On a warm summer evening two shinobi find themselves entangled within each other. A variety of reds, yellows, and oranges splash across the horizon like spilled paints on a blank canvas. Asuma lies there on the slope of a grassy hill with a breathless Kurenai on top of him. Her long, dark hair tickles his bare chest as his fingers trace lightly over her naked thighs. The skin is smooth underneath rough, calloused hands. It is a beautiful moment as the two ninja allow themselves to be completely vulnerable in each other's presence, when everyday of a shinobi's life is lived in constant paranoia.

They move together under the sunset; Kurenai's soft moans help set the rhythm. They confess their love for one another without the use of words.

"Kurenai…" Asuma whispers. Her name tastes sweet on his tongue, and he melts upon hearing the lust in her voice as she repeats his name in response. He can feel the love in her touch as her hands explore his masculine frame. They are so soft that Asuma almost forgets the deadly potential that lies in her fingertips.

Kurenai gazes upon her lover with those eyes that always set his heart on fire. Eyes red like roses...red like seduction...red like love. An invisible flame rises and burns within her that makes Asuma's blood boil with great intensity. He pours his essence and his entire being into his love; she, happily, receives all that he has to give.

The sun has disappeared for the time being, so Asuma is left with the stars as he holds his sleeping lover in his arms.