Smoke Rings in the Dark (Reader x Various)

Amai

The snow fell heavily and quickly on the depressed woman. The hood of her cloak was pulled over her head as she weaved her way through the village as quickly as she could. Her eyes scanned the villagers, part of her hoping he was here, and the other part praying she didn't have to see him. With the hood on, he'd likely overlook her though. After purchasing a few things, she made her way to the small shack that housed the family she secretly provided for. January had brought snow, and the wind was bitter and cold as it blew.

Mako was upset that Y/n had been missing for three weeks, but she couldn't make it until today. He told her that Asuma had been by that morning, dropping off some medicine for his mother, and then vanishing into the nipping winter day. Mako eyed her curiously, sensing something was wrong, especially when she refused to pull the hood down. Her stay was almost as short as Asuma's, her wanting to make one more stop before she left the village again.

The door chimed and the old woman kept her back to the door. Hoping she would understand her absence, the young woman pulled her hood down. Without turning, the older of the two spoke, "He's upset with you." She said bluntly.

She shuffled forward a little, "I couldn't make it last week," her birthday that she was asked to spend with him.

Omi sighed, weighing the jar she had and her words, "Child." Omi turned and nearly dropped the jar, "Kami," she murmured as she set the jar down and rushed to Y/n, "what happened to you?"

Face scrunching in order to hold the tears at bay, she opened her mouth to answer but quickly shut it when the chime sounded again. The scent hit her nose and her eyes closed quickly, damn her luck. Asuma's eyes went from a panic-stricken Omi to a very stiff looking Y/n, though he only saw her back. Omi looked from Asuma to Y/n and the h/c opened her eyes once again. Omi knew it wasn't going to be pretty, but there wasn't much she could do for the young couple.

"You weren't here last week," there was a hint of concern, but mostly disappointment filled his voice, "Mako even saved up to buy you something." Guilt riddled her body, Mako didn't give her anything when she saw him. He was definitely made at her.

Y/n squared her shoulders, "I couldn't make it," was all she said, refusing to turn around.

Asuma's expression changed to one of annoyance now. She wasn't going to even try and make an excuse, "Look at me," while it might not seem like the time, a delightful shiver danced across her skin at the sound of his voice. Stern. Dominant. Deep. "If you're going to bullshit me, you can at least look at me while you do it."

Omi watched as Y/n turned around and then observed the quick and sudden change in Asuma. Anger rolled off of him in waves, first at Y/n, then at her appearance. Concern. Pity. Worry. All of it filled him. This need to protect her, to punish whoever punished her. Why did she deserve this? Why did she put up with it? Why wouldn't she just walk away? Was her brother that important? Asuma didn't know what loyalty like that was. Asuma also didn't know the real reason she stayed.

"Who did this to you?" Y/n could hear how angry he was, but she knew it wasn't towards her.

Her eyes closed again and she shook her head, "It doesn't matter," when her eyes opened again, her heart fell. He was disappointed in her now, "There's nothing you can do, Asuma. I'll keep bringing the medicine and rations to Mako for the next five months, after that, I'll be out of your hair. They're sending me North." She couldn't tell him where she was going, fearing he would follow her. Y/n moved to walk out of the store but her path was quickly blocked by the brooding man that seemed to tower over her.

"You're not walking away like that," he scolded her, "I want answers, Y/n. Then we'll talk about you staying here. Kiri can't find you-"

"They can," the sound of defeat was easily heard, "I can't just walk away from them." She hung her head in shame.