What It Takes To Be Married (REUPLOADED)

February 21, 1976

Fifth Realm, The Infinite Corridor.

(Jezebel's POV)

"Do you have any idea what marriage even means!?"

As Yamato shouted that out loud, she slammed her palms on the table. Her face flushed with embarrassment and anger.

Uh oh. It seems like I touched a nerve.

Well, that's not surprising now that I think about it. That word in particular probably reminded her of some rather unfortunate memories, hence her anger.

How long has it been since that particular "incident" happened? I think it was twenty eight years ago.

But even up till now, it seems like she still hasn't gotten over it yet. And if that's the case, then that "promise" must still weigh heavy on her mind.

"Dad, before you even talk to me about that, I want you to tell me what you know about marriage."

"I believe it's when two people who love each other engage in a romantic form of a relationship, right?" I replied.  

"Correct."

"Alright, now here's the second question."

For some reason, probably trying to set the mood with roleplaying, Yamato subtly swayed her hips about and crossed her arms to create a menacing impression of some homeroom teacher. 

Unfortunately, it was one pair of glasses, and a chalkboard short from being perfect.

"Besides love, what are the two most important "ingredients" that are necessary in a marriage?"

"Hmm."

Although I was kind of confident with my answer, I wanted to think of an answer that Yamato would be pleased with.

Suddenly, Yamato snapped her fingers at me.

"Time's a wasting, you know. With eery second you spend, I deduct a point." She threatened.

Wait, since when did this become an actual quiz?

"One. Twoo. Threeeee. Fourrrr." She continued, further infringing some sort of time limit upon me.

"Fiveeee. Sixx. Seven….." 

Should I say what I want to say? After all, I know the true answer to this question.

No, even if I did, that still wouldn't get the reaction I'm looking for in particular.

"Eightt. Nineeee." 

Well, even though I know this is wrong, but let's see where this goes.

Before she finally said "ten", I suddenly spoke up.

"Is this some sort of truck question?" I asked, inadvertently giving my answer.

Suddenly, Yamato fell silent, stopping short of the number ten.

Surprisingly, she didn't give me any particular answer indicating that I was "right" or "wrong".

But I think I know why. No, if anything, this was exactly the type of reaction I was looking for.

From the way how she was staring off into space, it seemed like she was reminded of some rather tragic memories.

If I was to take a guess as to what Yamato was thinking right now, it would probably be along the lines of, "how fitting".

The reason why was mostly because of a single trigger word I may have intentionally used.

"Trick."

Suddenly, Yamato heaved in a heavy sigh.

"And ten. And there goes your precious points."

"Aw, looks like I failed your test. How unfortunate."

"So, what was the answer?" I asked, shortly after.

That question made Yamato hesitate for a moment.

Not because she wanted to keep it a secret, but rather because, if she did admit the answer, she would be forced to confront her inner darkness.

"You should know this by now..." 

"Do I really?"

Yamato clutched her arm.

Sorry, but you're not getting away that easily.

And finally, with little to no more resistance, she sighed, resigning herself to "defeat".

"Its commitment…..." 

"And the other?"

"Honesty, father…..It's honesty."