>Kakashi POV<

I took Sakura with me into town to look for a present for Cody.

"It's really cute that you're buying Cody-sensei a gift, Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura squealed for the third time.

"Sakura, please," I said with a sigh. "Just help me get the present so we can get out of here?"

She giggled, but nodded and grabbed my sleeve, dragging me into a market area.

"What does Cody-sensei like?" She asked.

"Wha- That's what you're here for!" I blustered, stopping abruptly. She gave me an incredulous look.

"You live with her!"

"She hated me until recently, how would I know what she likes?!"

Sakura heaved a great sigh, sweat dropping at me.

"Boys are so clueless," she mumbled.

"Hey!"

"Come on, lets start looking."

And so, I was led through town, feeling like a clueless child.

Fun....

>Cody POV<

I was sitting on the couch, working on a novel, when a heart shaped box appeared before my eyes.

"Er...." I followed the hand that held the box to see Kakashi, looking nervous and uncomfortable. He held a bouquet of Tsubaki Flowers in his other hand.

"A present," he said stiffly, shoving the bouquet in my face as the guys chuckled and the girls giggled. I screamed and shoved the flowers away as quickly as possible.

"What's wrong, Cody-sensei?!" Naruto cried.

"I'm allergic to Tsubaki's!" I said miserably, looking down at my hands, which were slowly turning red.

"Oh kami, I-I'm sorry!" Kakashi stammered. "Here, have some candy!"

"What kind?" I asked carefully.

"M-Milk Chocolate....."

I leaned away.

"Er..... Allergic...." I explained. He immediately dropped the box as the visible portion of his face turned bright red. "If it were dark chocolate, it'd be different."

"G-Gomen!"

"Kakashi, calm down. Now what's this all about?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him as I tried rubbing the rash from my hands. "Come on, you can explain while I wash my hands."

He followed me, head down, as I headed for the kitchen. I barely saw Sakura giving him an encouraging look and Tazuna pat his back.

"Well?" I asked, running water over my hands. He stammered something unintelligible as I scrubbed at my hands. "Say again?" I requested, drying my hands as I turned to face him. "Take a deep breath and speak, Kakashi."

He took a deep breath, his head still bowed.

"This could not have gone worse... I'm really sorry.... I just..."

"Don't worry about it," I said, smiling at him. "Now why'd you go out and get me that stuff?"

I saw his ears turn an even brighter red as his head bowed lower. He grabbed a thin box from his pocket and held it out to me.

"I was wondering if you'd.... Go on a date with me once we got back to Konaha..." He mumbled.

I stared at him in shock and slight fear.

"B-B-But....." I stammered. He looked up, what I could see of his face was as red as his ears.

"I'm not like that guy, really!" He said quickly. "I'd never dream of hurting you in the least! Can you please.... g-give it a c-chance...."

I regarded him cautiously, before sighing. I held up a single finger.

"One chance," I said. "You only get one chance."

His face brightened considerably.

"That's all I need!" He said cheerfully, hugging me around my waist and spinning me once before setting me down and thrusting the box at me again.

"This isn't going to potentially kill me like the chocolates and flowers, is it?" I asked cautiously as I took it and unwrapped it.

"I sure as hell hope not," he said, suddenly anxious as I took off the lid and gasped. "Damn it!" He hissed, apparently thinking I was allergic to this as well.

"No, it's just... wow..." I said breathlessly. "You bought me this?"

"Well, Sakura helped alot," he admitted. I stifled a laugh.

"You went shopping... With Sakura?" I asked, a giggle escaping before I slapped a hand over my mouth. "You didn't hear that!" I said quickly.

"Hear what?" He asked innocently, noticeably smirking.

"Good," I smirked before looking at the choker. It was made of black silk with a silver thorn branch design, blood red roses blossoming from random spots. "It's just.... Really wicked... Thank you Kakashi," I said, grinning at him.

"Here, allow me," he said, relaxing as he took it and circled around. He placed it around my neck before grabbing my shoulders, turning me around, and hugging me tightly. "I'm glad you like it........... It was torture to get Sakura away from the shops."

I stifled another laugh, but hugged him back.

"Kawai!!!!" Two voices said. Kakashi and I quickly stepped away from each other to see everyone in the kitchen doorway. Sakura and Tsuname were both clapping gleefully and jumping on their toes. I blushed as bad as Kakashi had and looked away.

"Cody," Kakashi said, grabbing my hand.

"Hm?" I asked, looking up at him. He leaned over and kissed my forehead through his mask.

"I promise not to screw this up."

"O-Okay....."

...

"KAWAIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!"