Normally, he isn't. With Aki it's different. Aki wouldn't approve. Aki would try his best to put an end to his self-destructive behavior. What's infinitely worse, Aki would be disappointed -- and besides, Aki is his brother, bloodlines be damned. Brothers don't need to know this kind of stuff about each other.

It worries Shinjirou enough that he considers taking Jade up on his offer to stay locked away. He really wants to play outside with Irvin, though. Do the grocery shopping so he can come up with new dishes. Pretend to be normal for an hour or two. He keeps shifting against Jade's chest as he thinks it through and eventually makes his decision.

"As long as I may leave in the morning and not the afternoon or evening ... if that's alright."