Pyrrha Nikos was not a very secretive woman. It was damn near impossible to have secrets when the entirety of the world breathed down your neck every second of the day. It was unavoidable. She was a celebrity. A young huntsman icon that the adults revered and the children gawked at. She was in advertisements, on TV shows every now and again, even had her face slapped on a terribly overpriced cereal box.

The entire world of Remnant knew her face and her name. She could breathe and somehow end up on a tabloid paper for just how elegantly she sucked air in. Words could not describe just how suffocating this all was. So to mitigate that, someone such as herself would have to find a hidey-hole to relocate in from time to time. And if there was any time to hide, it would be before the Vytal Festival was supposed to start.

It was a normal-looking apartment building on the west side of Nocturn Street, Vale. A massive red building with paint chipping off the sides and looking quite dilapidated from certain angles and a couple of broken windows here and there. The complex wasn't horrible-looking- it was cheap and affordable, something any college student could benefit from. It was just nice and populated enough not to be considered shady and just the place no one would expect the more well-off Invincible Girl to go.

It was perfect.

Pyrrha brought the muffler higher above her nose and adjusted her sunglasses, feeling like she was on fire inside her thick fur coat. She swiveled her head side to side, looking just about as inconspicuous as she felt. The coast was clear, outside of the children playing basketball on the street court to her side. One deep breath later and she marched in through the front door and up several flights of stairs.

She quickened her pace when she spotted apartment 315 and knocked. "Er, anybody inside?" She asked in a higher pitch than normal.

The door opened quickly and immediately, she smiled. Standing in front was her close friend, Leif, clad in a red shirt and black shorts, a fingerless-gloved hand wringing through his curly red hair. Right on the spot, a mirthful grin was already on his boyish face.

"A coat in the middle of Spring? How bold." He stepped aside, ushering her in.

Pyrrha pouted. "I thought it was a reasonable disguise." She mumbled, walking into his bachelor pad.

"Yeah. Works best when you want all the attention in the world." He jeered, shutting the door behind him.

The space got smaller every time Pyrrha entered. It was a typical studio apartment. A single bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and just enough space in the middle to be called a living room. She had to admit, she felt kind of bad. She's had bedrooms bigger than this entire place, and he was just lucky enough for this little shack. Most of the space was taken up by a computer desk and a couch, with a small TV tucked into the corner of the room. It smelled of ramen and strong air fresheners. She looked on his kitchen counter and groaned.

"Oh, dear gods you actually bought that," She sighed, hanging her coat on the side of the couch. "I didn't think you'd actually buy one of those."

Out on the counter, loud and proud, was a Pumpkin Pete's cereal box, with her beaming face trying a bowl on the front of it. Probably one of her more regrettable endorsements.

"What? I wanted to catch the essence of Pyrrha Nikos." Leif joked.

She stifled a laugh. Here we go. "I'm quite sure the only thing you'll find in that box is salt-peppered pellets."

"Whaaaat?" Leif gaped comically wide. "Bullcrap, Pyrrha. Your face is on the box! If I'm not capturing all that is false advertising and I do not stand for that," Against his better judgment, he reached into the box, grabbed a fistful of cereal, held his prize over his head, and rained it into his mouth.

Pyrrha had to admit, she felt sorry for him. The poor boy looked like he was about to vomit after a couple of bites. She couldn't blame him when he spat some out into his sink.

"Are you okay?"

"The box lied to me," He sputtered, leaning over the sink. "Oh Gods, Pyrrha. Why do you taste like salty cardboard? Wait." He held up a finger and smacked his lips together. "With a hint of asparagus."

Pyrrha held a hand over her mouth, trying against all hope to hold a giggle down. "You are your jokes, I swear."

"Gotta have something charming about myself, 'cuz it sure as hell isn't my chicken bones," He said, flicking his stringy bicep. "Anyway, what's with the surprise visit? You're not exactly a 'swing-by-in-the-work-week' kind of girl."

