It didn't matter if she approved of it or not, that wouldn't have changed a damn thing for him...just a little disheartened but not surprised.

Maruki eased up, looking ahead at the way the bright flowers stood out in the dark, almost magical even with the lights or the reflection of the trees against the ripples of the water.

"It's easy to hate and misunderstand," he continues slowly. "I wouldn't say I am above it either...but if I can salvage something good from my time here- then that's all that matters in the end."