. . . I don't know what it's gonna take to get to the bottom of this. But I'll find out. And --

[ word after word, ticking at the back of his throat like rust. shiro's fingers are a warm weight; his shoulder eases beneath the touch as his brows unravel from their knot. ]

I'm glad you're with me, Shiro.

[ how's that for lightening the mood. ]