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"Random Subject Prompts"

Chapter 032: Asuma Mutsumi

Manga: Kiss Him, Not Me!

Prompt: Dango

Chapter Warning(s): I felt that I had strayed from the prompt, but was still pleased with the ending result. Hope you guys feel the same (:

Author's Note:

KH*AM*KH*AM

Higurashi Shrine – Age: 8

Little Asuma gazed around the shrine with wide, excited eyes. He had always held a certain fascination with history, and the Higurashi Shrine was full of it. It was known for its many historical artifacts and sites. The Bone Eater's Well was said to devour the bones of demons that were thrown inside, the deceased spirits lingering and becoming one to create a magic vortex within the well's depths. There was also a sealed sword that belonged to the Great Dog General, one that is rumored to have the ability to open the gates to Hell.

But the one attraction Asuma was the most eager to see was the Tree of Ages. It was a scared cherry blossom tree that had stood for over five-hundred years. It had its scars from the tests of time, but it was still majestic and proud. He had done his best to read everything he could for just this moment.

Asuma ran ahead of his family, his excitement getting the best of him. He knew, however, that his mother would get upset if he wandered out of her sight, so made sure that he could still see her. That counted, right? If he could see her, then she could see him. It made perfect sense to his way of thinking.

He stopped right at the short fence that surrounded the Tree of Ages, his light brown eyes gazing at it with wonder and admiration. Pictures didn't do it justice, and he was close enough to touch a living legend. If this were a dream, he never wanted to wake up…

"Hi," a cute, cheery voice greeted, catching Asuma's attention. He reluctantly tore his gaze away from the tree in order to see who was speaking to him. He immediately smiled politely at the girl who appeared to be his age.

She was an adorable little girl, with raven colored hair that fell to her tiny shoulders. Her eyes were a mesmerizing amethyst, which stood out against her pale skin. She wore a cute blue dress that exposed the plain, white T-shirt she had underneath. On her small feet, she wore white stockings and a pair of brown Mary Janes.

"Hello," Asuma greeted back.

The little girl tilted her head to the side, like a curious kitten. Strangely, Asuma felt his heart skip a beat at the gesture, though he didn't understand why that happened.

"Are you visiting my family's shrine?" she inquired. She blinked large, curious eyes.

He gasped in surprise, eyes widening. "You get to live here?" he retorted, shocked and amazed. It would be amazing if he could live on a shrine too! To be surrounded by history all day, every day would be a dream come true.

She laughed like he told the best joke she had ever heard. "Of course, silly," she answered. "My grandpa runs the shrine. He says I'll take over for him some day." She shrugged at the last part. "But I don't know what that last part means. What am I taking over?"

Asuma didn't know either. "That's still amazing that you get to live on a shrine." He smiled, his calming, gentle aura wrapping around the two children unknowingly. "One day, I would like to live on a shrine. Or at a temple. Maybe a castle." Like one of the model castles he liked building so much.

The little girl clapped excitedly. "That would be so cool," she exclaimed, eyes sparkling at the prospect. Suddenly, she thrust a small hand out in the universal sign to shake hands. "My name's Higurashi Kagome, by the way. Nice to meet you."

He smiled. With one hand, he shook hers without hesitation. And if their hands lingered when they should have released each other, neither child noticed. "Mutsumi Asuma. Nice to meet you too, Kagome-chan."

"Hey, do you want some dango?" the now-identified Kagome asked, grinning brightly. "I made some with my Mama earlier. It's really good."

Asuma couldn't help grinning back. Her smile reminded him of the sun and her personality was so bubbly and contagious. He nodded to her offer. "Okay," he replied.

"Yay," she cheered. Then, with the hands still joined, she pulled her new companion along behind her. "Come on, Asuma-kun! It's this way."

KH*AM*KH*AM

Age: 18

Asuma blinked his eyes open, the memory from so long ago dispersing like fog but never far from his mind. It was a precious memory from his childhood, a moment he would never forget for as long as he lived. He still smiled tenderly whenever he thought of that day.

And now, ten years later…

"Asuma-kun," Kagome's voice happily called out. The door to the History Club room abruptly opened, admitting the petite, raven haired beauty with mesmerizing amethyst eyes.

Those same eyes locked onto him, and she beamed. "I found you. I'm sorry archery club took so long. I told you that you didn't have to wait."

Asuma shook his head, smiling gently at his childhood friend – and girlfriend of three years. He stood from his seat, grabbing his school briefcase. "Waiting for you is never a problem," he reassured. Before she could further protest, he added, "I got to sleep a little."

"Oh yeah? Did you dream about me?" she giggled.

One hand came up to caress her cheek, and his eyes softened when she leaned into his touch and purred like a content kitten. She had always been affectionate as a child and the trait had only grown the older she got, especially towards people she cared about.

"I dreamt about us," he honestly replied. "About the day we met."

Kagome's eyes shined, and her lips curved up. "That was a good day."

His eyes closed as his smile widened, his calming, gentle aura surrounding the two teens like a cocoon of warmth. "It was," he agreed simply.

"Hey, Asuma-kun, let's get dango on our way home today," the raven haired beauty eagerly suggested.

Asuma leaned down enough to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "Okay."

"Yay! Let's go – I know the perfect place." With that, she grabbed his hand, their fingers automatically interlocking, and started leading him in the right direction.

And all he could do was chuckle, realizing that this moment was an almost perfect replica of their first meeting.

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NEXT CHAPTER SPOILER:

James "Bucky" Barnes

Get excited - This chapter will be Rated M! ;)

Much love,

Celestial Law