As The Storm Rages

Hattori watched her bow deep, a wordless show of gratitude that was soon backed up verbally. He hadn't -nor would he ever-demand this of her, or anyone, but he appreciated it all the same. It seemed as though he'd given her much to think about, an encouraging sign if she truly intended to bring an end to her naive streak. He idly wondered how the world would change her, if her soft edges would be sanded into points. Only time would tell. And no doubt the world would change much between then and now, shifting and turning, melding old into new.

"Till then. " Was all he said, content to be left alone once more.