Like hitting an off switch, Pyrrha collapsed onto his dusty couch, curling up into a sleep-deprived ball. "Has anyone told you never to become a celebrity?"

"Pyrrha, you tell me that constantly-"

"Do not be a celebrity. Oh, Gods, I can never get a moment to myself. If I'm not tutoring, studying or fighting, I'm sighing autographs from random students in my school," She looked up at him sullenly, dark circles around her eyes. "Have you ever had a grown huntsman stalk you for a day in a half just to sign a poster?"

"Must've been a Pumpkin Pete poster. Understandable." Leif affirmed with a nod.

"Well, it's happened three times before, Leif. Three." She groaned into the throw pillow. "My fans can be wolves, no matter how much I love them."

"Love is a toxic thing, Berry," Leif said, dropping onto his swivel chair. "It's why I do not indulge."

"With the content you read, I beg to differ," Pyrrha retorted.

Leif looked at the wall of light novels and manga on his shelf. "Touche."

Pyrrha giggled, looking down at her clothes. It was strange, wearing something so informal. A red-flannel button-up shirt, black shirt, and red tights with a sports logo on them. Lately, it's been nothing but fancy dresses, school uniforms, and battle gear. Having the opportunity to dress down was a one-in-a-million dream come true.

She barely would imagine doing it elsewhere, but this building, this room, it was a safe haven. At least here, she could be Pyrrha, and not have to watch everything she said or did. Not have to worry about what the paparazzi saw her doing, who she was talking to, or what little scandal they could print on a tabloid, here she could longue around with her pants off if she wanted, and relax, without a single care in the world.

Although, sometimes she did worry about the company she kept. Mind you, Leif was a fine young man. One of the best she knows, but it wasn't always like that.

The lanky redhead is an ex-con. One of the most dangerous and unpredictable at that, being a master of information and technological warfare. He could tear a kingdom apart from a coffee shop with a laptop. Picking this mischievous fox off the streets was one of Pyrrha's first jobs in her second year in Beacon. It was a strange case- Leif didn't even fight back. Ozpin offered him a better way to use his talents, and as such, Pyrrha was made to watch him. That had to be what, a year ago? How time flies…

"You never did answer my question though," Leif pointed out. "What exactly are you doing here?"

"I can't just drop by for a visit?"

"Like I said, it's the middle of the week."

Pyrrha twirled her finger around a lock of her hair, unable to look him in the eye. "I see nothing wrong with popping in for a minute or two to catch my bearings-"

"You wanted a place to nap, huh?" Pyrrha's cheeks went bright pink, then turned red when she saw Leif grinning. "Props to you for trying to be subtle about it. I wouldn't have even tried. I would've just divebombed your couch and slept."

"I'm sorry, this is pretty rude of me, isn't it? Just bothering you for a nap." Pyrrha apologized, hanging her head a little. She swallowed, her tights feeling more constricting than before. "Er, can you…" She twirled her finger around, pulling a nearby blanket over her feet.

Leif raised a brow. "So you come into my crusty clown apartment, try to nap on my dollar store couch, and now you to turn around while you strip? Shame, Pyrrha. How the mighty have fallen."

"I-I'm really sorry, I don't-"

"Don't take me so seriously, Berry," Leif comforted. "Take as long as you need. Don't mind me." He turned his chair around and tapped away on his laptop. Pyrrha waited a few seconds before nervously slipping her tights off and dropping them in front of the couch. Immediately, she was flushed, seeing her rather frilly red panties on her anywhere but in her bedroom was a bit overwhelming for the otherwise mild-mannered girl… and shamefully exciting.

She laid down, pulled the blankets over her stomach, and pinched the band out of her hair, letting it all fall loose. With one long exhale, she collapsed back down on the couch, letting the warmth and quiet drift her worries away.

"You can turn around now." Pyrrha yawned.

"You sure? I won't turn to stone?"

