Starglow Basin Walk of Shame

Come the rising of the sun, Arslan was on his was back into the basin with the scent of Benim still thick on his coat. He wore it like a brand new three hundred dollar cologne; proud, shameless, nearly bragging. His step had an extra pep to it.

Anyone with an imagination could see what his night had been occupied with.

He had cleaned himself before he left, and later would give himself a proper soak. For the time being he would revel in the glory of his successful escapade. A part of him wondered if he would ever see Benim again, if he would ever learn the man's true name or if he would ever share his own.

The hopeful thoughts were quickly tossed aside.

saya watched him from the shadows, her pale fur catching faint glimmers of light as she leaned into the curve of a tree. the way arslan strutted was almost comical—no, not almost, it was. there was a certain arrogance in the tilt of his head, the swing of his step. and then she caught it, the scent rolling off him like smoke.

she smirked, pushing herself into his path with languid ease. well, well, arslan, her voice purred, dripping with mischief. you’ve been busy, haven’t you? she circled him slowly, her eyes sharp, predatory, drinking in the scent and the smugness he wore like a crown. who’s the lucky one? or should i say... unlucky?

her laugh was soft, teasing, as she leaned just a touch too close, her breath warm. what’s got you smelling like that? didn’t have the decency to clean up, or is this your new cologne? she sniffed exaggeratedly, mock-serious. a bit... overdone, don’t you think?

she paused, her head tilting, waiting to see if he’d squirm or play along. either way, she was entertained.

Saya's approach was not a welcome one. He kept a smile nonetheless, for he was not one to share his displeasure. A stranger I came across, maybe. He responded, Nobody to concern yourself with.

Benim was his secret now. A treat he had allowed himself, one he would not be forced to share.

Her lean was met with the baring of his teeth, a brief look of what could only be disgust flashing across his face before a step back was taken. I can assure that your scent is no more pleasant. His thoughts were kept to himself this time. This was not Siena; he would need to bide his time, remain pleasant until he was in the position to be cruel.

I pay little attention to such things, I'm far too busy these days. The sigh was dramatic as it left his lips, his eyes drifting to the stone quarter. It will fade with time, if it bothers you so much.

saya let out a low, sultry laugh, the kind that curled in the air like smoke. relax, arslan, she murmured, her tone as smooth as velvet, i’m not here to judge. she stepped back, giving him space, though her eyes lingered on him with an amused glint.

everyone has their vices, she added, her voice carrying a knowing edge. some indulge in pleasures of the flesh, others in power, or maybe a little chaos. her lips curved into a teasing smirk, head tilting just slightly as if she were sizing him up. yours just happens to be... well, obvious.

she flicked her tail lazily and let her gaze drift toward the stone quarter. besides, she continued, her tone almost casual, what’s a little lingering scent compared to the mess we all carry? the grin she gave him was sharp, pointed, as if daring him to rise to her provocation—or let it slide.

In a way, she reminded him of Sevda. Certain suggestions he had heard in passing had not helped the irritation that this caused.

If you were to judge, what would cause you to imagine that it would bother me? Passive-aggressive maybe, and yet it had slipped from his tongue with such ease that he was not sure he could have prevented it. Your opinion matters little here. We aren't exactly close.

She was poking her nose where it did not belong, she was bound to be bit. He knew very well that he was far kinder than some other's had been with her.

saya’s gaze softened as she took in his irritation, her expression smoothing into something unbothered, even soothing. she let the tension hang in the air for a beat, then stepped lightly to his side, her movements fluid and without threat.

fun, her tone suggested with a hint of a smirk. no sharp edges, just an easy confidence that denied any intention of harm. her amber eyes lingered briefly, the flicker of amusement there almost daring him to lighten. there's got to be some found.

she carried no weight of judgment, only a quiet, playful air as if to say: this is nothing to fret over.

besides— he said something that she already knew. her opinion is valued very little. boy, doesn't she fucking know it.

She was not offered the courtesy of a response. Arslan was tired, he wished to rest after his all too long night.

Goodbye, Saya. He trotted off without sparing her another glance. There was still time to get along, but it was certainly not now.

saya watched him retreat, her sharp gaze trailing his every step until he disappeared from view.

under her breath, she muttered, imbécil, the word laced with dry amusement as she turned on her heel and left in the opposite direction.