Title/theme: FUTURE
Genre: angst/romance/fluff
Approx time line: Phase 46-47 of GS
Summary: For the first time in his life, he had dared to look at the taboo future.

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"Murrue, are you busy?"

The young captain stretched and looked at her work in distaste. Yes, she was supposed to be busy, but…

"I guess I could use a break," she told him as she joined him at the door.

He grinned and took her by the hand, leading her into the hall. "Good. I wanted to show you something."

He led her to the observation deck at the back of the ship.

"Isn't it beautiful?"

She floated upwards and pressed her hands to the window. She let out a tiny gasp as her her eyes widened at the view. He was suddenly reminded of a little girl window-shopping, amazed by the beautiful dolls in the display case.

"Yeah…" she breathed as she took in the sight.

From their angle in space, the sun was just peeking out from behind the Earth, signalling the start of a new day for those its rays touched upon. In the far distance, galaxies glimmered in their cosmic dance. Everything was silent, peaceful, calm. If it weren't for the fact that she was wearing a military uniform standing on a battleship, she would've never believed that this place was witness to so much death and destruction.

"Nice view eh?" He floated up to join her, encircling her in his embrace.

"Yeah," she answered, leaning back on him.

They stared into the endless space together, enjoying each other's silent company.

"Would you believe," she spoke up, "That I used to be terrified of outer space?"

"Why? Because of aliens?" he chuckled a bit as he threaded his hand through her hair, wrapping the silky strands around his fingers.

"No," she laughed too. "Because it was just so big, so boundary-less. I was afraid that I would get lost in its endlessness."

"We all feel that way sometimes," he assured her. "Are you still afraid of it?"

She shook her head. "No, I learned to trust the navigation systems."

"Hmm."

He placed his chin on her shoulder and closed his eyes, taking in her scent. He never told her that he had the same fear of being lost in time and space, and still did sometimes.

"Murrue."

"Hmm?" she asked, her voice almost inaudible. She had closed her eyes as well, lulled by the warmth of his embrace.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"I—"

His throat suddenly felt dry, and his pulse quickened slightly. He took a deep breath, and let her gentle, rhythmic heartbeats calm him.

It took him some time to gather his composure. So when he failed to speak after a few moments. She cracked open an eye to look at him.

"Mwu, what is it?" she murmured.

He sighed and tightened his hold on her. Closing his eyes, he murmured softly into her ear.

"I, I don't have much to offer." He made a "heh" sound in his throat that resembled a laugh. "Actually, I don't have anything to give you at all. Nothing except myself." He paused, and repeated the final phrase, as if musing to himself, "Nothing except myself…"

"It's okay," she caressed his fingers. "You know that's all I want."

He smiled and kissed her. "I know."

"I don't know anything about how things will go, but…"

He broke off and paused, as if contemplating his next words.

"But, if this war ends, if it ever ends," he continued quietly, "And we're both still alive, will you," he swallowed and hugged her tighter, "Will you come and live with me?"

Her eyes widened at those words. It was a simple question, but…

Was that…Did he just…

She gasped at that realisation.

She looked at his dim reflection on the window and tried to read his expression. But it was carefully kept blank, unreadable, indecipherable, as he waited for her answer.

But his eyes. They betrayed him. She saw a crack in his outward façade, revealing a vulnerability she'd rarely, if ever, seen. His crystal blue eyes held a hint of…was it fear?

Fear of what? Rejection?

No. That wasn't it. It was something more, something that she shared, yet it was beyond her comprehension.

He knew that he shouldn't have. He shouldn't be making a promise he wasn't sure he could keep. He had no right to give her—give them—a false hope. He was just setting them both up for the fall. However…

Now that he had a glimpse of a possible future, he had dared to hope.

Before, because of his fate as a soldier, he had accepted the fact that he had no future. It was just a silly fantasy, a distraction that he dared not look.

But things were different now. For the first time in his life, he had dared to look at the taboo future.

And it scared him.

Suddenly, he was terrified.

Of what, he wasn't sure, just that there was an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach as he dared to tempt fate.

Before he knew it, those words had flowed out of him. Because he needed her assurance, needed her to help ease his fears. He wanted something to look forwards to, because he wanted to be human.

She nodded with tears in her eyes. A simple movement that he felt rather than saw.

There were no words, no romantic gesture or flowery speech. And that what all he needed.

He had nothing to give her, except himself, his life, his future. And that was enough for her.

He squeezed her hand in thanks. No words were said. No words were necessary.

He could only move forward into the endless future, thrusting trust to his fate and caution to the wind, hoping against all hope that it wouldn't betray him. But with her by his side, the future looked just a little bit brighter.

AN: aww... dunno, thought this up as I was trying to fall asleep. I wanted to write a proposal scene that was sweet and subtle, but not sappy.

Anyone who's seen Inuyasha probably can tell I was influenced by Miroku/Sango and ep 132 :)