Dexter doesn't know what to make of the spark that zaps where his and Rita's hands meet. The sensation crawls up his wrist and arm, making its way through the rest of his body. It's a pleasant feeling; there's a comfortable warmth to it. He wants to chase that feeling, to rest his other hand over top of hers and soak it all in and that brings him up short.

He never wants to initiate more touching. Only ever when it's necessary to sell that he's normal and decides to pursue a more intimate relationship like normal people do. The relationships never last long after that—the monster he is can't seem to be hidden during sex no matter how hard he tries—so he doesn't often have to time to get used to it, and he never wants to seek it out.

But now, as he blinks at their joined hands in confusion, Dexter has to curl his other fingers into a fist to resist the urge to reach out for more.

The world slowly fades back in, the sounds of the restaurant they're supposed to be walking into becoming a little bit louder every second he stands staring in confusion. Dexter blinks again, lifting his gaze to find Rita—no wonder Debra was so tight-lipped about his date's name—still staring at their hands. Her eyes are wide, her body still, and Dexter… doesn't know what to do. He rarely does when it comes to making people feel better and it's so much worse when he's the cause of their distress.

Slowly, her eyes trail up to meet his and Dexter doesn't know which of them holds the other tighter in response.

Then, Rita's lips move, stretching into a smile. It's small, quiet. The same as her. But something in Dexter's chest loosens at the sight of it.

"I guess now I know why Debra was so insistent about giving this a shot."

Dexter's lips twitch, copying Rita's smile as best he can. It's strangely easier than usual—he can dwell on the "why" of that later.

"She thinks she's funny," he says, jokes, even.

Rita laughs and it's small, like her smile. Dexter swallows, glancing to the side. "We should head inside…"

Squeezing his hand, Rita nods. "I'd like that."

Oddly enough, so would Dexter.