I'm from out of town

Redrum noticed her unwavering gaze, the way her haunting white eyes blinked behind her thick lashes. Her interest in him was apparent, yet it wasn't clouded by judgment – but understanding? He wasn’t sure. Her words were soft and sincere as she addressed him with that nickname, making his heart beat a little faster with a mix of excitement and nerves. This new girl. His ears flicked slightly at the sound of the nickname, a subtle sign of his approval and contentment. Others had called him by that name before. It was odd hearing it being used by a near stranger. Odd indeed.

As she moved to his side, her fur brushed lightly against his, sending a pleasant shiver down his spine. Touch was… weird to him. It was never expected. He expected her to stand close, not quite this close. The contact was both comforting and exhilarating, and he leaned into it slightly, savoring the warmth of her presence. Maybe giving her the comfort of a new friend as well. His tail swayed gently, betraying his eagerness. His instinct to protect and comfort. He liked to be close to those who wanted to be close to him, despite all his flaws.

As they walked, she repeated the name of his home with a curious hum. Redrum felt a sense of pride as he explained, "Yes. Insomnia– is home, but not– prison." No, never a prison. Not like his mother faced in the past.

When she asked if Insomnia would inhibit her from leaving when she wished, he paused to consider his words carefully, his brow furrowing in thought. "No, Hestia. Insomnia– is a place of belonging, not– trap. Hestia may– come and go. Just remember– it is– a safe place. Home." His eyes searched hers for any sign of understanding, hoping she would grasp the balance between freedom and security. Not a prison, not a jail, not a place for bad memories. That is what he believed.

He watched her closely, his curiosity piqued by her presence. He found himself wanting to know more about her, about what made her tick. What made her… her. "Oh. Hestia... where does Hestia come from? What does Hestia– seek?" His voice was filled with genuine interest, his head tilting slightly as he awaited her response. Jaw and cheek twitching all the while.

His golden eyes met hers, reflecting curiosity and warmth. He wanted her to feel welcome but not confined. He wanted her to understand that he was there for her, like the boy he had always been. Open, unrestrained. Inept sure, but sincere. "Redrum trusts Hestia. Hestia– should feel free to– explore. Redrum likes– adventure too." Oh the fool. His lips curled into a genuine, if slightly awkward, toothy smile, trying to reassure her. He continued walking, his pace steady, indicating she should follow and feel comfortable by his side.

Redrum's muscles still twitched occasionally, but he tried to ignore them, focusing instead on the conversation and the growing bond between them. He hoped that by sharing his world with her, he could learn more about hers. It was all he knew.

"Murder"