Chapter 15:

Date Night

Winter had settled during the week preceding their date night. The crisp air was filled with the scent of pine as Sakura stood by her bedroom mirror, smoothing out the delicate fabric of her dress. She had chosen a soft pastel pink that contrasted beautifully with the snowy landscape outside and brought out the warmth in her eyes. Nervous excitement fluttered in her chest as she checked the time. Kiba would be here any moment.

The doorbell rang, and Sakura's heart skipped a beat. She hurried down the stairs, her parents already at the door, exchanging polite greetings with Kiba. He stood there, looking more polished than usual in a dark button-up shirt and clean jeans. His normally wild hair was slightly tamed, and a bouquet of winter blooms was clutched in his hand. Beside him, Akamaru sat obediently, his breath visible in the frosty air.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Haruno," Kiba greeted them with a charming smile. "These are for you, Sakura-chan," he added, extending the flowers toward her as she approached.

"Thank you, Kiba," Sakura said, accepting the bouquet with a smile. "They're beautiful."

Her parents exchanged a glance and smiled approvingly. "You two have a good time," her mother said, giving Sakura a light pat on the back. "And be safe."

"We will," Sakura promised, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush. She turned to Kiba, who offered her his arm in a gentlemanly fashion.

"Shall we?" he asked, his eyes swirling with anticipation.

Sakura nodded, slipping her arm through his as they walked out the door. Akamaru followed at a respectful distance, clearly understanding that tonight was special.

They strolled through the quiet streets of their neighborhood, enjoying the serene beauty of the winter evening. The ground was dusted with fresh snow, and their breath mingled in the cold air. Sakura felt a sense of calm wash over her, the earlier nerves dissipating with each step they took together.

The reached a patio café. The warmth was inviting, beckoning them with its warm aroma.

Twinkling fairy lights were strung around the perimeter, casting a soft, golden glow over the intimate tables. The café was charming, with rustic wooden furniture and a cozy ambiance that felt perfect for a romantic evening.

"Coffee?" Kiba asks her.

"Sure," she shrugged.

They sat at a small, round table near the edge of the patio, overlooking a peaceful, snow-dusted garden. They were bundled up in warm coats and scarves, but the glow of a nearby heater added a pleasant warmth to their little corner of the world. A soft, instrumental melody played in the background.

They placed their order, and as they waited, Kiba broke the silence.

"So... what's been going on at the hospital?" he asks, putting his arm around her.

Sakura's cheeks flushed with a mixture of the cold and the warmth she felt from his undivided attention. "Just the usual," she said. "The holiday season has barely begun and we're already short-staffed. I hate being in charge, but Shizune-chan is away, so that leaves me to make the boring reports."

Kiba's eyes sparkled as he listened to her. He leaned in closer, sending shivers of anticipation through her body.

He reached out, taking Sakura's hand in his own, his thumb gently stroking her knuckles. "You know," he said softly, his voice barely audible over the ambient sounds, "I've always admired your strength, your brains, and your dedication. You're so smart, Sakura-chan."

Sakura's heart fluttered at his words, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "Thank you, Kiba."

"It's so hard not to be so damn attracted to you," he growled lightly, his eyes shining with affection. "You're a complete package."

Without thinking, Sakura leaned in, and Kiba met her halfway. Their lips met in a gentle, exploratory kiss, soft and tender.

The kiss deepened as they melted into each other, a slow, passionate exchange that seemed to make the world around them disappear.

They pulled back slightly, just enough to look into each other's eyes, breathing the same air. "You're incredible," Kiba whispered, his voice husky with emotion.

Sakura smiled, her fingers tracing the outline of his jaw. "So are you," she replied, before leaning in for another kiss. This one was more fervent, filled with the growing desire and affection they felt for each other. Their lips moved in perfect harmony, savoring the moment and the connection they shared.

