Quietly, Mirai hung his head a little and listened to each word as it came. They made sense. While he was remembering that she was ill - unaware how - he was rather understanding of people being nosy. Though their experiences were different, it was clear being without chains was important to both of them.

When he tried to cast his off, he swore their restraint became even more unpleasant. He gave a small wriggle - everything his father said was all coming back to mind. His chains became even tighter, if that was possible. He worked out a crick in his shoulder and circled his neck.

"I suppose I should be thankful," he said.

Mirroring his father's language made him even more uncomfortable. He wished he had not grown up with it. And he doubted if he would ever get rid. By now he had already reached an understanding that to be free there were other people he had to hurt - and by now he was waiting on every chance. He stroked Miyume up and down her arm.

The fact was, everything had been a game for some time. And so such qualities were gone and he had no time to go looking for more. The traits Miyume wanted in him - all but one he had heard already and he thought maybe she had realised that. He gave a smile and laughed at this pleasant chat she was having with him. But all the same he wished he just didn't have to have these feelings.