The Salle, Monday Mid-Day

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

Adora had been looking forward to this all weekend. It felt like forever (rather than three weeks) since she'd gotten any live practice. She was determined not to let her skills get to the point where she couldn't compete at her standard level with a sword. Even as Adora.

When they'd made the date, Hannibal had seemed quite sure of himself. Almost too sure to be true, but Adora felt his cocky attitude was just a sign of solid battle experience. Their chat in class had only strengthened that belief.

So full of anticipation, Adora was practically bouncing as she led Hannibal into the Salle. "So, did you bring any protection or did you need to borrow some?"

[For the modded King but open for onlookers or other Salle users]

Comments

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"I've got protection but...what are we doing here?" Hannibal asked. Maybe she was in to exhibitionism.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Oh, well I thought it was a bit cold outside for this sort of thing," Adora replied, reaching back and drawing the Sword of Protection from its hidden sheath.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"Holy cow," he said, eyes widening at the sword somehow coming out of nowhere.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

Adora turned to look behind her, wondering what he was staring at, her sword in hand, its jewel shining in the light. "What?"

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"That's...a sword," he said, pointing at it.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Yes? It's useful to have it handy for this," Adora nodded, he was adorable. She wasn't sure why he was teasing.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"You...use a sword for this sort of thing?" Now Hannibal was a tiny bit scared. She was hardcore HARDCORE.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Well, you could use a lasso or a mace, but I think a sword's more fun and useful overall," she reasoned.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"...huh." Hannibal blinked. "And other guys like this?"

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Hannibal, were you lying when you said you were up for this? It's okay, I promise I won't be upset." Just disappointed.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"Noooo but I didn't know a sword would be involved," he said.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"What did you think was going to be involved?" Now she was just curious.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"A...bed," he said slowly.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"A bed?" Adora burst out laughing. "I'm sorry, sparring in bed?" She sobered when the realization hit. "Oh!"

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"I...think we were talking about two different things," he said and damn, that was sad. "You were talking about sparring?"

What with the sword and all.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Yes and you..." She wasn't sure she could say it, but Adora was certain she'd go for a walk with him anytime, if only she hadn't been an idiot and gotten confused by his meaning. "That's really very flattering."

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"Well, I mean, who wouldn't?" Hannibal asked, smiling at her. "You're sexy. I'm not blind. And I like talking to you."

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Well, I like talking to you, too." That familiar heat was spreading over her face again and she pressed her free palm against her cheek. "I was just...wow all that talk before! You must think I'm insane!"

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"No, no, no," he said and shook his head. "But, I'm sure you think I'm insane too. And a little focused on certain things. I don't think you're insane at all."

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"I don't, I swear," she assured him with a relieved smiled. "I think this misunderstanding deserves a fresh start."

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"I can deal with that," he agreed. "Doesn't mean I'm gonna change my mind about you, though."

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"I wouldn't dream of asking you to," she said. "But, tell me, Hannibal-not-a-king, have you ever participated in a sword fight?"

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"Nope," he said honestly. "Never even held a sword...well, a real one. I've head toy swords before. Not really the same thing."

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Then it's a good thing we didn't get very far," Adora grinned. "Have you skill fighting with other weapons?"

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"I tend to use my fists," Hannibal said and punched the air. "I don't really use weapons unless it's something I grab during a fight to use. I'm good at improvisation."