Hello Y'all :)
Sorry this update took so very long :/ But I promise to try harder now, classes have been a bit tough lately. Please enjoy and review this chapter, Thanks :D

She reached up and wound her arms around Kira's neck. He reached down and pulled her closer to him. Their lips touched lightly and both Kira and Momo pulled back for a second, glancing into each other's eyes with curiosity. But they soon found the confidence to try again. And, for several minutes, passion overtook unease, and love overpowered caution. Momo could feel the eyes, so could Kira, as people passed by with judging looks. A collective desire allowed them to ignore what was happening around them.

When Momo pulled back, he did the same. Kira leaned down and kissed her forehead, then her dark hair, and finally each of her cheeks. She was already blushing. The crowds had died down as squad members were returning to their barracks. With their fingers entwined, Kira walked Momo back to her apartment. "Kira?" Momo said when they had walked for a while through the trees.

"Yes?" He replied, lifting her hand with his to kiss it softly.

"How long have you loved me?" He was shocked by the question, Because, he realized, he had no certain answer.

"Something happened the first time I saw you."

"That's cheating, Izuru." He flinched when she whispered his name.

"I guess you could say since you entered the academy. When I saw how… confident you were. I really admired you then."

"Since way back then? And is it true to say that you loved me at once?"

"It was as close to love as I had ever been. Bearing in mind I lived a rather structured life." She nodded, satisfied with his response, and held his hand more tightly.

"I never knew I would feel this way about you," she said quietly. Something within him was hurt by her words. "But knowing how you felt puts my heart at ease."

"Momo," she looked up at him, "We may not have been certain of each other in the past. But we have each other now. I am convinced that we happened for a reason."

"That we happened," she repeated under her breath, before a smile lit up her face.

"Can I ask you a question, Momo?"

"Of course you can." She replied, looking into his eyes with such a strong loving gaze.

"What is it that you like about me?" Momo's smile faded as she understood what he had just said. Her inner thoughts were running wild – He said "like" not "love." Gosh, why am I seeing Gin's face now? How often must I repeat this with Kira before he believes me? – Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself to repeat the words she had said so many times before.

"Izuru," she began. Turning, she took both of his hands in hers. "You are the kindest and most loyal man that I have ever met. I admire the way you treat everyone as you would a close friend; and you never have a harsh word to raise against anyone. And I love you more than you will ever know." It took him a minute to take in what she said. But, rather than answering, he nodded.

Momo released his hands before pulling herself close to him – her arms wrapped tightly around his waist. The smell of maples and wind-blown grass greeted her. And, to her pleasure, Kira held her to him in return – arms tight around her shoulders. "I wish times like these could last forever," she whispered against his chest. When he didn't reply she looked up – only to see his glance was far off into the distance.

"Izuru?" she said calmly, placing a hand on his chest, just over his heart. "Is something wrong?"

"Something's not right, for sure," he replied more to himself. Momo frowned and let him go. He looked at her for a brief moment before rushing off to Squad 3's barracks. Momo released a heavy sigh and stood looking after where he went. Kira was a dedicated Lieutenant; he gave everything for his squad. And yet, these disturbances were happening more and more frequently – they had little to no respect for him. She could only think of one, Kira's fourth-seat Takao Hilako. The two had become quite close since the war had ended.

… …

Kira shoved his way through the crowd. Men whom he didn't recognize stared at him as he entered, as though challenging the idea that he belonged among them. Others from his own squad shouted at him. They shouted his name, proclaimed innocence, or asked for help. He held up his hand for silence and continued forward. When he reached the center he saw three men. One was lying unconscious on the pavement, the other was being held tight, wrists held firm behind his back by the third man. Kira looked him over and smiled. The young man was of strong build, with dark black hair that fell to his shoulders in messy curls. The man returned his Lieutenant's gaze with deep blue eyes.

"Lieutenant Kira!" he shouted suddenly.

"Can you tell me what happened, Hilako?" the man nodded quickly.

"Yes, Sir. I came upon these two brawlin' for no reson, An' I quickly intervened. Apparently there was some sort of accusation, but I just arrived here myself."

"I understand." Kira folded his arms across his chest. "Put them in my offices. I will see each one separately." Hilako nodded and waved the third seat forward to help him. As the two moved the men into separate rooms, Kira addressed the crowd. "It's time for you all to leave here now," he said firmly. "We…no… I have everything under control." The crowd seemed hesitant, as if they were stuck in place. "Go. Now!" he repeated.

There was grumbling and bickering as the men dispersed. And, for a second, Kira thought he saw Momo's face at the back of the group. There was a broad smile on her face before she turned and walked away.

Really enjoyed writing this chapter. Something that has been on my mind lately is how Kira can change to lead his Squad better. And who else could help him, but Momo.

Please review… Thanks :D