They turn away so quickly that Aoba hears a bone in one of their necks crack. Aoba swallows and suddenly feels like laughing rather than crying. He hasn't felt this sort of freedom for a long time, and it takes him a moment to realise that he doesn't know exactly how long he's been with them.
"Virus."
"Yes, Aoba-san?"
Aoba almost jumps out of his skin; it's the first time either of them has made a sound since he took control, but he can tell he hasn't lost his grip on their minds.
"... tell me how long you've kept me here."