"Remember to walk Irvin tomorrow. I'll leave the house key on the table." It'll probably be awhile yet before he stops wondering if Shinjirou will seize the opportunity to escape, but Jade is confident enough to risk it. "That will be all. Thank you."

Once he's sure that Shinjirou is sound asleep, he slips out of the house. Irvin watches him go, eyes bright and ears pricked curiously, but wisely doesn't make a sound.

He's still gone when morning comes along. Irvin is restless, prowling around the house and scratching at the door, but never strays too far from Shinjirou's side. He doesn't do anything, really - unless Shinjirou takes him out for a walk. When they're halfway through, Irvin jumps up, trying to knock Shinjirou to the ground.