Smoke Rings in the Dark (Reader x Various)

Alone

Three weeks later, and well into December and both parties found they couldn't visit the market until today. Asuma waited near the entrance of the village, leaning against a building lazily as he smoked. Y/n was again racing through the trees, curious if he would be eager to see her again, but definitely not expecting to see him waiting for her. Y/n had most of her hair down today, some a portion of it still in a ponytail, but both chopsticks still stuck into her hair. The wind was harsh and bitter until she came to a stop at the end of the tree line and her feet met the dirt. Once she straightened, she saw a wide smile on Asuma's face as he pushed off the building and began walking to her. Y/n tried to keep a neutral expression, but she found herself smiling as well, heat spreading across her chest.

Asuma tossed his cigarette down as Y/n stood before him, "I hope you haven't been waiting long," she was kicking herself for saying anything along those lines.

He smirked, a cocky one, "Not too long," he noticed her hair was different, but she was dressed the same as last time, cloak around her shoulders, "I hope you didn't miss me the last few weeks?" He joked.

Y/n arched a brow, "I haven't been able to stop by since we saw each other last," since the kiss, while she thought it, and so did he, neither said it.

"Oh, well I guess we've both been busy," she shrugged at his answer and began to walk down the street towards the market, Asuma falling into step beside her.

The 'couple' walked side by side but neither spoke for the time being. There was a comfortable silence between them, and they enjoyed being near one another. Neither would likely admit that fact, but the merchants and villagers that watched the two over the last six months could see the growing bond. While they've only seen each other a handful of times now, the chemistry between the two was noticeable. Y/n was normally very stoic and reserved unless she spoke to the few merchants that she knew well. People were noticing the smile that graced her beautiful face today, as well as the playful twinkle in Asuma's eyes as he looked at her.

Y/n and Asuma both made a few purchases while they walked together. Asuma paid attention to what Y/n bought, curious if it would give him an insight into the beautiful woman. Lavender tea, as suspected. Dried meat, easy for traveling. Tumeric and tea tree were both a surprise to Asuma though. The eucalyptus could be used for a few purposes, so he wasn't sure if there was a specific reason she wanted it. Asuma's only purchases were a new lighter and more cigarettes. Apparently, his lighter had finally run out of flint, and he opted for a new one.

"Ma'am," a stern voice suddenly cut through the air and Y/n immediately knew the man behind them was trying to catch her attention. Y/n and Asuma both turned and saw two of the guards for the village. "Will you please step aside?" He directed to Asuma as he gestured for him to step away from Y/n.

Asuma did as he was asked but as he placed his hands in his pockets, he moved his jacket aside to show his waistcloth hanging. The guards didn't seem to care though. Both men moved closer and Y/n remained still, "Is there a problem?" she sounded confused, and she was. She was walking with a Guardian and she was being stopped. She could guess why, but she was still shocked by their actions.

"We need to see under your cloak," the taller of the two guards explained as he reached forward and Y/n stepped back, "ma'am, please don't fight us on this." He was being nice, but Y/n could see his composure slipping.

She wasn't "If you'll tell me what's going on-"

"You're a thief," the shorter one spat and Asuma shifted uncomfortably off to the side of them, "You stole those herbs-"

"Like hell I did," it was Y/n's turn to cut the guards off, her own anger bubbling.

Asuma wasn't sure if he should interject or not, "I've been with her the entire time, she's paid for everything that-"