[It wasn't fine. The thanks were the absolute least Hajime ought to give Zero. Enough had happened by now, it hardly felt like enough.

Zero wasn't the sort to waste time arguing about what recognition he deserved, though. He had bigger things to do than be appreciated. It was... a selfless way of being. Old, deep-rooted biases still murmured of programming.

Finally, Hajime stepped out into the hallway, still shrunk in on himself, but ready to follow. He could see, now, how much faith Zero had in others. Maybe he just didn't have much for himself.]