His stubble scratched against her face, a sensation both new and electrifying. It was a different feeling than what she was used to; Sasuke had always been clean-shaven, his smooth skin offering a stark contrast to Kiba's ruggedness. This difference was thrilling, an indication of the new path she was embracing.

Sakura's fingers traced the rough texture of his jaw once more, a smile playing on her lips as she savored the unfamiliarity. "Your beard," she whispered, both amused and fascinated. "It's different."

Kiba chuckled softly, his breath warm against her cheek. "Is it okay?" he asked, a hint of vulnerability in his tone.

"It's more than okay," she replied, her voice firm and reassuring, her fingers running through his short goatee. "It's you."

He kissed her again, this time more gently, chewing on her top lip. She ran her tongue over his fangs, pressing her lips against them. His rough facial hair was a constant reminder of the different man he was - a man who was fiercely loyal, brave, and completely devoted to her. The sensation of his rough skin against her own was an intimate connection, a tactile representation of the passion that burned between them.

As they were lost in their embrace, the sound of approaching footsteps went unnoticed until a familiar voice broke the spell. "Well, well, what do we have here?"

Startled, they broke apart and looked up to see Kakashi standing nearby, his eyes crinkled in amusement above the edge of his mask. He held a small bag of takeout in one hand, clearly on his way home from a late-evening errand.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura exclaimed, her face turning a deeper shade of red as she straightened up. Kiba, too, looked a bit sheepish but didn't let go of her hand.

Kakashi chuckled, his voice light and teasing. "Don't mind me, just passing by. You two look cozy." He raised an eyebrow, his eyes twinkling further with mischief. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

Kiba grinned, his embarrassment quickly fading. "No worries, Hokage-sama. We were just... enjoying the evening."

"Clearly," Kakashi said, his tone still playful. He looked between them, a hint of approval in his gaze. "It's good to see you both happy. Just remember, public displays of affection might attract some attention."

Sakura laughed, the initial awkwardness melting away. "We'll keep that in mind," she promised.

As Kakashi turned to leave, he paused for a moment and glanced back at Kiba. "Oh, Kiba, can you remind Hana-chan that she's needed earlier in the morning? We've got a bit of a situation."

Kiba raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What's going on?"

Kakashi's eyes crinkled with a hint of concern. "Pakkun has a cold. He's not doing too well, and we need Hana's help to make sure he's comfortable."

Kiba nodded, understanding the seriousness of the situation. "Got it, Hokage-sama. Akamaru'll deliver your message right now," he nodded at him, and Akamaru stretched his paws and left.

"Thanks," Kakashi said. "Take good care of Sakura-chan," Kakashi finished, wagging a warning finger at Kiba.

"She deserves only the best," Kiba replied back, the hand holding hers tightening.

Kakashi gave a final nod and a small wave before continuing on his way.

Sakura watched the exchange with interest, a wide smile plastered on her lips.

Once Kakashi was out of earshot, she turned to Kiba. "You'll take good care of me, huh?"

"Goes without saying," he shrugged. "He cares about you a lot. I like that."

Sakura nodded. "He's always looked out for me, especially after the entire Sasuke debacle." Her brow furrowed slightly. "Pakkun has a cold?"

Kiba sighed and leaned back in his chair, his fingers still entwined with Sakura's. "Yeah, it's rare for him to get sick. Hana-niichan's a top-notch veterinarian, so she'll know exactly what to do."

Sakura nodded, a look of admiration crossing her face. "That's good. Poor Pakkun. I hope he feels better soon."

Kiba smiled softly at her concern. "He will. Hana's the best at what she does. But enough about that. Let's focus on us."

Sakura's eyes softened as she looked at him, the warmth of their connection pulling her back into the moment. "Right. Where were we?"

Kiba leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I think we were right about here," he said, capturing her lips in another kiss. This one was tender and sweet, a reaffirmation of their feelings amidst the chilly winter air and the soft glow of the café lights.

