Inu in the Arena

She sat at the bar and placed an order of fried eggs and bacon, something simple and tasty. The bartender figured Inu would want a meal as well, and waited to take his order.

The masked man could spy Yang and Blake also eating breakfast at the end of the bar, they didn't spot him yet.

Inu ordered the same thing Maylene did. He then turned toward his new boss. "...So, how far a trip is it?" he asked in an attempt to make conversation.

"A few days of walking. But, maybe we should take a stagecoach instead to save time. What do you think?" Maylene asked him as the bartender brought their meals. Seeing the moderate portion, the Queenpin ordered a second helping. She felt like splurging.

"If you don't have any urgent business, I'm fine with walking." Inu told her before he pulled down his mask and started to eat. He was fine with the amount of food given to him.

"Nothing urgent. Walking it is." Maylene said as she dug into her breakfast happily. "Why do you wear that mask, Inu? Do you try to conceal your identity?" She asked him curiously.

"Ah, my nose is actually rather sensitive." Inu explained as he ate. "The mask is just an attempt to keep me from getting overwhelmed. And this specific mask is rather special. As long as it covers your nose, foul things smell sweet instead of rancid."

"Is that a fact? That's interesting, maybe I should've tried wearing some perfume for you." Maylene remarked. "Where could I get a mask like that? Seems really useful." She asked him.

Inu nodded before he passed her a card with Ryza's address on it and went back to eating.

"Hmmm, she could make a lot of money in Rollatia if she's half as good as the card says." She looked over the card then slipped it into her pocket. "Well, Inu, since you brought it up, I simply have to know. Did I smell nice? Even my feet?" Maylene asked him curiously.

"... Your feet weren't unpleasant...." Inu told with a hint of a blush.

"Am I supposed to take that to mean I smell wonderful?" Maylene giggled, luckily she was quiet enough so no one could eavesdrop. Not even Blake and her sensitive ears. She finished up her two servings of breakfast and left enough gold on the bar for all of the food and board she had purchased. A tidy sum, but she put it up like it was nothing.

Inu didn't answer as he just quietly pulled his mask back up.

"Now that hit the spot! Time to go." Maylene declared as she got out of her seat. She bid farewell to the bartender and gestured for Inu to follow.

Inu nodded and followed after his new boss.

Maylene and Inu headed onto the road, bound for the Gilded City of Rollatia. The businesswoman led the way, realizing that it may have been possible that her new employee didn't know she was a criminal yet. Oh well, if he put up a fuss, she could always change his mind. She hummed a happy tune as they started the walk to the city.

(Do you feel like calling it here, or do you have any ideas for what can happen with them on the road?)

(I'm fine with calling it here if you want to.)

The trek to the city was mostly uneventful, aside from Maylene's playful teasing. A gentle bump of her hips into his, showing more cleavage than necessary, putting on a little extra perfume, asking to share the same tent, and so on. But, she never went too far with it. In a few days' time, they arrived at the bustling commerce center. Who knew what kind of work the orange-haired midara would have for Inu here, and who else he might meet in Rollatia.

To Be Continued

(Thank you for the RP!)

(You're welcome.)