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-B

Unlikely Pair

Chapter 4: Surprise

The following day, with Shizune's permission, Tenten went to the Hokage tower and finished filing the paperwork she had started to tackle the day before.

She tidied up the office for him, and brightened it up with a succulent plant neatly placed within the window seal. Smiling as she straightened its placement and turning around to look at her handiwork.

She didn't know if Kakashi would remember any of the things he said yesterday while laying in that hospital bed, hopped up on anesthesia. She walked out of his office, closing the door and she blushed.

I think you're beautiful.

And I think you're smart.

And then, to top it all off he claimed that he would take her to dinner in order to prove to her that he would remember. Truthfully she didn't think he'd remember at all.

She glanced at the time, noting it was nearing six-o-clock, she was surprised she had spent so much time in his office. But she felt as though she should help him out, he seemed so helpless when it came to getting his work done in a timely manor. Does he really think someone like me is beautiful? She wondered to herself as she walked up to her apartment.

"Hey there." A man's voice startled her from behind.

"Ah!" She dropped her keys and spun around. There he was, Kakashi in the flesh.

He looked nice, very nice. His mask was back in its rightful place and of course his silvery hair was perfectly and chaotically in place. He wore a pair of dark gray slacks, and a simple white button-up shirt. Tenten perhaps hadn't realized how tall he was before now, but at the moment he almost seemed to tower over her.

Tenten blinked, in shock. Her cheeks turned light pink and she went to grab her keys from the ground but he had already done it. "You need to be careful!" She exclaimed suddenly. "You just had surgery!" She snatched her keys out of his outstretched hand and frowned at him. "You need to be resting."

"You didn't think I'd come, did you?" He chuckled and shook his stubborn head. "I'm fine, I promise. And yes I did wait for the doctor's release to leave the hospital."

She crossed her arms, clearly contemplating her next move. What was she to do? She'd had no time to prepare for a date because for one thing she didn't think he would remember, and two she hadn't realized how much time she had spent at his office. She didn't look nice, she wasn't dressed up, she just looked normal where as he looked like an instant prince-charming. For a second she could hardly wrap her mind around what was happening. Here in front of her, the Hokage was standing there waiting to take her to dinner. A date?! With the Hokage?! What would her friends say, what would Guy say? He'd likely have a heart-attack.

"So dinner?" He broke the silence, because she had yet to speak. She looked a little perplexed, perhaps a bit surprised. Her silence made him a little nervous, perhaps she wasn't as interested in him as he was in her. He was taking a huge risk by asking her to dinner. She had to be at least ten years his junior, and he was the Hokage so he had eyes on him continuously. Word would get out quickly, and he knew this. But for some reason, although they hadn't spent much time together, he felt he needed to explore the connection he felt with her more. Perhaps it was nothing, but what if it was something? He couldn't sit idly by without taking the chance on something that may end up being great.

And no, he hadn't expected to develop feelings for anyone at this stage in his career, truth be told he hadn't pictured himself finding anyone who might even be a potential partner. Yet here she stood.

She smiled shyly and shook her dark head. "Come inside, I need to at least get changed okay?" Tenten opened the door to her apartment and allowed him to enter first. "I won't be long." She huffed before running toward her room."Make yourself at home!"

Kakashi looked around her home curiously, he noted that she was rather tidy. Her decor was very simple but tasteful. There were a few framed photos of herself and her teammates, and a photo of herself, Sakura, Ino and Hinata on the day of the wedding. Tenten looked beautiful, he took note.

She had two small futons and a glass coffee table in the center beneath a rug that had pretty cherry blossom flowers printed on it. She had a small kitchen, with little appliances that matched the counters. Black and white, simple and elegant. It appeared as though she used her coffee pot frequently, and he chuckled at the sight.

There were a few scrolls about the house, leaning against walls and a few on the table. She did have a few decorative weapons on the walls as well, which came as no surprise to him.

Tenten went to her closet and looked through it a few times, trying to be quick but also trying to find something decent worth wearing. She wanted to look nice, obviously he had made an effort to do so.

She tapped her chin, anxiously because she didn't want to keep him waiting too long. Suddenly, a small glimpse of coral caught her eye. She pushed a few articles of clothing aside, revealing a short-sleeved coral kimono dress with light yellow trim and a light yellow filigree design going up the left side. "This'll work." She mumbled to herself before stripping out of her netted stockings, tossing her white kimono to the laundry hamper and replacing it with the fresh and bright one she had chosen. She decided not to wear her stockings but just to let her legs be bare. She put her sandals back on and walked to her mirror.