As they continued to kiss, the world around them seemed to fade away once more. Their breaths mingled, creating little puffs of warmth in the cold night. Kiba's hand gently cupped Sakura's face, his thumb brushing against her cheek as he deepened the kiss. Sakura's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as they lost themselves in the moment.

When they finally pulled back, both of them were breathing a bit heavier, their cheeks flushed with a combination of the cold and their shared passion. Sakura rested her forehead against Kiba's, her eyes half-closed as she savored the closeness.

"You're amazing," Kiba murmured, his voice extremely groggy.

"So are you," Sakura whispered back, her heart pounding in her chest.

Their coffee was stone-cold. When had it arrived, they didn't know.

As the café began to wind down and the night grew colder, Kiba turned to her. "Shall we get going? I have something else planned."

"Where are we going?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

"It's a surprise," Kiba replied with a mischievous grin. "But I think you'll like it. Let me just grab some hot chocolate to go."

They walked hand in hand through the streets, their breath visible in the crisp air. Akamaru caught up to them again, keeping his distance once more. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the landscape.

They reached the edge of the village, where a beautiful horse-drawn carriage awaited them. The carriage was adorned with festive wreaths and twinkling fairy lights, the horses' breath visible in the chilly air, and its driver bundled up against the cold.

Sakura gasped in delight. "Kiba, this is magical!"

Kiba helped her into the carriage and then climbed in beside her, wrapping a warm blanket around them both. "I wanted tonight to be special," he said softly, his eyes twinkling.

The carriage ride through the snow-covered countryside was like something out of a fairy tale. The horses trotted along the snowy path, the clip-clop of their hooves crunching rhythmically as a soothing backdrop. The night was still and quiet, the only sounds being the jingle of the harness bells. He took her hand in his and she cuddled in closer, enjoying the sights.

They arrived at a cozy cabin nestled in the woods, smoke curling from the chimney, and soft lights glowing from the windows, casting a warm and inviting light.

He helped her out of the carriage, and Akamaru bounded ahead inside to sniff around the cabin.

Kiba took her hand and led her inside. The cabin was beautifully decorated for the season, with a roaring fire in the fireplace, and a large, plush bed covered in a thick, downy quilt.

"This is amazing," Sakura said, turning to him with wide eyes.

"I'm glad you like it," Kiba said softly, pulling her into his arms. "When Hinata told me about me this cabin, I couldn't think of a more perfect place than here."

"Hinata told you about this place?" Sakura asked, surprised. "Should I be concerned?"

He barked in laughter, holding her hand and pulling her with him. "Absolutely not. She's my best friend."

They settled into the plush armchairs by the hearth. Akamaru lay contentedly near the fire, his eyes half-closed in relaxation. They sipped their hot chocolate, the sweet warmth seeping into their bones.

Kiba broke the comfortable silence first. "We haven't talked much tonight," he grinned.

Sakura giggled, blushing. "I... didn't exactly mind," she admitted.

He chuckled, and Sakura tried not to let her eyes linger on his exposed fangs once more.

"I figured," he began. "We could take turns asking each other a few questions, you know, to find out more about each other. The little things, you know?"

She nodded happily. "That sounds like a fantastic idea," she gushed. No one had ever taken such interest in her before.

"I'll start," he began. "So, um... What's your favorite season?"

She thought for a moment, her gaze drifting to the flurries which had started gently blowing outside. "I think winter is my favorite. There's something magical about the snow, the way it transforms everything. And I love the coziness it brings. What about you?"

Kiba smiled, his eyes reflecting the firelight. "I love autumn. The cool air, the vibrant colors, and the way the forest smells. It's the best time for hunting and training with Akamaru. Plus, it's not too hot for running. And... it's when you first kissed me," he finished, looking at her tenderly.

Sakura blushed furiously, but nodded. "Autumn is beautiful too."

"Your turn," Kiba prodded.

"Um... Ok. I got one," she decided. "Do you have a favorite childhood memory?"

