Thank you to my readers for being patient… I was going through a rough time here these last few days. And let's just say that updating was the farthest thing from my mind. Please enjoy this latest chapter

:: SoraWithAnX :: thanks for the review, it made my day. I love KiraHina, I love the idea of them together.

If only there was a quicker way to get paperwork done… Hinamori pushed the relatively large stack off the edge of the desk – enjoying the fluttering sound as each piece followed the previous one to the hardwood floor. Her head was swirling with thoughts about the day's activities; and as the sun began to set she wondered if she should try to forget about them the easy way.

With a determined smile she stood up and walked through the sliding door to her private quarters. In front of the full-length mirror she examined her appearance… yup…she had definitely been running through the woods all afternoon.

Taking her hair down, she let it fall around her shoulders. And, after she had showered and towel-dried her hair she moved to the closet – selecting a peach colored kimono tied with a pale yellow sash.

Not really an ideal outfit for a night out drinking, but she pushed the thought from her mind for now. It was comfortable, and she liked the way the silk felt on her skin. And, as she made her was from the barracks apartments she saw the eyes of several squad members following her movements. Another confident smile crossed her lips.

When she reached the bar, she noticed that there was a large group of soul reapers already laughing away at a round table in the corner. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Kira look up and meet her gaze. Both of them quickly looked away, either embarrassed or startled or some other thing. Unfortunately Matsumoto, dressed in a dark-blue cloth kimono, called out to her. Momo nodded and hesitantly made her way over to the group.

She saw Iba, Ikkaku, Yumichika, Hisagi, Renji and of course Matsumoto. But her gaze dropped when she noticed the frown appear on Kira's face. Was he really that unhappy about seeing her? She was certain he was about to ask her something earlier. Maybe it was serious… too serious to share with a group of unruly friends.

"You clean up nice," Matsumoto commented with a smile. Momo blushed and glanced back at Kira.

"Very lovely," Yumichika added in agreement. Hisagi, seated beside her, gave her a playful push with his fist which made her laugh.

"Thank you everyone," another blush… this time Momo reached out in front of her for the Sake bottle. After pouring some into her small cup, she held the liquid to her lips, enjoying that aroma before sipping it slowly.

When she had consumed enough to considerably lessen her stress, Momo stood slowly. She was shocked when Kira stood up quickly after her – nearly falling over in the process.

He walked over and held out his arm. A considerable number of chuckles erupted from the group, but Momo didn't care. She took his arm and the two walked out into the crowded streets. It was early enough in the evening that no one wanted to retire just yet.

Kira held her hand in his own to keep her steady. She may have drank a bit too much. But then, he really wasn't one to talk. As they approached the Squad 5 barracks, two or three squad members came up to them from Kira's left. Momo's eyes were unfocused, but she could hear the two men questioning Kira and it made her rather upset. She patted his hand so he would release her as she stood straight.

"Goodnight, gentlemen," she stated with venom in her voice.

"Yes, Lieutenant," they bowed and quickly went on their way.

Momo smiled, and Kira couldn't help but admire her. Feeling confused and mildly dizzy, Kira wasn't sure what he should do next. Fortunately, he didn't have to think for very long.

"Well goodnight Kira-Kun!" she rushed off, wobbling slightly, but managing to keep herself upright.

"G-good n-night, Hinamori-kun." He more or less whispered back. But just as she was about to close the doors behind her, Kira caught it with his palm.

"Is something the matter?"The look in her eyes was mix of curiosity and sleepiness. Perhaps he shouldn't bother her. She needed her beauty rest, pun intended.

"I was wondering, well I meant to ask you… the thing is… Sometime, w-would you like to…"

"Can this wait, Kira-kun? I think my head is about to burst open," she reached up with one hand and grabbed a small portion of her hair and sighed – almost an 'it's the end of the world sigh.' Kira couldn't help but smile a little at her attitude.

"I suppose it can." He nodded. "Would you like me to assist you in making some tea? Perhaps it would help you sleep."

"No, I will be alright," she smiled again and bounced off toward her room. The door closed in Kira's face. Despite the events of the day, he was still hoping to have the chance to talk to her.

As he walked back to his own office, he noticed a very familiar individual walking toward him. Captain Hitsugaya was mumbling something under his breath about Matsumoto being out too late, which made him smile.

"Good evening, Captain," Kira said with a slight bow.

"Uh huh." He replied without much effort.

"Rough night, Captain?"

"No more than usual." He sighed before continuing on. Kira watched as he pushed open the door to the Squad 5 barracks, then pulled the door closed behind him.

"I guess there's nothing to do now but head home," Kira said as he looked up at the dark sky. The moon was reflecting enough light for him to see the path that lead through the woods. The only sound was the rough breeze rustling the leaves on the trees.

Please review… offer suggestions… thanks a bunch