I'll Be There

Asuma sat on the edge and watched as Kakashi slept peacefully in his bed. It was a rare sight, for most of the time he was either covered in sweat or moving constantly. Asuma ran his hand through Kakashi's hair and smiled.

"Creep," Asuma heard in a quiet voice. He looked around the apartment then back at Kakashi who he saw looking up at him. Asuma blushed and pulled his hand away. Kakashi smiled and grabbed his hand.

"I just called you a creep, I didn't say stop," he held onto Asuma's hand, his grip tightening a little. Asuma watched Kakashi. He slowly leaned into Kakashi. Kakashi, seeing his action, began to inch towards Asuma, their lips just inches apart, but Kakashi squeezed his eyes shut and turned away.

"I'm sorry," he said as a tear fell down his cheek.

"No, it's okay, I understand," Asuma said as he cupped Kakashi's cheek in his hand and whipped the tear away. "Just know I'll always be here for you." Kakashi smiled through the tears and let out a small laugh.

Asuma smiled. "What?"

"What are you gonna tell the lady who's "waiting for you at home"?"

"Oh shut up, you know I was lying," Asuma said as he slide under the covers, wrapping Kakashi in his arms. "Now go back to sleep, you need it."

Kakashi closed his eyes and breathed in Asuma's scent, of course there was a trace of smoke, but that was part of Asuma, and Kakashi loved it either way. Asuma felt Kakashi's body relax and his breathing become even. He squeezed him as he felt himself drift into sleep.

"I'll protect you," he whispered as he fell asleep.

Kakashi woke up and moaned as the sun stung his eyes and pulled the pillow over his head.

"Wait a minute," he said to himself as he sat up slowly. Memories from last night came back and he smiled. He stood up and walked to the kitchen and leaned against the wall and crossed his arms.

"So it wasn't a dream," he said. Asuma looked up from the scroll he was reading.

"And is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

Kakashi smiled and turned away.

Asuma smiled too.

*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*

Asuma and Kakashi sat under a tree in the training grounds.

"So, what exactly are we doing?" Kakashi asked as he pulled at the grass. "I never was with anyone before...let alone a guy." Asuma wrapped his arm around Kakashi's shoulders.

"We're dating and you don't have to do anything but be yourself," he said. Asuma saw the blush on Kakashi's cheeks. He turned to Asuma a looked him in the eyes. They began to inch closer to each other and this time Kakashi didn't shy away.

Kakashi had never experienced something like this. For once in his life he felt like nothing else mattered in the world. All his pain, all his suffering just disappeared. The only thing that mattered right now was him and Asuma. Nothing else. He loved this feeling.

That's why he was so disappointed when it went away.

*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*

For the next few days Kakashi and Asuma spent them together. Either relaxing together in the forest where they can be alone or over at one's place.

And not once had the curse mark hurt.

I know this is short but I wanted to update to let you guys know it was still alive.

So sorry for the long wait!