A Gentleman's Duel

The other boy was quick to greet him, bouncing over and being overall loud about his excitement. He introduced himself as Cadaver, and proceeded to comment on Redrum's peculiar speech pattern. This of course earned a sheepish look from the crimson boy, and he cleared his throat as though it would help – which it didn’t – before he responded. “Red- I, y-yes. I do t-alk funn-y.” It was embarrassing for him, insecurity flushing across his face even if the words had been said by a younger boy… it was still true. His mother and some of his siblings had their quirky styles of talking as well, but none of them stuttered like he did. Though he had been told not to let it bother him too much, given the nature of how his speech came to be so disjointed. The head injury.

He decided he would speak less for now, opting to give a simple nod as Cadaver challenged him to engage in some test of strength. He blinked a few times, trying to ease back into a playful spirit, forcing a smile to peel back his lips. Tall ears pinned back, and the boy lowered himself to the ground with his limbs spread apart for weight distribution – or at least that was what the adults called it. “Come.” He barked out, making a mental note to go easy on the younger boy, because he would feel awful guilty if he hurt another child. Children shouldn’t ever be harmed. Not like he was.