Kiba reminisced. "One of my favorite memories is the first time I went on a training mission with Akamaru. We were just kids barely gnawing on bone, but I felt so proud and capable. It was the beginning of our bond, and we've been inseparable ever since." He looked at Akamaru fondly, who wagged his tail in response.

"What about you, Sakura? What's a favorite childhood memory of yours?" he asked, reaching out and grabbing her hand.

Sakura's eyes twinkled with nostalgia. "One of my favorites is when my parents took me to the cherry blossom festival for the first time. The trees were in full bloom, and it felt like we were walking through a pink wonderland. I remember feeling so happy and carefree, running around and playing with other kids, telling everyone I was named Sakura. It's a memory that always brings a smile to my face."

Kiba leaned closer, intrigued. "Do you have any other hidden talents or hobbies that I don't know about?"

Sakura laughed softly. "I like reading, especially romance novels and manga. It's a nice escape from reality sometimes."

Kiba's eyebrows raised in interest. "I didn't know that! As for me, I love cooking. It's something I picked up from my Ma. There's something satisfying about preparing a meal and sharing it with others."

Sakura smiled brightly. "I'd love to try your cooking sometime. What's your favorite dish to make?"

Kiba grinned, clearly pleased. "I make a mean beef stew. It's perfect for cold nights like this. You'll see, you'll have a chance to try my hand sooner than you think."

"I'd like that," Sakura said warmly. "My turn. What's one thing you've always wanted to do but haven't had the chance yet?"

Kiba pondered the question for a moment. "I've always wanted to go on a long journey, to explore new places and meet new people, like Shino. I think it would be an incredible experience, something that would broaden my horizons and teach me a lot."

Sakura nodded, understanding, but her heart got heavy, her mind invariably drifting, thinking why men who entered her life tended to leave her behind as they ventured on their own journeys. "That sounds amazing."

Kiba gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Maybe one day we can go on a journey together. Explore new places and make new memories. Together."

Sakura's eyes widened and her heart swelled with warmth. This was different. She was already in his long-term thoughts. He already pictured her in any journey he would take. No hollow promises of a 'next time' which never arrived.

He wanted to make memories with her!

"I'd like that very much, Kiba," she said softly, squeezing his fingers back in turn.

Akamaru whined in protest. "That includes you too, doofus," Kiba reassured him, and Sakura giggled.

The fire crackled as Kiba stood up and spread a picnic blanket over the rug and started to set their dinner, laying out the cutlery and plates.

"I figured we should eat in front of the fire instead of at the table," he mentioned, and she agreed.

"Sai told me you love dumplings," Kiba admitted, as she clapped her hands when she saw him taking them out. "I ahh... also made some beef stew, like I mentioned before."

"Sai always notices the little things," she remarked, touched at the detail Kiba had planned. "I can't wait to try your cooking. Um. I've gotten way better at cooking too, you know. I'm no longer 'hopeless in the kitchen' like you believe."

Kiba blushed as she remarked how he had teased her so long ago. "I don't doubt it at all. Besides, I told you then only, it was Ino who said that. I was just teasing."

He dumped some food on a big bowl he had found in the cabinets for Akamaru, who dug in immediately. He didn't even bother waiting for them to start and only paused when Kiba cleared his throat, annoyed.

"By the way, I never asked," she wondered if she should, but decided to anyway. "Why did you guys - Ino and you - stop going out back then?"

"Ino never told you?" he asked, surprised. Sakura shook her head.

"She just said you were not emotionally mature enough," she shrugged. "I found that quite easy to believe."

He groaned. "Well, we argued all the time, for one thing," he began as he plated for her. "And funny you should say that. It was after the same mission you just mentioned, when we had to catch those rogue-nins before they crossed the border."

She nodded. "You teased me relentlessly, and I was already so annoyed and exhausted because I had recently started storing chakra to activate my byakugō. I wasn't supposed to go in that mission, it was a last-minute thing."

