The Fourth Date

The first date is always awkward. So is the second, and the third, maybe. But Kakashi didn't know how the fourth was supposed to feel like. Probably because he had never dated someone past the first date. It was hardly an issue to him that his dating experience was almost non-existent, since relationships were never his priority. But now, he can't seem to tear himself away from this one. He wanted it to go on and on. Forever.

Steeling his nerves, he slowly pulled his hand out from his pocket and let it swing freely for a few seconds in the open. Warily, he moved closer to Fury, accidentally on purpose brushing the back of her fingers. A second later, he was touching empty air. Nervously, he looked down discreetly and saw that Fury had drawn back her hand and was clasping it with her other in front of her. He suppressed a sigh and looked forwards again in disappointment.

The awkwardness between them still had not faded totally. They had grown closer to each other these past few weeks but it still felt like a fresh start every time they went out. Kakashi shook himself inwardly and without hesitation, reached out to grab Fury's hand from the clasp. She started but didn't pull away this time. Smiling secretly, he linked his hand through hers. He sneaked a look down at Fury and was slightly amused to see her studying their held hands with a mystified expression.

'Hey, it's ok.' He said softly. She jerked her head upwards with a questioning look. 'I'll walk you home, it's dark in the forest now.'

She nodded slowly and glanced down at their hands again. This time, Kakashi swore he saw a smile fleet across her face.

As they approached the edge of the forest, Kakashi looked back to check that they were out of sight. He untangled his fingers from Fury's, stuffing it back into his pocket again. She paused in her steps, causing him to halt too.

Before she could speak, Kakashi stuck out the crook of his elbow to her. Uncertainly, she slipped a hand through. Without warning, he continued to walk, tugging Fury along with him. As they walked, he felt her relaxing to her particular position. She adjusted her hands so that one was grasping his upper arm and the other lightly rested on his wrist. What pleased him most was her leaning her head gently on his arm. The weight of her head filled him with content. So this was what true bliss felt like.

'From now on, this will be how you'll hold me when no one's looking.' He murmured, disregarding how domineering he sounded.

'Ok.' Her quiet reply showered him with pure delight. The awkwardness between them seemed to have dissolved, for tonight anyway.

When they reached her house, they walked around the building to the back porch. It was late and Fury didn't want to rouse the others, but frankly, Kakashi thought that she just wanted to avoid their teasing. He shared her embarrassment too – any further amusement of their relationship would just rebuild the awkwardness between him and Fury.

'So,' He cleared his throat when he walked her to the door. 'I had a really nice time tonight, the movie was...enlightening.' Truthfully, he hadn't paid any attention to the movie since he had seen it before and was busy reenacting some of the scenes inside his head with Fury playing the lead female character. Thinking about it now made him blush slightly.

'It was.' She replied with a smile. She let her hands drop from his arm as she searched for her keys. Kakashi's mood dampened momentarily and he cleared his throat quickly.

She looked up at him in surprise, the moonlight casting a glow over her face. Kakashi's voice hitched against his throat when he drank in the full sight of her. He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something in Fury's eyes that always seemed to mesmerize him. Her features were clean-cut and contained nothing special, yet he couldn't help but find her utterly beautiful. So beautiful that it ached to tear his eyes away.

'I...um, do you want to meet up again next week?' He blurted out.

'Oh! Of course, I'd love that!' She answered eagerly, forgetting about her keys and turning herself to face him directly.

'Or tomorrow!' He continued, then caught himself. 'I mean, if you want,' He quickly said in a stiff tone.

Fury blinked, clearly startled by his directness. 'Okay, sure.' She mumbled, lowering her gaze.

Great, Kakashi thought in agony, the awkwardness was back. Way to ruin it with the enthusiasm, he grumbled to himself.

He reached out and placed his hands on her shoulders gently. He leaned forwards just as she lifted her head. He paused when she gasped in surprise.

'Why are you so afraid of me?' He asked sadly, gazing deep into her eyes. 'Was it something I said?'

'No, of course not!' She replied hastily. 'I'm not afraid of you, I'm just unsure of where this is going.' She murmured, faltering under his stare.

He slid his hands down to her upper arms and squeezed lightly. 'Do you mind telling me where you want this to go?' He inquired.

She flushed again. 'I'm hoping we can be more than this, for a very long time.' She answered, sounding terrified at the idea.

Kakashi's lips twitched under his mask, partly in triumph. 'I'd like that too.'

Fury's eyes widened at his words. He smiled warmly at her, and straightened up, cupping her face with one hand. 'It's late, you better get some rest.' He said, stroking her cheek affectionately with his thumb. 'I don't want you all tired out tomorrow.'

'Tomorrow?' She repeated, puzzled.

'Yes, our date, tomorrow.' He enunciated clearly. 'Same time, and I'll pick you up from here.'

'Alright,' She mumbled. Kakashi frowned as her breath quickened suddenly, but realized it was just the effect of his hand on her cheek. Grinning to himself, he leaned forwards and pressed a kiss onto her red, hot cheek. As she stiffened, Kakashi took the opportunity to breathe in her scent, which was intoxicating at the first whiff.

'Good night, Fury.' He whispered into her ear.

Looking totally dazed, Fury mumbled back a 'good night' and walked unsteadily into the house. Kakashi grinned as he watched her go - she was unbelievably cute like this, so unlike her usual composed, confident self. Yet somehow, he found himself liking that a lot.

THE END