InsaneJournal

Who: Pietro and Maleficent
When: 5th August
Where: Breadcrumbs
What: A rock climbing lesson
Rating/Warnings: Low/None
Status: Complete



Pietro was looking forward to giving rock climbing a go and, of course, making a new friend was never something he’d turn down. Particularly here where he was still meeting people and getting the hang of things, and naturally friends with similar interests were to be particularly treasured.

Pushing open the door he asked for Maleficent and was sent in her direction, he hadn’t even realised this place existed otherwise he was sure he would have been here sooner.

Maleficent had just finished helping a customer choose a pair of climbing shoes. Everyone was different, however, beginners tended to need shoes that were less snug and more versatile for longer wear.

Hell, even as a seasoned climber she had a pair of older shoes that were for beginners because they were good for training. Maleficent turned her head to see someone approaching her, a light smile tipped up the corners of her lips. "Can I help you?"

“I hope so” Pietro said in his accented tones, “I believe you suggested I come and try this out for myself. Pietro Maximoff, from the valarnet” he introduced himself with a smile.

He was already impressed by what he saw, the walls looked amazing and he was definitely excited to try them out.

"Oh," Maleficent gave him a bright smile and offered her hand, "Maleficent, obviously, but it's nice to meet you in person." She honestly didn't know if he would've stopped by or not, but it was nice that he had. "I'm glad you decided to come on over."

She glanced back over at the walls, "Those are our beginner, and intermediate walls. The more advance walls are outside, so I suppose the next question is, which one do you think you'd be more comfortable climbing?"

“You too” he said honestly as he shook her hand, there was no way he’d pass up an opportunity like this. She’d soon realise he was very passionate and enthusiastic about any kind of new sport or challenge. “I am glad as well, I already like it” And all he’d done was look at it.

“I want to say the outside walls but my sister is in my head telling me to start on the intermediate ones” he told her a little ruefully, Pietro would get stuck in straight away but Wanda would worry he knew.

"Good, I'm glad you do." Maleficent responded with a wide smile. That had been one of the main reasons why she'd wanted to work at Breadcrumbs as opposed to any other climbing gym in the area. Their walls were some of the best as far as she was concerned.

Chuckling, she gave a nod of her head. "And it's always best to listen to those little voices. Come with me, and we'll get you harnessed up." She turned, moving to where the gear kept. "So how much longer is it until your marathon?"

How could Pietro not? It was amazing, very impressive and it did make you want to get climbing straight away. Or it did Pietro, he was already pumped to try things out.

“Especially when my sister is one of those voices. She can be scary when she’s angry” he grinned to show he was mostly joking. “Saturday 8th so only a few days now. I think I should be able to do a good time”

"Well then," Maleficent smiled softly, "we don't want to anger her." Truly she didn't want to anger anyone's family by putting them in harm's way. She wouldn't intentionally do it anyway. Maleficent couldn't control everything after all.

"That isn't that far away. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you, and you'll have to let me know how you fair." Maleficent thought that maybe it was time to do something else, like train for a marathon. That could be fun, but finding the time to do it? Well that was an entirely different story. She picked up a harness for Pietro, "Here you go, slip that on and I can help with any adjustments you need. I'll be belaying for you while you climb." She moved to get her own harness and began to put it on.

Pietro grinned, he kind of angered Wanda sometimes just for fun but with something like this it was best to be sensible even if he was itching to get on the more advanced climbs. Patience wasn’t always a thing he had though he tried.

“Thank you, I will let you know. And my offer to train still stands should you wish to join me in running, there are so many events around the county. It is quite amazing” he told her before nodding and putting on the harness. Adjusting it before letting Maleficent check it over.

"Most likely I'll be joining you soon. I just have to find the time." Between work, and helping her father take care of her mother she didn't have much time to take breaks. It was fine though, she was more than happy to help her adoptive father. They'd given her hope, more love than she could've ever asked for, and for that Maleficent was grateful.

"Sounds like, there's also plenty of climbing opportunities around here as well. Which surprised me when I first moved here." Maleficent did another check on her own equipment before walking over to Pietro to check his. She made a few adjustments, tightening up a strap or two before stepping away. "Alright, let's go." She smiled, and then picked up a helmet, handing it over to him. "Remember, safety first. Don't overextend yourself, no matter how good of shape you're in, you could pull something and well, that wouldn't be good for your marathon. Take it slow and easy first time up, I'm here to help if something happens."

“Well just let me know whenever you can fit it in” Pietro told her, “It would be a pleasure to help you” He liked helping others find the enjoyment in running, since it gave him such joy himself.

“You got it” he saluted with a smile, “Slow and easy, I will give it a try” he said amused but listening seriously. He may not like slow but safety was always first, After all he’d be very slow if anything happened to him.

She would have to remember that offer, as she was certain that she would be hitting him up sometime in the future. Maleficent just had to make sure her mother was taken care of, that was all.

Laughing softly, Maleficent looked up the wall quickly, and clipped him in before clipping herself to an anchor in the floor so that if he fell, she'd have better balance to catch him. "Whenever you're ready, go for it. I've got you." She stepped back, giving the rope some slack so that he could begin climbing whenever he was ready.

“Alright, here we go” Pietro said with a nod before beginning to tackle the wall. As agreed he went slowly and carefully, thinking about where his hands and feet were going to be placed. His upper body strength was good thanks to the gym, and his legs were strong because of the running.

Each time he moved a couple of feet, Maleficent let out more slack on the rope. Her eyes following his every movement. "Be sure to let me know if you need more slack, and yell down when you're ready to come back." She kept her feet planted firmly on the floor, just watching carefully as she let out a little more slack on the rope.

“You got it” Pietro called back, “I want to go to the top” he informed her just so she knew. He was determined and was enjoying himself. He was sure she would have tips for him once he returned to the ground. His hand and feet placements were not perfect and less thought out as his enthusiasm grew.

Smiling, Maleficent let out a little more slack on the line, watching Pietro as he climbed, his enthusiasm evident. "You've got this!" She encouraged him, still keeping a mindful eye on him as he worked his way up higher. Maleficent was taking mental notes so she could give him some advice once he was back down on the floor with her. Still, she couldn't fault someone for being excited about climbing, as she could understand that herself.

When he reached the top he gripped the wall with one hand and waved down at her with a whoop. His descent was easier than the climb, and he was still grinning like a loon when he reached Maleficent’s side again. “That was very much fun” he told her, not too out of breath thanks to his regular exercise regime.

It was nice to see such enthusiasm. Maleficent appreciated it, especially since he was doing something she loved and enjoyed it. That was all she really wanted, was for people to see how enjoyable rock climbing could be. She helped lower him down until he was back there with her, and she began unhooking. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. You did pretty good. I'd just watch how far apart you spread yourself. If you're not careful, you could end up slipping." She smiled over at Pietro. "Still, I think you did pretty good for your first time."

“That was great” he enthused, grinning and nodding as she offered advice, “Thank you for your help. I think you may be seeing more of me yes?” he beamed rather proud of the compliment. Pietro did well in most of the athletic tasks set him so he was glad this one had been no different and looked forward to taking on harder walls in future.