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

[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."

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Hand to hand, impressive," Adora said. "I admit my training is lopsided in favor of weapons. Maybe you could show me a few things."

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"I could show you a few things," he said and winked. "Just gotta clarify what you want me to show you."

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

Adora sheathed her sword, freeing up her hands. "How about a good block?"

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"You gonna hit me?" he asked, looking amused.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Not if you block well," she retorted. Adora was potentially the only girl on campus who was perfectly comfortable to wear high heels and a nice outfit while proposing sparring.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"Go for it," Hannibal said, gesturing her to bring it on.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"All right," she said, moving into his space. "You sure you're ready?" Because she didn't want to throw a punch and have him think she was joking.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"I'm ready," he said, bringing his hands up in a fighting stance. "Come on."

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Okay then." She didn't hesitate, throwing a sharp jab toward his gut.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

Maybe Hannibal got lucky or something because he was able to block that shot, letting it glance off his arm and pushing it away.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

Adora presumed he was just that capable. She followed up with a swipe of her left fist toward his shoulder.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

He was a little slower on that, choosing to duck instead of blocking and it just glanced off his shoulder.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"You're not bad," Adora said, pausing in her attack.