[Akechi holds Damien's gaze even as it sharpens, feeling the familiar thrill that comes with exposing pieces of his true self, prickling equal parts anticipation and anxiety. It's almost comforting, the way the other man reminds him of Sae; Akechi's never been comfortable in complacency, and having someone with the potential to see through him is exhilarating all on its own.

He takes Damien's nod as acceptance, the corner of his lip quirking up briefly before he steers the conversation to safer waters.]

I must admit, I've never been out of the city myself, but from what I've heard, it hardly seems isolated to that.

[He knows for absolute certain that Shido's conspiracy and the corruption in the police force reached even to Ren's small town, after all. One doesn't create a nationwide conspiracy by ignoring much of the country.]

Have you always lived in Chicago, Damien-san? Aside from this most recent development, obviously.