A storm of emotions flickered in Maruki's eyes: uncertainty, confidence, and an ignition in his ego. Becoming the perfect doctor to cater to everyone's needs, God, he would give everything to remove the pain in her heart. The pain that made the burrow in her chest, that she denied ever having a heart.

He places his hand on her arm, tentative but respectful. "I won't ever do anything that would hurt you, Ichinose-san," he shakes his head like even the thought of turning someone like her into Sparrow or the Doves was straight up absurd. "I swear- whatever anyone says- I won't do anything you don't want me to do."