Those three words are enough to confirm his suspicions, even without the barely-hidden gloom in Shinjirou's voice. He smiles inwardly, but his expression remains smooth as he shakes his head.

"Not tonight." He stands. "Thank you for the meal."

He doesn't say anything else on the matter until the day of the party, and not until they're inside the car and on their way to the gathering. The sunlight stripes through the windows in dark reds and burnt oranges; Jade has to squints slightly against the glare.

"We'll be there soon," he says, glancing over at Shinjirou when they stop at a traffic light. He had been allowed to dress for the journey. "You can talk tonight, but only once you're tied down."

He looks at him more closely. "Are you ready?"