Tenten was simple when it came to makeup or her hair, it wasn't to say she didn't know how to primp. She lined her eyelids with a classy cat-eye liner, and finished her lashes off with a dark mascara, framing her dark brown orbs beautifully.

She used a burnt orange sheer lip gloss with some shimmer to it and that was enough for her. She kept her hair up, she didn't want to seem like she was trying too hard. After giving herself one last look, she walked out of her room and greeted the Hokage in her living room.

He turned to face her when he heard her approaching and he smiled at the sight. She looked very nice, her dress was in similar style to what she normally wore but a different shade. It really made her tanned skin more noticeable. She gave him a small smile, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "You look great." He noted.

"You clean up well yourself, Hok.. Kakashi." She blushed and smiled shyly before waving her hand. "Anyway, are you ready?"

Kakashi offered his arm to the girl and nodded his silver head. She was slightly hesitant, but still she politely linked arms with him and gently gripped his bicep and he escorted her out of her apartment.

Tenten felt her cheeks grow warm. She couldn't help but wonder what people would say, how the village would react to the Hokage taking a much younger Konoichi out to dinner. Not to mention the former student of well known rival, Might Guy.

Still, aside from all the worries of what could become of their unfolding.. situation.. Tenten could not suppress the bubbling excitement welling up within her. She didn't want to get carried away, nor did she want to make this out to be anything that it wasn't. But that was difficult to do because she wasn't quite sure what it was yet.

Kakashi walked with her, arm-in-arm through the streets of Konoha, paying no mind to the whispers of people who saw them together but still respectfully nodding and waving to villagers as they passed.

Among those who spotted the odd couple was Iruka Umino. He had been heading home from the academy, tiredly. So when he spotted them together, at first he was convinced he was seeing things, but a second and third look proved otherwise. "Didn't see that coming." He mumbled to himself before passing the pair with a polite wave and nod.

When they arrived at the swanky restaurant that Kakashi had picked out, they were immediately seated in the most luxurious section of the place. Purely because Kakashi was the Hokage, he had not requested to be seated there but tonight he wasn't complaining about getting special treatment.

Tenten looked around curiously, she hadn't really set foot in a place so sophisticated or fancy. She began to feel slightly under dressed, however the place was divey and all kinds of attire could be seen. "Oh, thank you." She smiled thoughtfully when Kakashi pulled her chair out for her like a gentleman. She had to admit, his treatment of her was something she would have to get used to. But she certainly wasn't complaining.

She watched him circle around and sit across from her, and the friendly waitress left them menus and a bottle of Sake and two glasses on the house.

Tenten didn't want Kakashi to feel awkward in asking her if she would or did drink, so she politely poured glasses for the two of them. Kakashi happily accepted.

"Thank you," he said before raising his glass to her, winking and then removing his mask just quick enough to take the shot and replace it.

Tenten giggled, raised her glass and took her shot as well. "I can't believe you remembered everything you said yesterday." Perhaps the alcohol had given her some courage to address the situation, but she surprised herself a little.

Kakashi looked at her for a moment before taking the liberty of pouring them both a second shot. "Perhaps I was a little more bold whilst under the influence of the anesthesia." He paused, watching her draw dainty circles around the rim of her shot glass as she listened to him intently. "But I have to admit, I was being honest."

"Clearly. You did promise to take me to dinner and here we are. But I'm just.. I'm just not clear on why?" She waved her hand, "don't get me wrong I'm happy to be here, but I didn't get the impression that you were looking to date anyone, let alone myself."

They each paused, to take their shots before Kakashi continued. "I don't think I knew what I wanted. I still might not, to be honest. But as I spent time with you, I guess you intrigued me."

"I intrigued you?" She laughed a little.

"Don't act so surprised." He reprimanded her, furrowing his brow. "You might think you fade into the background but trust me, you do not go unnoticed."

She blushed and looked down at he menu for a moment. His words were spot on. Was it written on her forehead? Was she that transparent? She didn't want to come across as insecure or not confident. "I'm sorry," she finally said, "I'm just not really used to such flattery."

He chuckled again, "no need to apologize." He then took a moment to study the menu and watched as Tenten did the same.

It did not take them too long to decide what they wanted and they placed their orders fairly quickly. It seemed as though service was good at their chosen spot, but it was probably just because of Kakashi's political standing.

