Running her fingers along the toes of the shoes on display, Yang took in the colours of each pair. The store smelled of shoe laces and leather mixed in with the smell of rubber from the bicycles parked along the back wall. It wasn't a horrible smell but Yang couldn't imagine working in it for more than a few hours. She did not envy the employees. Scanning the surrounding aisles she searched for someone in a black and red polo shirt that told her they worked there. Her search came up empty.

"So, what's wrong with your current shoes?"

Pyrrha joined her, sipping on a smoothie from the kiosk Yang had left her. Pulling a pair of white Nike's with green trim off the display she shoved her left foot into its opening. She hopped on the spot before removing it and placing the pair back on the shelf.

"They are fine for working out but they are no good for any kind of long distance running." Yang explained, remembering the pain she was in the day after joining Blake on her morning run. "The grip on them is great but they cause blisters when I run."

"And running is important to you now?"

There was a hint of playfulness in Pyrrha's tone as she took another sip of her smoothie. She knew exactly why Yang was in need of actual running shoes. Even with the pain her feet experienced with the blisters, the sting still lingered with the new layer of skin at the back of Yang's ankles and heels, she was still determined to join Blake again.

"Stop playing coy." Yang bluntly called her out. She picked up another pair before deciding they were too heavy. She moved down the wall of shoes, further into the store.

"You haven't told me much about your running date." Pyrrha picked up a blue and black pair, handing them to Yang. Trusting Pyrrha's knowledge she sat to try them on. "Did you two have a good time."

"I think so." Yang answered, but thought it was important to clarify, "but it wasn't a date."

Tying the laces on both shoes, Yang stood to test the feel of them. They were a little snug and she debated trying a half size bigger. Or were runners supposed to be snug? Scanning the other boxes of the same shoe model came up empty of a bigger size. Defeated she threw the shoes back on the shelf. Pyrrha brought her another similar pair in the size she needed before Yang was able to begin her search anew.

"What do you mean you think?"

Yang was slow to respond, she took time adjusting the laces and tying them, pulling her socks up higher and rolling her ankles. She had fun running with Blake, but she would probably have fun doing anything with the girl. It was becoming very apparent that she was very hung up on her, to the point it was borderline scary. She'd never liked someone as much as Blake, but that was an issue in itself. She knew very little about her. They spoke so seldomly and even when they were in the same space Yang kept seeing different versions of her that she wasn't sure which was the real Blake. Perhaps she was somewhere in the middle of a social outcast and a friendly, sweet person. Even spending over an hour with her running brought up little conversation. Blake hadn't invited her up to talk before or after their run, and she hadn't seen her in the four days since. It was scary knowing she liked Blake without really knowing her yet. It was either setting her up for disappointment, or worse. What if her feelings continued to grow as she learned more? What if she was the perfect girl for Yang and she fell head over heels for her? What if Blake didn't return those feelings? As disheartening as it would be to learn Blake wasn't interested in her, Yang wasn't sure how she felt if they became something more. Envisioning it and daydreaming of 'what if' was one thing, but the reality of having to open up for someone and be vulnerable was not something Yang was excited to experience.

"We didn't speak a ton. We were running." Yang finally responded before bringing the conversation back to shoes. After taking a few strides down an aisle she told Pyrrha these were the ones.

"Don't change the subject. How could you not talk?"

"We are literally here for shoes Pyrrha."

"I thought we were here because ' we never spend time outside of campus together, '" she formed air quotes with her free hand, mocking Yang's excuse to come to the mall.

"That too." Yang laughed before sobering.

Pyrrha seemed to know not to push the conversation. It was something Yang loved about her. As they were exiting the store she finally broke the silence.

