(SE) when the nighttime comes, say yes

SUNJATA

i'm drowning in all these voices in the sea
and meeting all my vices in the ring

He remains, briefly watching as she looks back to the shore and back again, as though she’s debating running. He doesn’t find himself frightening, especially not now while he remains entirely as human as he can be, soaked to the bone as the water drips from his hair, glistens along his jawbone, drips from the golden earrings in his ears. And she’s silent for a time, as she reaches up to touch Ludo’s rags, something Sunjata doesn’t know about. He simply thinks it’s a special scarf, and who is he to truly judge?

Her excuse only ignites another toothy smile to his face. “Not too many people here know how, so I’ve heard.” He offers, somewhat gentler this time. “But luckily for you, I’ve been swimming since I was six.” A wink to her should she remember the conversation they had at the bar — of tossing their children in the flood waters to see if they survive. Indeed, Sunjata was a strong swimmer. He’d manage just fine should things go awry for her.

“I could help you, if you like? Haai can watch your scarf with my things over there.” His head tilts again toward her, brow raising, challenging her to join him in the water to capture the sun in a far better way. He drifts somewhat from the edge of the rock to face her a bit more fully, the tattoos on his skin a deep navy beneath the dappled light where otherwise it might appear black. “I’d say it’s worth a dip at the very least.”

so step inside, i ain't afraid to bleed
there ain't a casket strong enough for me