Smoke Rings in the Dark (Reader x Various)

Promises

Once Omi had returned Asuma had excused himself from the store, Omi locking the door and placing a sign stating she was closed in the window. When Omi entered the rear of the store, she found a much happier looking Y/n, but she could still the cold exterior and uncertainty. Omi moved the kit to the table and began to pull things free. Y/n watched, curious what the woman was going to try and do for her. Omi turned around and smiled up at the taller h/c and Y/n did find comfort in the older woman's presences.

Omi gestured to Y/n's body, "Shirt off," Y/n unhooked her vest and moved to set it on the table. Her shirt followed and Omi arched a brow as Y/n stood in front of her once more, "I'm surprised to see someone so young with bindings." She motioned for Y/n to lay down, "On your stomach first, child."

Y/n did as she was told as she answered, "I find bindings easier under my vest," while a bra might be more practical, the bindings keep things in place better most days.

Omi worked in silence, and Y/n was thankful. The woman never pried, not even asking her for her name as she worked. Her back was on fire, but Omi's touch was soothing and comforting. Between her chakra and the salves she used, Y/n was grateful. Her back alone took almost an hour, and Y/n was growing anxious that someone would notice her taking longer than usual. Once she rolled over, Omi continued treating and healing everything she could. Y/n would still scar, and she knew it, but she didn't care, it's what made her Y/n.

Lavender and tumric lingered in the air for quite some time. A woodsy smell drifted into Y/n's nose and her eyes fluttered closed as she thought of Asuma for a moment. She'd have to find a way to thank him for this, especially after their date. Under Omi's touch Y/n would grow tense and then relax, Omi working carefully to help the young woman on her table. Omi was trained decades ago, but her knowledge has grown just as she did. Y/n was hoping that she could also learn from the woman one day, wanting to expand her own knowledge.

Standing at the front door, Omi spoke, "Now, you should come back in two weeks," Y/n looked at her curiously, "While you will have scarring, most of them will fade into lighter shades. Another treatment, and some may disappear all together."

Y/n nodded, "Thank you, Omi," she smiled and moved to reach into her hip pouch, "How much do I owe you?" She asked without looking at Omi.

Omi's hand on her forearm that was reaching made her turn her head, "It's free, child," Omi laughed at Y/n's frown, "Asuma has helped me in the past," Omi explained, "I'll always help him if it's within my power." Y/n sighed, knowing the old woman wasn't going to budge.

"Thank you," Y/n smiled as she unlocked the door and Omi grinned childishly when they saw Asuma leaning against the building near the door.

Omi's eyes were mischievous, "Sorry to keep you waiting," Y/n stepped out and Omi said, "OH! I'll be right back." And she disappeared into the store once again.

Asuma pushed off the building and his eyes scanned her body. The cloak was draped over one arm and her shirt and vest were now replaced with a loose fitting, long-sleeved black shirt. "Nice look," he smirked, imagining it was his shirt that covered her body.

Y/n gave him an annoyed look, "She told me I needed to wear loose clothing as long as possible," Asuma stepped closer and Y/n was growing anxious as he moved again, closing the distance between them.

His hands were warm as they held her shoulders, "Will I see you in two weeks?" His voice was tender, his concern noticeable.

Unsure if she should make such a promise, she admitted, "I'm going to try," her eyes cut to the store front, "Omi said I needed another treatment." She looked back to see that Asuma was disappointed in her response, "I guess I wouldn't mind seeing you again though." She added in a hushed voice.

Discerning what two weeks would be, Asuma smirked, "Maybe another date?" He saw the blush dust her cheeks, "It is your birthday after all." She didn't even realize her birthday was on a Sunday, not normally paying attention to the actual date on the calendar.

Time seemed to stand still as Asuma moved one of his hands to cup her cheek and Y/n couldn't tell you the last time a man touched her so tenderly. Her breathing hitched and she waited for his lips to touch hers as he leaned in closer. The sound of the dirt shifting under her feet as she shuffled a little closer could be heard, but all she could hear was the sound of her pulse, drumming in her ears.

Just as their lips met, Omi shoved the door open. A bag was waved in Y/n's stunned face, "Here, child." Y/n took an unsteady step away and took the bag, "Apply this twice a day." And Omi vanished again, the chimes on the door clanking as she did.

Things had grown quiet and awkward between Asuma and Y/n, and he was cussing Omi in his head as he looked everywhere but at Y/n. Y/n laughed lightly and those black orbs finally settled onto her once again, "I need to get going," Y/n said regretfully, "but I'll try to come back in two weeks." She smiled up at Asuma and he felt the strangeness in the air fade away. "And thank you, Asuma."

Pullin a cigarette out, he said, "If you ever change your mind," he paused to light the stick, "I want you to come to me, okay?" Y/n peered up at Asuma with a sense of wonder. He barely knew her, and yet look at everything he's done for her.

She nodded happily as she stepped back from him, "I will," but she knew she could never walk away, ever. "Thank you." She repeated the words, though they would never be enough for Asuma to understand how thankful she was for his actions on this day alone.

Asuma stood there and watched as she turned and took off to the entrance of the village. A silent thank you to Kami for allowing him to take care of Y/n. And for Y/n allowing him to take care of her. He had meant the words about lunch being a date as a joke, but he was happy she didn't protest. Another date in two weeks, if she was able to make it. He'd start looking at all their meetings as dates from now on. Asuma couldn't wipe the smile off of his face, even long after he had turned and walked away from that store front.

A helping hand was all Y/n needed to see the good in people once again. Asuma had begun to change her mind just after their first meeting. Omi's actions and words simply solidified the fact there was still good in the world. Y/n saw more and more of the tenderness and helpfulness in Asuma, and she wanted to see even more of it. Her heart raced the entire time she ran through the streets and into the forest. Long after she was sitting and stoking the fire as she waited for Zabuza and Haku, she still had a ghost of a smile on her lips.

Her world would start crumbling after that day though. Kami putting Y/n through more tests it would seem. Would Asuma be there to help her through it all? Would he be there when she finally decided she was over it? Would he stand beside her, holding her hand? She's heard promises before, would his be any different? She couldn't help but feel that Asuma was different, and so were his promises.