"She is just really quiet. I mean really quiet." Yang tried to explain. Pyrrha nodded but remained silent as if encouraging her to continue. "We talked about random things like the weather and classes and how she's not a fan of parties, but living just off campus forces her to be in the path of them." Yang thought back to the last time she'd seen Blake. "She's athletic and smart. She is a good friend to Ruby and puts up with Weiss so must have the patience of a Saint. But…" Yang scoffed at her description, knowing it was more observation than really knowing. Observation was full of flaws and assumptions. "I like what I see and know and hear from Ruby, but to be honest Blake has given me very little to go on herself, so it's hard. I don't even know if she enjoyed me joining her for her run. She spoke so little and disappeared so suddenly when we got back to her apartment I didn't even have time to ask if we could do it again."

"Then ask."

It was such a simple solution that Yang couldn't help but laugh. Only Pyrrha would cut through all the excuses she could come up with and lay it out so simple.

"You sure have all the answers, as long as the issues don't involve you." Pyrrha blushed, knowing exactly what Yang was hinting at. "Are you excited for your date with Jaune this weekend?"

Pyrrha blushed, only able to nod before averting her eyes.

"Do you have something to wear?"

"I don't know." Pyrrha shrugged. "I haven't really dated anyone in a long time. I don't know what first date attire is anymore."

"The outfit you wore to the party was nice." Yang complimented. Her sense of style wasn't horrible.

"I can't wear the same outfit for our date, Yang."

Shaking her head at the scolding Yang couldn't help but take pity on her friend. She grabbed her wrist and dragged her into a cute little boutique. "I didn't mean to wear the same thing. I meant it was nice. Something similar would be fine." Yang flicked through hangers of different coloured blouses and pulled a few in Pyrrha's size out. Pyrrha followed silently, taking each piece Yang handed her to drape over her arm.

"You don't have to help me shop for my date. We were here to shop for you and work out your Blake issues."

"My 'Blake' issues," Yang copied Pyrrha's earlier motions with air quotes, "will take longer than one trip to the mall to sort out." Pyrhha snorted as she took another sip of her drink. "Besides, I have time to figure my shit out. Your date is in less than forty-eight hours."

"You're a good friend Yang."

Pyrrha smiled as she was shoved in the direction of the changing rooms. Yang grabbed the cup from her hands before she disappeared from view, taking a sip.

"Yeah, yeah. Just give me the fashion show of my dreams and we'll call it even."

A muffled, "Would you like me to dye my hair a midnight black first to fit your fantasy?" Yang choked on a piece of fruit. Or that was her excuse when Pyrrha asked if she was okay.

Pyrrha's lilting laugh flowed out of the changing room as Yang sat waiting, heat traveling to her cheeks as she imagined waiting for someone else.

With their first set of exams out of the way Pyrrha suggested they let off some steam. Friday afternoons, where Pyrrha had two hours downtime between her Advanced Physiology and Neuroscience classes and Yang had to wait for Ruby's last class to finish, recently had them barricaded in the library behind a pile of homework. Haphazardly thrown papers strew around them, filled with hasty jotted notes in chicken scratch Yang didn't even think was her own some days. The invitation to take a break from exercising her already overexerted brain in favour of a more enjoyable workout of her increasingly neglected body was very welcome. Yang agreed readily as they exited the Sciences building, both squinting in the midday sun shining down from above.

"I almost forgot what the sun feels like." Yang commented which pulled a humoured noise from Pyrrha.

"I suppose we have been studying late recently, but at least we have another month before having to worry about finals."

Agreeing whilst still reminding Yang of the six long weeks left in the semester was something only Pyrrha seemed able to do; raising her spirits at the same time as grounding her.

"Let's enjoy the next few weeks and forget about exams for a short while?" Yang voiced.

Pyrrha nodded her agreement. "Weights?" She asked, leading the way to the leisure center on campus.

"It's so nice out," Yang commented. "I'd hate to spend it indoors."

Nodding Pyrrha suggested they shoot some hoops on one of the outdoor basketball courts. Yang agreed, exclaiming how it had been forever since they'd had any kind of friendly competition.

