(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

She reads him well, sees through the mask he places now that he’s offered a surprising amount of honesty, of the fractured being that lives within the taunts and jests and indifference. All made far more complicated by the marriage he has, the tenuous strings within that relationship that he tries to rebel from, tries to tear down from the inside out.

He watches her hand withdraw to fold across her chest, and he sinks a bit lower into the water to become a bit more eye level with her, despite how tall he is in comparison to her should they be on shore. “Maybe.” He offers, giving her a slightly playful wink before he lets the facade fade ever so slightly. “Only when you can actually kick my ass for it.” He offers, referring to their quiet agreement.

We’ll see how long it lasts, though he doesn’t include it in the look he gives her, a return challenge. His hands are under the water but he does manage to create a small wave to toss at her, playful and distracting, seeing if she can handle herself.

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