"So, if I intrigue you so much, what is it you'd like to know about me that would help you feel less curious." Tenten glanced at Kakashi with a small and perhaps mischievous smile.

"Oh well there's a lot to inquire about. But first things first, you did agree to come with me so.. there has to be some level of interest on your part too, am I right?" Kakashi teased, watching her giggle and shake her dark head.

"How do you know I'm not here out of pity. You did just have surgery." She teased right back and crossed her arms cutely.

"I would be devastated if that were the case. You can't bruise a man's ego like that Tenten." He playfully placed his palm against his chest.

"Well, you certainly are silly. But you're also very charming, and I'll admit it you're handsome. I just feel as though this whole thing is.."

"It is unexpected, and perhaps unorthodox but what's the harm in exploring what happens?" Kakashi quirked an eyebrow and looked at her with a charismatic twinkle in his eye.

"I suppose you're right." She smiled and giggled. Was what she was experiencing not something that everyone longed for? To at least perhaps be desired?

Just as the pair shared their third shot of sake, they were spotted by a familiar friend.

Temari walked into the restaurant after Shikamaru, trying desperately not to blush too brightly. She hated how flustered he could make her. She felt so out of character. A kind and bubbly waitress led them to a booth that sat catty corner to where the Hokage appeared to be, seated next to a brunette who donned two buns on either side of her head.

Just as she sat down, Temari's steely-blue eyes widened when the sudden realization hit her. Tenten was on a date with the Hokage!

"What the hell..." Shikamaru mumbled under his breath, "it worked?" He hadn't much faith in Ino and Sakura's little scheme they involved him in. However, there they sat, laughing, chatting and sharing in cheers as they drank. The chemistry between them was actually quite evident. As a man, Shikamaru could tell that Lord Kakashi was genuine in his actions and feelings toward Tenten, simply by the look in his eyes. His body posture told a story as well, his shoulders were relaxed, and he was leaning forward slightly, that indicated his deep interest in her.

Tenten, on the other hand, was blushing, smiling and giggling, but also exercising a bit of caution. As to be expected. Shikamaru noted that she was likely to make wise decisions from here on out, and he wouldn't worry about meddling any further. He could only hope Sakura and Ino would do the same.

"I guess they're on a date?" Temari looked at Shikamaru who seemed to be deep in thought for a moment. But then he nodded to her and gave her a small smile. "Seems to be a good night for it." He said charmingly.

Temari and Shikamaru were not the only ones to discover the surprising sight. Ino had been walking home from shopping for a few items when she spotted Temari and Shikamaru in the restaurant. She put her delicate fingers to the glass and smiled wide. She was thrilled to see the two of them hitting it off.

As her eyes traveled the length of the restaurant further, she blinked them when she spotted a tuft of snowy white hair sticking up from a booth and Tenten seated across from said-white-hair. Her heart leapt! They were on a date! So, the maniacal plan she and Sakura had devised had really worked?! She honestly hadn't expected to unfold this quickly, but she was very pleased. And now she had to go and tell Sakura immediately!

The tipsy duo exited the restaurant as they had entered, arm in arm. Tenten leaned on him a little, the alcohol had hit her just a little more intensely than it had hit him. She made a mental note that he smelled nice. Clean, and masculine. She held onto his muscular arm, and soon she felt him pull it away from her clutches and snake it around her waist instead, to help keep her upright.

His fingertips gently gripped her hip as he held her, and he began walking with her toward her home.

"How's your," she paused to hiccup adorably, "wound." She glanced up at him which proved to be a slight mistake because she stumbled a bit. But his strong arms steadied her just as quickly as she faltered.

"It's doing just fine, thank you for asking." He chuckled and shook his head, perhaps they'd overdone it on the booze.

She nodded her dark head. "Thank you very much for dinner." She

Straightened her posture and flashed him a quick smile.

"It was my pleasure." Kakashi chimed. He'd been smiling ear-to-ear, but of course it could not be seen.

Once they had arrived at her door, Tenten got her keys out and began to unlock her door but she stopped and looked up at him.

He was watching her intently, perhaps

Contemplating on whether or not he needed to help her, or maybe even just waiting to make sure she got inside okay. "Are you okay?"

She nodded slowly and let her key hang in the door, with a little hesitation, she put her hands delicately on his chest and looked up at him with sparkling and eager eyes.

Their eyes locked for a moment before he pulled down his mask and cupped her cheek with his hand. He smiled down at her, leaned in and gently placed his lips against hers.