It was exactly what Yang needed. All the tension of the past two weeks of exams washed away with her sweat as they took turns challenging one another. With a quick crossover between her legs Pyrrha changed directions on her. Too late to recover, Yang could only groan as she felt Pyrrha brush past and heard her cry of victory as the backboard clanged and the sound of the ball swishing in the net accompanied Pyrrha's mockery of her skill.

"Weren't you like some kind of B-ball legend back in the day?"

Her taunting wasn't vicious and only spurred Yang to try harder. She loved Pyrrha all the more for how she was able to push her to her limits, all the while knowing what lines not to cross. Yang had exactly zero friends that seemed as intuitive as Pyrrha in that regard. Looking back, it was that exact reason she never counted her past acquaintances as true friends. They took what they saw and rolled with it. They never tried to get to know her, to push her into the semi-uncomfortable space between polite human kinship and the vulnerability of baring oneself to another. Pyrrha was the only person to breach her outer barriers and even Yang herself sat astounded at how she'd accomplished it.

"I wasn't a legend." She gritted.

Pyrrha threw her a cheeky, challenging look. "Obviously not."

Yang responded only with a narrowing of her eyes as she took up dribbling at the top of the key. She sidled to the left side, bent protectively over the ball, throwing her arm out as wide as she could to separate Pyrrha from her goal. Knowing Pyrrha favoured the right side, Yang took up the habit of pressing her to the left where she had the highest likelihood of finding an opening to the net.

Yang knew she wasn't a legend but she had been quite good in high school. Not able to fully blame the score where Pyrrha was four points ahead of her on her lack of practice. Yang realized she'd used her height as an advantage back in school. Being taller than most other girls allowed her to take open shots as she could jump above their heads where they were unable to block. But Pyrrha was taller than her, and quick, so Yang was reliant on her now noticeably lacking dribbling skills.

Knowing Pyrrha expected her to take the route that was her weakness, Yang spun, quickly changing directions to skirt around Pyrrha's back. Jumping up, she let the ball fly, smiling at her victory. That was until Pyrrha's shoulder came into view. Again Yang cursed Pyrrha's agile reflexes and height as the ball was smacked away from the net, bouncing with dull thuds on the concrete, echoing Yang's disappointment.

Pyrrha laughed, light and airy, relishing in Yang's misery.

"I'm glad you're enjoying this so much." Yang

"I really am." She replied, chasing after the ball. She picked it up and returned to the top of the key. "I can't compete with you in the weight room, but I'm liking this."

She readied herself, bending her knees, arms out. Pyrrha moved and Yang felt her limbs grow stiff and heavy. She knew before Pyrrha made her move that she'd already lost. Pyrrha faked to the right and Yang's body followed as Pyrrha shifted, laughing as she went in for a lay-up.

"You didn't tell me you could play," Yang mumbled as she caught the ball Pyrrha tossed her way.

"You never asked." There was a glint in Pyrrha's eyes and Yang stood there observing her as she lowered into the defensive position. Pyrrha saw the question in her look and her mouth lifted in a wide cheshire grin. "Three time Mystral champions."

Yang scoffed, tasting defeat once again. She may have been decent, even quite good, on her little home island of Patch, but Pyrrha had all the best training and coaches at her disposal on the larger continent. Competing with that seemed fruitless.

"Don't tell me," Pyrrha cut through her thoughts, "that just because there's a slim chance of succeeding you'll give up so quickly." Her tongue clucked, disappointed with her lack of drive. "I wasn't aware the thought of defeat scared you so easily."

Heat pooled in her stomach at the words. Yang hated being associated with anything resembling fearful, scared, or weak. She'd made the move from the small island to the big city. She'd proven all the hot headed asshole's wrong when they whispered, or when brave enough to speak to her face, that she was a dumb blonde incapable of succeeding in University. The last thing Yang was going to do was back down from what seemed like impossible odds.

