"Hey," Asuma approaches Kurenai from behind, one hand barely touching the small of her back before sliding past her to sit down near the open window. He's already got a cigarette between his fingers and his lighter in the other hand but he makes no move to bring it to his lips yet. He's keeping his focus on her. "Got anything you wanna take care of last minute? There's no way of knowing how hectic it's gonna get." Or if they were going to be separated and if there was going to be some sort of attack. The thought leaves him on edge but he ignores it for now. The exams hadn't even started yet, he shouldn't be so worried.
There was plenty of time to think of ways everything could go wrong but he needed to focus on where he was needed and what he could do, and right now, he was focused on Kurenai. The jounin sets his cigarette back into his pouch, and holds out his empty hand't to invite here into his space.
Newly purchased bomb tags and senbon lay among her tools. A kunoichi's tools that she still sometimes does not feel right to wield, but they are hers just as the title is.
Asuma's voice draws her attention and calms her all at the same time. Silent, sturns to look at him as he speaks.
"I've double checked that I have everything ready." She nods. "I'm prepared. What about you?"
She's silent for a moment and takes the time to fit her hand through his, intertwining their fingers and drawing closer to him. She fits perfectly in the space between his legs, enveloped by his presence. "Everything that has happened lately has me worried. Promise me that you'll be careful." Red-ringed eyes meet his. "Don't...do anything reckless."
It is a futile request for them. They both chose this life and the danger that comes with it. But hearing the words from him, no matter how true they are in the end, will make her feel more assured.















