in the distance. Looking up at her lover, she said, "I love you."

He opened his mouth and closed it several times before he flushed a beet red and stuttered, "I-I love you too, Kurenai!"

Smirking, the woman rested her head on his shoulder and remarked, "I felt like I should say it. That way you'd know know, you know?"

His fingers stroked her hand kindly. "I do know," Asuma whispered.

Comforted by this, Kurenai lead them away from the beaten path and giggled when her lover began to ask what they were doing before he realized what she had in mind and joined her in her laughter.

It was by the sweetest sex she ever had - and the most bitter. This would be the last time she was ever with Asuma until she joined him on the other side.

(But why would he want to do anything with her then? Surely she'll be all old and wrinkly and he'll be as he's right now; handsome. Powerful.)

In the light of the setting sun, Kurenai began to cry. She'd be leaving for her time, soon.

"Hey, what're you crying for?" Asuma questioned, a panicked look coming to his eyes.

Chuckling through her tears, she touched her belly where she could feel the faintest movements of life. Mirai was right here with them. "It's probably just the hormones," she admitted and she got to see his eyes go huge for second time in her life and watch his mouth open in surprise when it all began to blur and re-shape into her more familiar time.

"Mom?" A voice called.

Blinking, she turned to see her daughter hovering over her. "What Mirai?" She inquired.

"What are you doing on the front lawn?" Her daughter asked her.

Giving the young woman a wistful smile, she traced daughter's face and thought of Asuma. "Just thinking, sweetheart," she answered. "Now, help me up. I'm not getting younger, you know!"

After doing so, Kurenia let Mirai help her toward home; however, she couldn't help the curious glance she sent back toward the street.

Where was that stranger?

What did you guys think? Do you like Kurenai's wish? No? Yes? Why?

So, I think I'm going to do my favorite prize thing again. If I have ten reviews by chapter five I'll give a prize one-shot to the eleventh reviewer! How's that sound to you guys?

To reviewer, Dulemina, thanks so much! I appreciated it a ton :)

Thank you everyone for reading and please review!

P.S. please go vote on my poll!