Disclaimer: Not, never has been, never will be mine.

Note: SPOILERS!!! For volume 30 chapter 292 (if I got the #s right…)

Question and Answer

He asked the question that so many have heard before. He asked the question that she so despised. He asked the question he had never asked her before.

And like a fool, she accepted.

From the beginning, he would always ask that question to any pretty face. He was free to do what he wished on his lonely travels; his wish happened to involve many, many women. He settled for whatever he could get at that moment, and he was quite happy with whatever he got. One could say he was easy to satisfy.

That is not to say that he was entirely unjustified in his actions. He had a mission, and if he failed, his son must take up his mission, his curse. For that he needed a son, and hence, his question. He did not want any son he had to suffer with his curse, but there was no choice. Yes, his curse was a heavy burden to bear.

And one day, he met other travelers who shared the same mission as he. He joined them. He befriended them, and they befriended him. And his question came up again. Soon afterwards, she came along, enraged and determined for revenge. She fought with them, blinded by her fury and weakened by her sorrow. As quickly as she had attacked, the truth hit her, and she grieved. Later, she too, joined them. Their group had one mission, and she could help, or die trying.

The road became a companion again. Their little group got to know each other, and he learned more about her. He learned how she lost her family, friends, and the only home she has ever known in a single moment, just has he had, long ago. He learned about her family, the happiness she once had. He saw how she relaxed she was around the campfire; how skilled she was in battle; how, no matter what, she was always on her guard. He learned why. She was scared to lose her new family, her new happiness. He could see past the strong, composed façade to someone who suffers as he does. He wouldn't be able to help, he knew. So, he waited.

She watched him. She watched each and every time he took another girl's hands and asked them. And she watched herself feel a different pain than what she had felt before. So she made sure he hurt as well. She knew exactly why he had to do it, but it still felt like each time he did, another arrow would pierce her heart.

With time, she began to see more. She knew how he came by his curse and what lengths he must go to end it. His family was long gone; his only friend was the road; his curse was nearly unbreakable. She knew his personality, what made him happy and sad. She knew his battle style and skills. She knew how he acted when he was among others and when he was alone. She could see past his strong, composed façade to someone who suffers as she does. She wouldn't be able to help, she knew. So, she waited.

She knew he might lie and he might cheat. She knew he was better than that. She knew that either of them may not live to see that day; she knew she should still hope for the chance. She knew he needed the support and the caring only she could give. She knew he was worth the wait. Yes, his children would be a heavy burden to hear.

He asked her the question that others may have heard. He asked her the question he know she so despised. He asked her the question like he never asked before.

And wisely, she accepted.

A/N: I finally finished! This took a couple of nights to write, actually, but I've been planning to write it for a month. It was really fun to write, and I hope that you notice references that I put in there (not just the repetition) and I hope you enjoy it. Arigatou for reading!