Dropping the ball Pyrrha shrank, keeping low. Sinking low herself, Yang leaned forward. Pyrrha backed up two steps in anticipation, not wanting Yang to be able to step around her. Her earlier taunts made her cautious, knowing they would be driving Yang to press harder than before. Instead of choosing left or right Yang took two quick steps back and before Pyrrha could react she was flying, ball slipping from the tips of her fingers. A perfect three point shot.

"Nice one," Pyrrha acknowledged, always one to compliment when due. "A couple more like that and you might catch up."

"Yeah, yeah." Yang chuckled.

The anger and frustration at her previous failed attempts washed away. Determination remained as she bounced the ball back to Pyrrha and sank into her own defensive position.

She'd heard once that someone's eyes could tell you where your opponent would go. This was a lie; eyes could lie just as well if better than a pair of lips. Yang learned long ago that it was someone's heart that gave them away. People couldn't live without their hearts. Hearts couldn't lie. So that's where she learned to aim her focus years ago. She took it up again, staring at the spot just left of Pyrrha's protruding collarbone. She could almost see the rhythmic thump-thump, thump-thump as Pyrrha stepped to her right. Yang followed, blocking Pyrrha's dominant side of choice. She tried to fake Yang out by stepping the way Yang wanted her to go but though her body shifted and her foot shot out in that direction her heart remained directly in Yang's line of sight. She blocked her again.

Pyrrha took a step back and Yang followed, not wanting her to try what had worked for Yang moments before. Pyrrha shuffled her feet back another step, but Yang stayed where she was dancing rhythmically between each foot, always remaining on her toes. She knew the instant Pyrrha was making her move as her body -her heart- swayed in the same direction.

Yang took one step with her when something caught her eye over Pyrrha's shoulder. Her left foot hooked on her right in her distraction, forgetting all her training she tumbled sideways. Red and white sneakers soared over her head to not become entangled with Yang's limbs. Yang heard the swish of the net before Pyrrha's laughter reached her ears.

"You had me actually working for it for a moment." She smiled down on her. Yang took the proffered hand and let Pyrrha pull her upright.

Yang's face grew hot.

"What had you so distracted?"

The question embarrassed her even more but not as much as the voice that spoke up behind Pyrrha.

"Are you okay?"

Pyrrha turned on her heel. "Blake?"

"Sorry, do I know you?" Blake asked, turning her worried expression for Yang to dubiously take in Pyrrha's form.

Pyrrha smiled genuinely and it surprised Blake enough for her to blink back her consternation. "We haven't officially been introduced, no." Yang held her breath, hoping if she clamped her jaw tightly closed Pyrrha would too. But that was not her friend's style. "I've heard plenty about you though. I'm Pyrrha" Pyrrha finished taking the half a dozen steps towards Blake with an outstretched hand.

Blake took it tentatively. "You've heard about me? From who?" She trailed off at the end and shot a surprised eye in Yang's direction.

This was the last thing Yang wanted. Now Blake would think her some sort of weird stalker. With a few words did Pyrrha realize she'd doomed her in her pursuits? Blake was reserved and Yang needed to tread carefully, gain her trust, get to know her and have Blake maybe get to know her in return; if she wanted. But now she was cursed.

"Oh, nothing but good things." Pyrrha provided. "I mean she couldn't shut up when we went to look for a pair of proper running shoes the other d-."

"Thank you, Pyrrha." Yang spoke, almost harshly.

Pyrrha hadn't said who the shoes were for but the way Blake retreated her hand slowly and her brow creased all confirmed she knew they were for Yang. It was easy enough for a smart girl like Blake to make the connection on why Yang would be in need of some running shoes.

Taking the hint Pyrrha stepped back, running to retrieve the basketball that had rolled onto the next court. "I'm sorry for her." Yang sheepishly met Blake's eye. "She can be …" Yang trailed off, unsure how to describe Pyrrha's character in a few words. And Yang really didn't want to be talking about Pyrrha right now.

"She seems nice." Blake supplied when Yang didn't seem forthcoming with anything else.

"Yeah," she agreed. "How are you?"