Kiba grinned sheepishly. "Well. Anyway, after we got back, we went on another date and she asked how the mission had gone, standard stuff. She lost it when I mentioned how you umm..." he blushed, looking away.

"Me?" Sakura asked. "What did you mention about me? Don't tell me you mentioned the part where you came to look for me and saw me in the lake?"

Kiba nodded. "Um. Yeah. Well, she asked me how I got that shining black eye you gifted me! What else was I supposed to say?"

Sakura groaned. "You lie. You don't tell a girl you're dating that you almost saw another girl naked! Her rival nonetheless!"

"But I never saw you naked. I was very clear on that!" Kiba raised his hands in surrender. "I just told her it was my first time realizing how fucking amazing you smelt."

Sakura actually sunk her head in her arms.

"What? What?" he asked, bewildered.

"I remember telling you even back then," Sakura said, giggling now. "You never praise another girl in front of another. Especially when you're on a date. And especially when it's Ino or me while talking to the other!"

Kiba raised his hands in surrender. "You both were so weird. I never understood that. You hated it when I complimented her, and she hated it when I complimented you."

Sakura laughed, and Kiba scratched his head with a weak smile. "You actually said that about me? Kiba Inuzuka, of the clan with the famous nose, actually saying that he thought I smelt better than her?"

Kiba shrugged. "I could never lie. I guess that's what gets me in trouble with girls all the time. You do smell fucking mind-blowing. I told you that the night of the party."

Sakura nodded, a few giggles still escaping her as he continued his story.

"Well, I didn't compare you to her or nothing. But she lost it. She yelled at me, accusing me that I always have you in my mind and that I praise you all the time, and it always feels I'm comparing you to her. She said something like, 'Do you know how it feels to constantly hear your date talk about another girl?' and I said, 'I'm sorry Ino, I didn't mean to make you feel that way, I swear,' you know, the works. But then she said, 'You always put her on a pedestal, and it's not just her skills. How will I ever feel secure in our relationship when your heart isn't even here?' and I tried to justify with, 'It's you I'm with, aren't I? You're way hotter' but I guess the damage was done. That's when she said I wasn't 'emotionally mature' enough for a relationship. So we decided to stop going out."

Sakura marvelled at how effortlessly and perfectly he drew out the portions, like he had done it many times before. She was definitely not used to this treatment. He was spoiling her. She told him as much, and he waved his hand in dismissal.

"So anyway," he concluded. "It's funny now how she thought I wasn't emotionally mature enough, and now she's trying to get with Shikamaru of all people to show effort."

He laughed as he sat down across from her, ready to eat. "I hope that works out, I genuinely do, and that lazy idiot shows effort."

Sakura frowned as she looked at him. "But Ino told me that they shared a really magical night. They um... they made love and..."

Kiba scoffed, interrupting. "Say what? That's not what Shikamaru told me."

Sakura realized that Ino was trying to one-up her as usual because up until that point of their conversation, Sakura hadn't really revealed to her about her own night. She smacked her forehead.

"That lying pig," she cried, raising her fist in the air.

They laughed, and their conversation continued flowing effortlessly throughout their dinner. Sakura took the first bite of the beef stew and looked at him in amazement, still jostling it in her mouth.

"Kiba, this is amazing," she gasped in surprise. "How come I never knew you cook so well? I think the last time I had something you made was the deer back in that mission."

Kiba grinned shyly, his protruding fangs flashing in the firelight once more. "Well, I'm glad you like it."

After they were done, they cleared the dishes away. Akamaru let out a huge yawn and stretched in front of the fireplace, already planning on making the soft, plush rug his bed.

"Do you want to stay the night, or should I drop you back?" Kiba asked softly, his eyes searching hers. "I can ask the driver to come back tomorrow."

Sakura looked around the cozy cabin, a warm smile spreading across her face. She felt a sense of peace and contentment enveloping her, as if the cabin itself was cocooning them in a soft embrace.

