Hi Everyone! Thanks for your patience with this one. There has been a lot going on. I promise to have the next chapter up much sooner : ) Please enjoy and don't forget to review, thanks.

Staring at the mess in his apartment did nothing for Kira's sour mood; however, he was far too exhausted to do anything at such a late hour. Instead of heading for the bedroom, he collapsed on the pale green couch in the living room. Crossing his arms over his chest he was asleep in less than five minutes.

…

The aroma was intoxicating; there were millions of wild daisies in full bloom. Their colors were fantastic. Kira held out his hand, which Momo took willingly. She smiled up at him, as her free hand tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

He knelt down slightly, until he was able to reach a peach colored daisy. Standing again he moved to tuck the colorful flower in her ponytail. She laughed as she reached up to touch it. Her fingers lightly traced the outline of each petal.

"Are you happy?"Kira asked her with a serious expression on his face. She didn't answer right away. Instead she released his hand and began to run through the field of flowers. Occasionally she turned as she was running to look back at him; this made her ponytail whip around, momentarily covering her eyes or mouth.

Rather than let her get too far away, Kira began to sprint after her. When she stopped to rest by a tree he wrapped his arms around her waist. He leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Are you happy, Hinamori-kun?"

"Kira…I…"

…

There was a loud bang, and Kira woke instantly. He reached down instinctively where his Zanpaktou was lying on the floor. He pulled the blade from its sheath and stood perfectly still. The office was pitch black still, it was early in the morning.

He moved to the window.

There was another loud bang. He realized it was coming from the door. But why wouldn't they be knocking? Suddenly there was shouting, and the sound of blows being exchanged. He pulled the door open, with Wabisuke held low. Standing in the hallway, he is surprised to see that five or six men were causing a commotion, obviously over some game they had been playing. Perhaps someone had lost a bet. It would be nothing new to Kira. He sheathed his katana and held out his hand for order.

"Please, men," He said just loudly enough to be heard, but not loud enough to where he was yelling. "This needs to end so that everyone can get some sleep."

"Yes, Lieutenant," the men replied simultaneously. Kira frowned. The second he closed the door the fighting would continue. It would be that way all morning long.

"Thank you," he said with a little more firmness in his voice. Perhaps he just needed to be stricter with them. But that was another matter entirely.

…

In the morning he decided to invite Momo out for coffee. The two had often found spending time together before work to be an enjoyable experience. It was like they were back in the Academy again.

"Good morning!" came Hinamori's cheerful voice as she ran up to him. Kira couldn't help but smile. She was wearing her full uniform, and was absently tugging at her Lieutenant's insignia as she came to a stop.

"Good morning, Hinamori-kun." He walked the rest of the way over and the two walked side-by-side to their favorite little café.

When they had been sitting for a while, Kira glanced across the table. She was frowning slightly, a look of deep concentration in her normally kind eyes. Pursing his lips together he questioned silently if he should bother her. Deciding against it, they remained silent for a while longer.

"Kira-kun?" Her voice was quiet, but he had been paying close attention.

"Yes?"

"Do you sometimes wonder if this is all going to get better?" She kept her eyes low, so she did not see the look of shock cross his face. Kira stumbled over his own thoughts for a second before deciding on what to say.

"Optimism aside, I find that I can only live day to day." He reached out absently for the mug in front of him. Bringing it up to his lips, he could smell the sweet aroma of the tea – it's warmth reassured him slightly.

"I see," she replied quietly. "But… do you wonder what might happen next. Everything is different now that we're on our own." She traced the rim of her own mug with two fingers.

"But… we're not really," he said slowly… "On our own, that is…" Gently, Kira reached out and placed his hand on top of hers. She didn't move. Instead, she wove her fingers through his, a small smile came across her lips.

It was all too sudden for him to believe. Was it possible he was dreaming still. No. This was far too real. The soft skin that was brushing against his own.

But he had to keep those thoughts out of his mind. Hinamori was in need of support. It was his duty to remain stoic for her, to stay strong. He must show her that she could rely on him.

"Kira-kun." She lifted her head to look into his eyes. "I'm so glad I have you to talk to. I really don't know what I would do without you." She gently squeezed his hand. He quickly looked down to see her release her hand from his. As she stood, he followed after her.

And, as they walked toward the barracks, Kira never took his eyes off of her.

Once again…thank you for reading. Please leave comments and suggestions in the appropriate reviewing area. THANKS : )