"I asked you first." The surreptitious quirk of her brow caught Yang's eye.

"So you did. I'm fine. I scraped my palm " Yang looked down at the broken skin of her left hand; it was red and raw but no blood actually broke the surface. "I'll heal."

"Good." Blake looked quickly at the injury before agreeing. "To answer your question, I've been okay."

"No more police raids?" Yang quipped, trying to lighten the mood.

"No, and I'm quite grateful for that. It's been unusually quiet since the party. I think we'll be watched closely for the next few weeks so everyone is on their best behaviour."

Knowing how lonely the quiet could be, Yang offered her and Ruby's apartment once again to her. "It wouldn't be a problem."

"I like the quiet."

Blake's simple answer seemed to stall their conversation. Yang quickly took in everything about what Blake was wearing to see if she could use any of the information to start up another thread of conversation. She didn't want the interaction to end. The only thing Yang could find was to ask after her classes, but Blake answered that in another single sentence before silence fell over them once again.

"I should-" Blake shot a thumb behind her, hugging her binder closer to her chest.

Only able to nod in her shame as Blake turned to leave. How could she believe Blake wanted anything more than the acquaintance they'd already shared?

Sure they'd gone running that once, but Blake was a fast runner and Yang needed her lungs for breathing to keep up rather than for talking. Though they'd spoken some and it wasn't painful. In fact, Yang enjoyed the hour and a half they'd spent together, even if it was a quiet kind of interaction. And Blake hadn't ever been rude to Yang when they crossed paths at school or with Ruby and Weiss. None of those things meant Blake wanted to even be friends, let alone anything more.

Even so, Pyrrha's words echoed back at her. ' I wasn't aware the thought of defeat scared you so easily .'

"Blake, wait." Yang spoke up, gaining her confidence. "Would you like to join Pyrrha and I? I could really use some help to wipe that smug look off her face."

Blake looked back over her shoulder but didn't turn. It was not a good sign.

"I'm more of a misfit," she spoke lowly, "if you haven't noticed. I don't do group sports stuff. I prefer the solitude of running." She took two more steps in retreat but Yang had to try once more.

"Can I join you again sometime then? I had fun last time."

Blake's body jerked to a halt at the last confession. "I run Saturday's and Sunday's at ten."

"So can I join you tomorrow?" Yang asked again, more hopeful this time.

"If you'd like," was her simple reply.

Yang swore one day she'd pull more sentences from her. She wasn't sure why there seemed to be two different Blake's. One she was now faced with and the one she'd spent time with in the mall that fateful morning Yang planned the run in. Why did Blake seem more open with her then? Why shut down since? Yang had been so hopeful after that day.

"I'll be there." Yang answered. Maybe simple answers were the way to get through to Blake. But she couldn't help adding "we can be misfits together."

Blake did turn then. A rare wide smile on her lips. "Don't forget your new runners."

Yang watched Blake walk away, that was until she was jostled from the pleasant recap going on in her head by the basketball colliding with her shoulder.

"Done daydreaming?" Pyrrha teased in her airy way.

"You are going to pay."

Yang tossed the ball back to her with more force than needed. Pyrrha laughed, catching it without issue.

"You don't scare me Xiao Long."

Pyrrha won the match but they made plans to meet up again Sunday to play again. Yang was determined to beat her the next time, though she knew realistically that she would need more than one embarrassment of getting her ass kicked to rise to her level. She just needed to learn more about her game so Yang could learn how to play it. She thought of the many lessons Pyrrha could teach her. In the few years they'd been friends Yang had changed, learning so much from her, about friendships and trust, opening up and letting go.

Thinking of her meeting with Blake the next day made Yang smile. If Blake saw her game as a lonely misfit, Yang had no issues with that. Though up until two years ago she'd had plenty of people to surround herself with, she'd lived her life a secret misfit, lonely in her own way. It would be almost natural to fall into that role with her.

/

Prompts for this chapter are Tread and Misfit