A/N: Let me try something new on this account. Each chapter is a finished rp thread my partner (bubbleztehpwn) and I have done on tumblr, with her taking Pyrrha and me Mercury. Therefore, it's kinda like a reply-like fic and the flow might be a bit choppy so keep that in mind while you're reading.

You Found Me In The Worst Kind Of Way

He turns, bringing his left leg up forcefully before twisting around, lashing out with his right, then his left once again in a series of quick strikes. With a grunt, he leaps into the air and slams down his boot before sweeping the floor in a circle and swinging backwards in a backflip. He lands on his feet lightly, lets out a breathe of relief and runs a hands through his hair.

The sweat pours down his face and the heat radiates from his back. Dragging a hand across his forehead, Mercury tugs at the back of his shirt, pulling it over his head.

"You know," he says, voice muffled by the thin fabric, "you really should knock before you enter."

"I'm sorry!" she squeaks, averting her eyes to another corner of the room. "I thought the training room would be empty at this time of night.." Stepping into the room, she passes Mercury without a second glance, heading straight towards the practice dummy. Unsheathing Miló and Akoúo̱ from their home on her back.

Swinging Miló, constantly changing it's form, spear, sword, rifle, sword, rifle, spear, Akoúo̱ strapped to her left arm, spinning with the Spartan, constantly on the move. Almost a dance within itself. She hadn't broken a sweat.

His eyes roam her body, from her scarlet hair down to her swaying hips, as she brushes past him disinterestedly. He watches her almost in awe as she trains, uncaring as to his observance. She's simply incredible; the way she utilizes her weapon, changing forms effortlessly as she shifts stances, body moving so gracefully. He's mesmerized, completely taken in by the beauty of the female herself and the intricate dance she's currently performing.

Leaning back against the wall, shirt still in his hand, he slowly slides down to sit on the floor, eyes still trained on her form, picking out the smallest openings and trying to decipher any weaknesses in her techniques.

A smirk forms on his lips.

Cinder would be pleased with his progress tonight.

Slowing her pace, to a stand still. She strips herself of Akoúo̱ and Miló, placing her long life friends carefully on the floor. Shifting the bracer on her arm back into place, stretching out her muscles, recollecting Akoúo̱ she returns to the training dummy.

Bashing her shield against the defenseless object, twirling around, and gliding her shield. Not only using it to block attacks, but managing to hit back. The gold of the shield shimmering in the light of the room, before she manages to slice the head of the dummy off in a clean cut, the helmet rolling on the ground, stopping at her feet.

She turns to look back at Mercury, a slight feeling of apprehension.

"Do you require aid?"

He winces as her shield slices through the dummy's neck, watches as the head rolls to a rest at her feet. Good thing she hadn't had the opportunity to use that trick on him during their spar. His head snaps up at her words and he gazes up at her, one hand resting on his knee. With a grunt, he pushes himself off the floor and inhales deeply.

Perhaps he had been too hasty in his approach in ending the fight; too obvious, too arrogant. If he wants to get closer to Pyrrha, he's going to have to be less of an insufferable asshole. So, swallowing his pride as much as he can, feeling the heat flare up the back of his neck and his cheeks, Mercury grinds out with much difficulty.

"I…look, I feel like we've gotten off the wrong foot and…I hope that we can start over again. If that's ok with you."

She blinks, processing his request, before smiling and nodding. "Of course." Taking his hand in hers, shaking them in the traditional greeting, letting go and meeting his eyes with her own, she continues to smile.

"I am Pyrrha Nikos, it is a pleasure to meet you." A mischievous smile dons her face. Showing her playful side to her new acquaintance.

He grasps her hand in a firm grip and lets go.

"Mercury Black," he answers.

Well, that was easier than he thought. He had honestly believed that she would at least be wary of him considering the stunt he had pulled in their fight. But she's smiling and he can't help but wonder if it was just pretense or naivety on her part.

"I'm visiting from Haven for the tournament." He sweeps his hair back with one hand. "I take it you're participating too, right? You've definitely got the skills."

Her head dips in a very slight nod, looking to the ground before returning to look at him. "I, thank you. Yes, I am… hoping for a fifth Championship this year."

Her brows turn down, turning her more jovial expression into a serious one, thinking back to the rest of his introduction. "You're from Haven Academy?" She blinks, general curiosity for her current partner, her eyes roam his physique, trying to remember if she had seen him in Mistral. Though, she muses, it is a fairly large kingdom. "I studied at Sanctum." once again smiling at him. "I don't recall seeing you at the tournaments in Mistral, is this your first time?"

He can't help but smirk slightly as her eyes roamed his torso.

"Yes, it is actually." He shrugs, head tilting slightly. "Not sure if I'll participate though. The two ladies on my team are stronger than me so I'm just here as backup. But I'll be sure to watch you fight."

He slings his shirt over his shoulder and gives her a little wave before turning to leave.

"Guess I'll see you around," he cracks a grin, "Pyrrha."