His blood runs cold. He should be excited. It's a good reason for a celebration and Jade's giving him the option to just go back to his life as it used to be. He's sweating, stomach churning. No, he can't go back, he can't forget and ignore this.

Shivering, he walks up to Irvin and gets down on all fours beside the dog. His eyes are set on the ground, head hanging low. He can't talk anymore, he's choking on his own tongue. This is his place, this is where he belongs. No better than a dog.

But ... dogs are good. They can be trained, they can make their owners happy. He releases a hitched breath. It's Jade's decision, like everything else. To demand that he should listen to Shinjirou's begging now -- don't do it, keep me -- would just be another mistake.

He keeps his mouth and eyes shut, waiting.