[ There's an odd, but definite shift to his posture, when Kaito takes his hand again. The way that he lifts his chin higher, squares his shoulders.

(there's still Thomas there, more than usual, in the way that he clutches the ragdoll still to his chest)

(a comfort for that side, to keep himself entirely present)

(Thomas ought to enjoy Kaito's company just as much, shouldn't he?)

(but)

It's IV who's the one who uses Kaito's grip on his hand to actively lead the way out, tugging him down the street almost insistently.

They have to get to that place, to that blind spot. To that place that Chris let slip to him, back...

(back when Chris was still in there, he thinks) ]