Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Author's Note: Thank you for those who read and for those who reviewed. I hope you enjoy this next chapter. This takes place after Golden Boy. Thank you for those reading and for those who review.

Lightness

Kira smiled at Conner, Hayley, Ethan and Dr. O after Anton Mercer left. Ethan then moved and followed him out the door. She figured Ethan was going to gloat or something. Looking around she wondered why Trent hadn't shown up. Then again after he had been in the position of looking like he was putting Hayley out to standing up to his Dad…perhaps being here in person was just something he couldn't do or perhaps wanted to do in private? Then again if that was the case why Mr. Mercer shown up but Trent had not?

"Thank you again Ms. Sanchez." Dr. O was saying to the council woman.

She smiled, "Thank Trent. He really helped put this in perspective for me."

Hayley nodded, "I could tell he was uncomfortable with the whole thing."

The high from being able to keep the café was still high as Ethan came back in but people had dispersed a bit. Some were getting back to what they were already doing, others still talking about everything. Conner had sat down on the couch while Dr. O talked with the congresswoman and Hayley went back behind the bar. Ethan came up to Kira, "That was awesome!"

Kira grinned, "I'm glad we were able to have this." She wanted to bring up Trent but considering how Ethan still occasionally made fun of her first look at Trent she decided to keep that to herself.

Ethan and Kira went over and joined Conner on the sofa. They had been talking for a few minutes when she saw Trent had come inside the café. She noticed that he paused and looked around before entering. She wondered if people had stayed more congregated then he might have shied away; she really wasn't too sure considering everything.

She did notice that he seemed to at least be physically fine. She remembered when Conner, Ethan and she had gotten to Dr. O's jeep and she had seen Trent there on the ground. She still couldn't believe that she had said his name! Hopefully he hadn't recognized her voice and instead just choked it up to a happy coincidence? He might not even dwell on it.

"So Trent really talked to the congresswoman?" Conner asked a bit skeptically.

Ethan nodded, "Yeah. Dr. O and I went there with Trent. Come on Conner, you can't really believe that he wanted to own Hayley's café do you?"

Conner just shrugged, "It was just very convenient that's all."

Kira wasn't sure what Conner had against Trent and perhaps it was nothing but she agreed with Ethan and it didn't seem like it was Trent. Kira leaned forward to look at Conner over Ethan, "I'm with Ethan. Besides Ms. Sanchez said it was all Trent. Convenient or not, I think that's the truth."

Conner held up his hands, "Alright, alright; I was just saying that's all."

Kira looked over and watched as Trent went over to Hayley and started talking to him. He looked a little weary and every so often he looked behind him as if something might be there. Hayley nodded and smiled and then Trent nodded and she handed him a tray with which he turned. As he turned they made eye contact and Kira gave a small smile with which he returned one to her before turning and moving toward the other side of the room.

Kira hung out with Ethan and Conner for a while before she decided to head out. She said good bye to them. She quickly scanned the room and frowned when she realized that she couldn't see Trent anywhere. Sighing she went up to the bar where Hayley was at. She didn't want to ask so instead she just said good bye to the older woman and headed outside.

Once there she saw Trent standing a little way from the door looking into the sky. "Trent?"

Startled he looked over at her, "Hey Kira. Are you heading out?"

"Yeah. Are you?"

He looked back up at the sky then back to her, "Yes. I was just….I thought something might have been up there…or something was there…I'm not sure. I've been a bit tired so…"

Kira looked up at the blank sky, "Well…it could have been something. Then again…maybe it was all in your head." Instead of Trent smiling or making another comment back he looked more worried. Kira frowned and then stepped closer to him, "Do you want to talk about it…or anything?"

He sighed and gestured forward, "Do you want to walk with me?"

"Yes."'

They started walking and Trent was quiet for a while. Kira didn't feel the need to start talking nor did she think that it would help Trent if she did or if she tried to force whatever it was out of him. Eventually he did start, "I've just been a bit tired lately. Work, school, my Dad. It's a bit hard. Not that I have it worse than anyone else but…I don't know I wish it could be just a bit easier."

"Well it could just be the week."

This time he looked over at her and that far off look that had been in his eyes disappeared and he half smiled at her, "I think I like that idea. And you're probably right."

Even though Trent had obviously had a lot on his mind he seemed to shuffle it away from where he had been thinking about it and now he seemed…lighter? She wasn't sure if that was the right word but it seemed to fit. Perhaps Trent did have more to talk about and he didn't want to share it yet. She would be there when he did. "Look Trent, if you do ever want to talk or…anything, let me know. I'll listen."

"Thanks Kira." He seemed to hesitate for just a moment before he continued, "I'll be here for you too. Whenever you need me."

Kira felt her cheeks heat up and she looked down for a moment to gather herself, "Thanks."

They continued walking and talking about different things, school, his art, her music. She hadn't realized how late it was until she realized the sky was darker. Frowning she gestured at the sky, "I think I should be getting home now."

Trent looked up, "Yeah…I suppose I should go home too."

"Will your Dad be upset with you because of what happened?"

"Yes…but it's more about him thinking he's doing what he says is right for me and that I'm not grateful for it. I just need to talk to him about it."

"It's not easy standing up to a parent. I think it was awesome that you did so for what you felt was right."

He stopped and looked at her, "thanks. I'm just glad I was able to do something. Hayley is great and she shouldn't have to stop something that amazing for no good reason."

Kira nodded, "I definitely agree to that one."

Trent smiled at her. Kira honestly wasn't sure who leaned towards the other first but soon their lips touched. It was a soft, gentle kiss. It was something very simple and yet Kira couldn't help but feel the butterflies grow stronger. After they pulled apart they shared a smile. Kira felt her phone go off. She looked down at the time, "Okay…I really do need to get going…"

"I suppose we're both wanted at home?"

Kira looked up and saw that Trent had his phone out as well. She grinned, "I suppose so."

"So I'll see you later?"

"Yeah."

Kira turned to leave but Trent stopped her, "Kira?"

She looked at him, "Yes?"

"Thank you." He said simply and yet with gratitude attached to it.

"You're welcome." And with that the two parted ways both feeling much lighter after their time together.