"You can turn around now, Leif." Pyrrha giggled,

The nerd turned around, sprawled in his chair, grinning ear to ear again. That mirthful seemed permanently stitched onto his face, or at least, it was rarely not there since she's known him. She had her concerns though. That smile never seemed to reach his eyes. Speaking of, his gleaming gold-colored eyes had darker circles than hers and were somewhat baggy. Maybe she could pester him in turn to get more sleep.

"You could always nap with me- I mean close to me! I mean… uh…" Her eyes widened suddenly, along with one of Leif's eyebrows. Damn it all, could she put one word together without it sounding like a madwoman who spent her life in a cave? "Do you need a nap?"

"Not really," Leif answered. "Take it easy for a little bit. I'll watch the door and make sure no government drones are peaking through my window to try and see what the might Nikos choice of underwear is or something." He waved his hand. "Go on, go on, start counting those sheep."

Pyrrha rolled her eyes and laid back down, passing out quickly. When her eyes fluttered open again, the orange glow of sunset was beaming through the cracks in the closed window shutters. The couch was a little hard on her back, but the nap was divine. Actually resting her head for once instead of constantly studying and fighting was like Christmas coming early. She should cook something nice for dinner tonight. Anything better than the copious amounts of ramen bowls he downs daily.

Her brows knit together. The swivel chair was vacant and Leif's laptop was wide open. "Leif?" She called, sitting up and scanning the room. "Leif, are you home?" No answer. Was he playing another prank? "Leif, please, this isn't funny. You know I don't like surprises."

Still nothing. She sighed, standing up and stretching. Maybe he went off to grab some more food from the nearby dollar store. It wouldn't be the first time he left her in the apartment for a spell. She reached into her shirt pocket and picked out her scroll, swiping through notifications for anything exciting. Nothing note-worthy, outside of the odd text message or two from her team and her sister team's group chat. Nora's usual madness and Weiss trying once again in vain to attain order.

Wait a moment. That laptop was open.

Pyrrha eyed that shoddily put-together hardware like a toddler staring at a cookie jar. This was far from the norm. That laptop was never open unless he was practically glued to it. A man of many secrets, most of whom she could never figure out.

Her fingers drummed on her bare thighs. It was right there. Just so close! She gulped, glancing back at the door once, twice, then one more time before standing on the tips of her toes and creeping across the tiny living room. One little look wouldn't hurt anyone.

She sat in his swivel chair and hesitated, heart, hammering in her chest. Computers and tech weren't exactly her strong suit. Her hands opened and closed over the keyboard more times than she cared to admit. Just press something. Anything. What's the worst that could happen?

"Yeah, I'll admit, I never saw anyone treat a computer like that."

Pyrrha screamed. Probably loud enough for the neighbors to worry. "Leif! I'm sorry, I'm sorry I'm sorry, I didn't see anything, I promise!" Her brows once again knit together. That look in his eyes didn't seem right. Almost hollow in a way. That smile was a mere ghost trying its best to stay human. "Is something the matter?"

"Nope, no, I'm fine," Leif quickly said, dropping onto the couch, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Well, I'm a little tired, but what's there to expect with my sleep schedule or lack thereof."

"Did something happen?"

"Always one to press on, huh?"

"Leif…"

The ex-con groaned, running his fingers through is tangled curly red hair. "Just, when you're alone most of the day, you tend to wonder what got you here. I mean, look at me." He gestured around his body. "I'm not exactly strong, or too tall. I failed getting through my huntsman initiation, and I… hurt a lot of people with the things I do. Or, did." His eyes cast down, teeth grit. "A lot of people."

Pyrrha swallowed. This man was an enigma- it wasn't impossible to know he was feeling off, but it was impossible just to tell what he was feeling. Was he angry at her trying to use his laptop? She couldn't help but feel dread at the thought. He trusted her into his home and she just started using his things? What kind of nosy idiot was she turning in to?

