Woohoo to the next birthday!

Today is October 18, 2007 and its Sarutobi Asuma's birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASUMA!

We know that Asuma-sensei is the Jonin for Team 10. For all those who already know what happens in the second half of the series, I'd prefer not to ruin it for those who don't already know. So instead, let's enjoy Asuma's birthday story!

Asuma wasn't too fond of celebrating his birthday. To him, it was kind of depressing knowing that he was another year old, and another step closer to death. He knew that he probably shortened his life the day he started smoking. He still just enjoyed the days as they came, even if this particular day wasn't something he wanted to deal with.

--

"Asuma-sensei?" Ino's high voice filled the area around them. He lifted his head from thought and looked at her. "Isn't today your birthday?" She asked obviously trying to hide something.

"Yep," he answered simply. Her face lit up slightly at his answer. He eyed her wondering what was going through her mind. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh, no reason." She smiled as she turned and grabbed the two boys who had been standing there not really caring.

I bet they are planning of doing something. He thought to himself.

--

The rest of the day went by smoothly. He had met up with Kurenai later that day. They had been sitting in the bar talking and drinking for a long while. It wasn't until they had walked out that he saw the three suddenly appear.

"Here you are Asuma-sensei." They glanced at Kurenai for a second with smiles in the back of their minds. She could see through their faces and started to blush quickly looking away.

"Can I help you?" He asked glancing at Kurenai's suddenly shift. He was puzzled at the fact that she was facing away from him.

"We got you a present since it's your birthday." They all smiled. At the word 'birthday' the blood in Kurenai's face dropped. She glanced back at Asuma hiding her surprise.

I wonder why he didn't mention it to me. She thought. She had completely forgotten the date.

"Really?" He looked a bit surprised that the three Genin had found him a gift. They all had smiles on their faces as Ino help out a package. He took it cautiously. He undid the badly wrapped gift. To his surprise, it happened to be a package of cigarettes.

"Do you like it?" Ino asked excitedly.

"How did you guys manage to get a hold of these?" He eyed them. He knew that these weren't sold to buyers of such a young age. They all looked at each other before they all took off. He sighed not wanting to go after them.

"Umm, Asuma," Kurenai started hesitantly. He glanced at her and she dropped her head. "Never mind." He was puzzled by her reaction.

"So…" He dragged the word obviously buying time. He dropped his arm around her shoulders and started walking. She was surprised at his reaction and looked away blushing madly. "What's next?" He asked not showing that he cared. He was amusing himself though.

She gulped trying to calm her racing heart. "Hmm…let's see," She tried to keep her voice normal. She was happy at the fact that he had his arm around her, but at the same time she was fighting the urge to shove his arm off.

The walk continued in silence for a while as he waited for her to speak. He could see she hadn't noticed that they had left the village and were walking through the dark forest. He decided to make his day by slowly dropping his arm to wrap around her waist. He pulled her close enjoying the fact that she wasn't pushing away.

As he did slide his arm to her waist, her face grew hot. It would figure that she had just gotten over her last blood rush, and now had to conquer against the next one. As she took in slow breaths to calm herself she became aware that they had left the village and of the closeness between them. She took this chance to talk.

"So why didn't you say anything about your birthday?" She asked casually. He glanced at her quickly before turning his attention elsewhere.

"I don't know." He stated simply. She could tell that he was deliberately trying to avoid the question.

"Asuma." Her voice was low and threatening. She shoved away from him knowing that he would eventually cave into the separation.

He glanced at her with confusion. It wasn't like her to push away like that. It made him feel bad at his attitude.

"It's because I'm not too fond of knowing that I'm getting older." He said keeping his gaze in the forest.

She began smiling with satisfaction, but it faded as she saw the discomfort in his eyes. She swiftly stepped behind him and embraced him. His body tensed for a couple seconds with surprise. She buried her head into his shoulder taking in his smell of smoke with a hint of pine.

It had surprised him because it wasn't like her to make a move. He accepted it anyway though. He kind of like the warmth that was between them. He swiftly turned in her grasp.

"Happy birthday," her voice was soft. He hushed her and he wrapped an arm around her. He lifted her chin and lowly pressed his lips to hers. It felt like a rush of energy had gone through her whole body. It made her heart start to race. She could tell it was the same for him as well. She could feel his heart pounding in rhythm with hers.

So cute! I hope you enjoyed this little story for Asuma-san. Next up should be Suzume.

Please send your requests in a review.

Thanks!