"I'd like to stay the night," she whispered, her voice filled with quiet joy.

Kiba's smile widened, lighting up his face. "I packed some overnight clothes just in case. You can wear mine," he mentioned, gesturing to his bag.

Sakura nodded and chose a matching grey night suit from his bag. She disappeared into the bathroom to change while Kiba stepped outside to inform the driver to leave for the night. When he returned, Sakura emerged, wearing his clothes with a white robe from the cabin draped over them. Kiba couldn't help but stare for a moment, his heart skipping a beat at how adorable she looked.

Tearing his eyes away, Kiba went to change into his own nightwear. As he dressed, Sakura removed the robe and snuggled under the thick quilt on the bed. The window beside the bed framed the landscape outside, the moonlight casting a soft, ethereal glow over the room.

Kiba emerged from the bathroom, wearing a blue night suit that matched hers. His heart leapt as he saw her all cozied up in bed, the firelight dancing across her face. He moved towards the bed, slipping under the quilt beside her.

He brushed a strand of hair away from Sakura's face with a tender touch, his fingers lingering for a moment. Then he put an arm around her, drawing her close as they sat and watched the flames flicker in the fireplace. Sakura rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth and comfort of his embrace.

The fire crackled softly, the only sound in the room aside from their shared breath. They sat in companionable silence, the intimacy of the moment wrapping around them like a warm blanket. Kiba's thumb gently stroked her arm, and Sakura closed her eyes, savoring the feeling of being so close to him.

After a while, Kiba turned his head slightly to press a soft kiss to Sakura's temple. "I'm glad you're here," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the crackling fire.

"Me too," Sakura whispered back, her eyes still closed. She felt a profound sense of contentment, knowing that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

"Kiba?" Sakura asked, looking back at him.

"Yeah?" he replied, his arm still around her.

She cradled his face in her hands, their breath mingled. Her touch was gentle yet firm, drawing him closer as she gazed into his eyes. With a tender smile playing on her lips, Sakura leaned in and pressed her lips to his in a smouldering kiss.

The intensity of the kiss spoke volumes, conveying the deep emotions that had been building between them. Kiba's hands found their way to her waist, pulling her closer still, as he responded with equal fervor, their shared warmth warding off the chill of the night.

They lost themselves in the embrace, the kiss deepening as their hearts raced in unison. The sound of the crackling fire created a warm ambience.

When they finally parted, breathless and with their foreheads resting against each other, Sakura's eyes shimmered with unspoken words. Kiba's fingers gently traced her cheek, his gaze filled with a mix of affection and admiration.

"Sakura," he whispered, his voice husky with emotion, "I've never felt this way about anyone before."

Sakura's smile widened, her heart swelling with joy but fear at the same time. Her throat felt constricted as she nodded.

"This... this feels right," she swallowed, shaking aside her nerves and deciding her next words carefully. "Will you make love to me tonight?" she whispered, her voice trembling with both anticipation and vulnerability.

Kiba's ears turned red, a flush spreading across his cheeks. His eyes flickered away in shyness for a moment before fastening on hers once more, filled with a tender earnestness.

"Only if you want me to," he murmured, his voice gentle and reassuring.

Sakura felt her heart swell at his words, the sincerity in his eyes making her feel cherished and respected. She reached up to cup his face, her thumb brushing softly over the red marking on his cheek.

"I do," she replied softly, her gaze steady and full of affection. "I want to be with you, Kiba."

Kiba's hand came up to cover hers, his thumb caressing her fingers. He leaned in slowly, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both tender and passionate, a promise of the intimacy they were about to share. They lost themselves in each other, their kisses deepening as their hands explored and caressed.

With a gentle yet insistent touch, Kiba eased Sakura back onto the bed, his body covering hers as they continued to kiss. The quilt enveloped them in warmth, the firelight casting a soft glow over their entwined forms. Every touch, every kiss, was an expression of the deep connection they felt, a dance of passion and love that spoke volumes without words.