"I really am sorry about your computer, I got a little curious. It wasn't my place to pry into your business." She said in a apologetic tone.

"You really do worry too much."

"I do, I know, but I can't help it. You're one of the few people I can truly trust. One of the few I feel really close to- n-not in any strange regard, just the nautral… sense… friend. Urgh…" She groaned, feeling like she shruk to the size of an ant. She grimaced at the sound of her own voice. It was naturaly very soft and quiet. Not one you would expect from a warrior. It was shameful to speak sometimes, at least to her, but it thankfully did portray when she was being genuine, for better or worse.

Leif, on the other hand, looked at her cautiously. "You sure you want to be close to someone like me?" He asked. "The media would have a field day with you if they found out you're in the same room as an ex-con."

"To hell with the media."

Leif blinked. "Did you just swear?"

"L-Leif, I'm being serious!" Pyrrha stammered, cheeks burning red again.

"Yeah, so am I," Leif attempted a mirthful grin again, but it was one-sided and cracked. "So how did this happen? Hypnosis? Body snatchers? Amnesia?"

"Leif…"

He snpapes his fingers. "Abducted by martians! You can't tell me otherwise!"

"Leif!" Pyrrha shouted. "Just… enough with the jokes. You're upset- I can tell." She took his hands and smiled gently. "It's okay, do you hear me? You don't have to tell me what truly is bothering you, just know you have my support, just like you gave me yours. Now why don't you sit down and keep working. I'll cook you something nice from my homeland."

Leif looked taken aback, glasses falling askew. "Who's supposed to be taking care of who here?"

"Unless you'd like to gorge yourself more on ramen packages?" Pyrrha scolded, hands on her hips. The pair were silent for a moment before Leif gave a little waving gesture that said 'Do as you will'.

"Sure thing," Leif gave in. "Why not? Could be nice."

"That's the spirit," Pyrrha beamed. "Oh, I'm sure you'll love it! I'm sure you're used to the noodle aspect of it, if you could call that bland, stringy porrige ramen anyway. I could add some salmon and stir-fry to the mix as well. Improve that diet of yours. And-"

"Uh, hate to stop you there but…" Leif cut in, pointing to her hips, looking quite flushed. How strange it was to see the trickster flustered, but it was quite cute. "This may sound a bit redundant, but red's really nice color on you."

Red? Of course, red was a natural color for her. Why on earth would he be so concerned about…

Oh Gods.

Oh Gods, Oh Gods, Oh Gods!

Pyrrha shrieked, trying in vain to cover her frilly panties with her hands, or rather, placed her hands over her crotch and froze like a deer in headlights. She goofed. She goofed up badly. No one had ever seen her like this, save for Nora. The poor girl was a stuttering mess with ears red as fire. "C-Can you just… not l-look this way for a moment?" She stammered, heart bashing against her chest like a battering ram.

Leif said nothing. Only reared his head back and laughed. "You're seriously something else, Pyrrha."

"Wha- what are you talking about?" She sputtered. "No one should see me like this, let alone you!"

"Pyrrha, there's nothing wrong with seeing a girl in her underwear. I'm not about to jump you and try to play I-Spy with what's underneath. One, that's seriously a sick fucking thing to do, and two, you'd probably kill me," He chuckled, stripping off his hoodie and wrapping it around her waist, making a cute little bow on the front with the sleeves. "Or is that another cultural thing I'm ignorant about?"

"Yes? No? Well, it sort of is, but… ugh, I'm just…" She sighed. "Being very silly." A smile stretched across her face. "Thank you for your hoodie. It's most appreciated."

"You're so formal sometimes." Leif chuckled, putting his headphones on and sitting by his laptop again, back to work as normal. "It's seriously cute."

… Cute?

Oh my.

Pyrrha spent the rest of her night with cheeks aflame, and heart even more so. She really couldn't help but love this man. She giggled. My, how scandalous a relationship like that would be.