So, here's a special treat for you. Let's take a break from the everyday for a minute or two. Enjoy this little snippet as Soul Society prepares for the annual ball. Who are you taking this year? :)

:: Special Chapter :: Will You Be My Date?

If there was an event more anticipated in all of Soul Society, he couldn't think of it at the time. Kira stood with his arms folded across his chest, staring at the magnificent posters in front of him. They were plastered all over the wall outside of the small café the next morning. He placed an elbow on his other hand, resting his chin upon his palm.

"This could be a problem…" he thought aloud.

As he walked toward the café, a small hand caught him by the shoulder. A gasp escaped his lips without permission. Then there was laughter.

"Good morning!" He didn't need to turn around.

"Good morning Hinamori-kun. I'm s-sorry I forgot to come get you today."

"It's okay."

"I've just been feeling a bit… out of it lately, that's all."

"Oh, is that all?" She laughed again as she took his hand. "Shall we get something to eat?" He nodded, and couldn't help but notice that her eyes wandered to the posters behind them as they entered the café together.

"So…" she said simply as she sat in the chair opposite him. "I have a serious problem. I asked Shiro-chan, but he was less than helpful as usual."

"I see," he noticed immediately that he was biting his nails and quickly shoved his hands down over his knees. Why was he so nervous all of a sudden?

"But I wanted to ask if you knew anyone that…"

"Will you come to the dance with me? Hinamori-kun?" His hands immediately flew up to cover his mouth. Had he really just shouted that in the middle of this crowded place? He could feel the stares of so many people. Damn it! He cursed himself over and over in his mind.

She blinked several times before smiling once more. He watched as she slowly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her cheeks turned the slightest shade of red. No… it was more like a shimmering pink.

Finally, she looked him in the eyes, those deep brown eyes that he loved. And she nodded – a simple decisive nod that answered everything.

"Yes, Kira-kun. I would love to go to the dance with you!" As if on cue she raced out of the café.

"W-where are you…?" His sentence never was finished, nor did it get an answer.

… … 2 Days Later … …

"This w-was a h-huge mistake, Hisagi-san…" Kira stumbled as he fidgeted with the deep green tie around his neck.

"Let me help you before you choke yourself," Hisagi replied with a smirk on his face. He moved forward and took the tie between his hands – then gently tightened the knot.

"What do I say to her?"

"You don't really need to say anything."

"But I'm not that great of a dancer."

"Maybe she's not either."

"But what if she asks me to get her a drink? What should I get…?"

"Just shut up, would you?" Kira stood there shocked as Hisagi placed both hands on his friend's shoulders.

"O-okay," he replied in a whisper.

"She's already going with you. There's nothing to worry about. I know that's saying a lot, but it's true. Just enjoy yourself." With a reassuring smile and a slight nod, Hisagi quickly stepped out of the room.

Kira had already planned a rebuttal, but was left there alone.

Letting out a heavy sigh, he moved to stand in front of the mirror. He stood perfectly still, taking it all in. The black suit was complimented well by his light blue shirt and dark tie. He took several deep breaths before making his way out into the hallway.

Several squad members passed him by, some nodded while others bowed slightly. They were all in the process of getting ready for the dance. Kira had to remind himself several times to draw his shoulders back – 'I need to act confident,' he told himself.

Soul Society, so normally quiet this time of night, was alight with colors and sounds. It was almost bright like the daytime. The contrast against the dark black sky was amazing.

Like his own squad, the Squad 5 barracks were alive with activity. Men and women were helping each other with ties, flowers, and elaborate hairstyles.

He nodded to each one in turn. Then he saw something that took his breath away.

Her hair was done in tight curls that fell loosely around her face, her bangs had been curled as well. The rest of her dark hair was held in a loose bun. She smiled when she saw him and immediately started his way. Her gown was brilliant silver that got darker as it reached down to touch the floor. The straps crossed in an oval above her chest and wove around the back of her neck. Finally, a simple diamond bracelet sat nicely on her wrist.

He turned a little as she approached him, holding out his arm. She wound hers around his outstretched arm and looked up at him. "You're early," she said.

"O-of course." Great, he thought, talking might be a problem after all.

"Well, let's go then." As they made their way from the barracks, several girls called out to Hinamori. She just smiled and tilted her head back toward them. The look was so cute on her, Kira could hardly stand it.

And as they approached the dance hall, under the shadow of Squad 1's main building, several people stopped and stared. Kira tried keeping his head low, sure that they were only looking at Hinamori. But she was quick to scold him.

"Please stop," she said while lightly brushing his arm with her free hand. "Let's have a great time, right?" There was that look again.

He nodded. "Right." Okay, he thought, I may be able to really pull this off.

The hall was crowded, but using expert navigation, Hinamori managed to make her way directly to the dance floor. She moved one hand to Kira's waist, holding one of his hands in the other. He copied her movements exactly.

"Kira-kun!" she teased, "you shouldn't follow the girl's lead." He was startled. It was what he was worried about. He would need to lead the dance.

The band was starting up the second song… a salsa. Hinamori smiled. "Good practice," she said happily – and held out one hand. Kira looked around anxiously and was relieved to see that Hisagi was only a few couples away. Not only that, but his friend was purposely slowing down his movements so that Kira could watch. With a deep sigh, Kira took Hinamori's outstretched hand, and stepped forward slowly. To his surprise, she stepped back out of instinct. Yes, he thought. He really could do this.

With his new found courage he managed to lead through the entire song. As the final note came, Kira pulled Hinamori out of a spin and into his open arms, reaching out to take one hand. His other slid around her back to rest just below her waist. She laughed and lifted one foot high into the air as he dipped her low.

They stayed that way for quite a few moments – until Kira turned a slight shade of red. He pulled her back up to her feet, letting go of her waist and hand.

"Wow, Kira-kun! That was amazing!" She had her hands clasped together in front of her in her excitement.

It was then that Kira realized the many eyes that were on him…no…both himself and Hinamori. Then he heard a deafening sound. Everyone was clapping. Even Hisagi, so appropriately stern on most days, was beaming at him. Kira stood there in the center of the crowd as Hinamori reached out and took his hand. She bowed deeply, taking him with her. He couldn't help but laugh. It was the most fun he had had in a long time.

With Hinamori. No. With Momo by his side… Everything could really get better after all.

"Thank you, Hinamori-kun," he whispered in her ear.

Please Review… Thank you so much for reading. And thanks to all my reviewers. I really appreciate you all :)