I sighed happily and snuggled in closer to Taiya. Most of the candy was gone (in my stomach) and I was very content. The movie was wonderful, the sugar made me alert and happy, and I was on a date with one of the most incredible girls…ever. My breath caught in my throat as I realized that this was no ordinary date. Taiya was definitely no ordinary girl, and our relationship wasn't conventional, either! I had never felt so strongly about another person, had never loved someone so deeply- not even Watari. In all my thoughts, I have always dreamed of being with someone like you. But "I never imagined you could be so…perfect. Yes, we have our fights. But I know we can get through them and come out better on the other side. I want to be with you forever, Taiya Semuru." I glanced over at her and noticed that she was staring at me like I was insane. "T-Taiya-chan? Is there something wrong?" I then realized why she had been staring. I HAD SAID THOSE THINGS OUT LOUD!!! Oh great. Now she's going to think I'm rushing things, that there can be no possible reason to feel this yet. Oh, how wrong she is. She is beautiful, smart, sensitive, caring… Lawliet! Pull yourself together before you miss her answer. "No Ryuu-chan, I'm okay. I just…didn't expect that." See? What did I tell you? Never before had I wanted to harm myself as badly as I did in that moment. No. Stop. You're probably taking this to extremes. Just listen to her voice. Ah, her gorgeous voice. And that laugh… STOP!! "What I mean is- I didn't know you felt like that." I was about to slip back into thought, but she caught me before I could scold again. "But L…" She smiled shyly and looked into my eyes. "I'm very glad you told me. If you hadn't, I would never have had the courage to tell you how I really feel. I love you. With everything I am and ever will be. Every nerve ending flows with warmth when you call my name. I never want to live without your arm around me." I took a deep breath. I was ready for this, I knew it. And now that Taiya had spoken, I knew she was as well. "Taiya, I don't exactly know what I'm doing- but I know what my feelings are. Even though we have only started, I feel as if our relationship will go on for a long time. Now, I am going to ask you a question. I believe we are ready for this, but please do not feel pressured. Answer however you feel, from your heart please." I heard her gasp and could feel her body tense slightly beside my own. "I will, I promise." I was not paying attention to the movie now, nor to the other people. As it always seemed, my focus was only on her. I took another breath and declared my feelings. "Ever since the moment I met you, I knew you were special. I wanted to get to know you, and once I did, I knew what had to be done. No matter what it took, I would always protect you. From your past, from your pain, from your enemies, from yourself. And the closer I got to you, the deeper my feelings grew. Soon, you were more important to me than myself. At all costs, I wanted you to be safe, happy, and loved. A few weeks ago, you showed me that you were all of those things…when you were around me. I swear I was so happy; my heart became a bird and soared into the air. These last few weeks have only helped to confirm my theory. So I am ready to make a promise. I know that we are still young and, who knows? I may be making a mistake, giving you false hope. We still do not know who Kira is- something may happen at any time. Nevertheless, I am prepared to make you this promise. For as long as I am alive, I will love you. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. No one will ever put so much as a scratch on you. And each day I have left will be devoted to making you full of delight."

I grinned openly, glad that I had finally made the promise. As I looked into her eyes, I saw the same joy that I knew was in mine. I reached over and kissed her passionately, not caring who saw or what they thought. I pulled away and whispered again, "Remember this vow. Writeit down, memorize it, keep it in your heart and mind always. I am sorry I don't have anything in the way of a gift yet. Soon we will go and pick something out. In the meantime," I motioned for her to hold out her hand as I reached in my pocket. "This was given to me by my father before he passed. It's just a simple chain, nothing fancy. But it is precious to me, and so I will only trust my most precious love to wear it." I leaned forward and placed it around her neck. "There. It seems even more beautiful because you are wearing it." She blushed and I smiled crookedly. I love when I say things that make her blush. She looks even prettier. After a moment, she put her head on my shoulder and I did the same. I captured her hand in mine and held it there as we settled back in to watch the rest of the love story on film.