[ Another smile – so small it's barely a quirk at both corners of his mouth, so tired, so genuine still. ]

Yeah. I understand the ends justifying the means better than you might think.

[ He hasn't lied once to Akechi tonight. Hasn't even obfuscated. Hasn't had the mental presence to, so focused as he's been on navigating Akechi's volatility.

But somehow, in an evening of raw truths shoved into the light, that's the most honest statement of all. There is a weight to those words that none else have held.

They aren't the same. Maruki regrets. Every single day of his life, for years, has been steeped in remorse.

They are the same. He would still do it again. And again, and again, and again.

There are at least two other Maruki Takutos out there. One in the reality Akechi is from, who hasn't yet brought Azathoth forth into their world, and one who spent some ill-gotten time in a strange city based on sins. There are doubtlessly countless others. They have likely all made the choice that he did. He can't imagine any of them would change it. It's so foundational to who he is, who they are. In every timeline, he would choose to do it again. Lose Rumi. Hurt himself to heal another.

It isn't the same at all, really. But Maruki does understand.

And regardless of whether or not Akechi cares, he has an ally now. Tonight hasn't changed that. Maruki isn't about to say it and risk starting another fight; besides, words are empty so often. He'll simply prove it in coming days, weeks, months.

He doesn't delude himself into thinking either of them have years ahead of them now. ]

I have questions, but I should let you rest.