Handle with care [c]

It had been a long day that seemed as if it wouldn't end fast enough at the start of it. Strenuous amounts of work and turmoil that amounted to dance preparations that in turn would cause more stress and vexation to a rather confrontational ranger commissioner. Yet the more the moon was shrouded with a crimson glow and trailed further across the darkened skies, that same ranger wished that the evening would never end. The reason for this change of heart? The fact that someone had managed to claim it and imbue her with a sense of happiness she thought impossible for a single person to do.

Yet he had done it. Which was how Adrian had found her way to the apparent apartment of her now lover, Adrien Arkwright. After having persuaded her into leaving the ball early with him, the ginger stood outside the doorway as she'd wait patiently for the navy haired male to unlock the way into his abode. One of many she was sure but she wasn't one to question or complain tonight, watching a set of keys being brought out for use against the lock. Upon clicking in success, she'd nod as she was invited in; though take the gesture to 'make herself at home' with a grain of salt as she'd habitually scan the interior of the room.

It was rather spacious, something the ginger wasn't quite accustom to aside from the extremely rare occasions that her office was emptied of paperwork. Before she was able to take note of much else, her attention was drawn in by the soft murmuring of Adrien's voice amidst the silence of the night. Rather responding immediately, she had paused as her emerald gaze was momentarily caught upon watching the man undo his tie. It was no doubt an effort to get more comfortable and she was at a loss as to why she was hung up on watching him do as such, but upon his second statement the woman would establish eye contact as her expression shifted to mild amusement.

"Ohh?" she spoke curiously, hinting at her astonishment at the statement. "Adrien Arkwright actually eats instant ready foods?" She said somewhat jokingly as she took a few more steps further into the apartment. His comment about wanting something more romantic wasn't missed but it couldn't have been helped. Romance would have been nice of course, their squandered dinner plans likely having been the man's route to pandering to that sentiment. However it was not as if Adrian had much experience or knowledge of romance in general so she was perfectly content with just spending as much time she could with her love interest.

Thus she'd simply wave off his concerns, bring up a hand to physically do so as a delicate smile graced her features. "Don't worry, I'm not picky. I'm used to eating fast foods anyway," she admitted offhandedly hoping to alleviate his worries. With the work schedule that the ginger had as a ranger, even as a cadet, it was always more convenient for her to grab fast food or make something that was microwavable than getting anything else. She didn't see the problem with it aside from the lack of nutritional value but that was honestly negligible to her. If she actually cared then she would have stayed at the ball and actually ate some of the food they had been serving there.

It wasn't as if Adrian knew how to cook either or else she might have offered to do so. But the woman knew her limitations and thus wouldn't even bother on the off chance he actually accepted without being aware of the consequences. Instead she had taken to shifting her gaze to the nearest countertop, taking note of the fact that everything seemed to be hardly used. "You sure you actually live here?"

While Adrian took note of his sarcastic laugh, apparently not amused by her jest, her smile morphed into smirk of momentary satisfaction. She could hardly be blamed for it and the truth of it became evident with the following admission from Arkwright himself. "Nifty, huh?" She'd repeat the word due to his interesting word choice, taking note of his opinion on their current lack of food choice as she wandered furthered towards the living room area in search of the nearest seat. Despite being able to hold her own in terms of balance and pain tolerance while in the torture devices known as heels, the normally coarse woman was eager to be rid of the strain on her feet.

Since Adrien had taken her statement to heart, accepting her agreement to being served whatever had been available, the ginger didn't think much more on the subject until an inquisitive tone reached her ear. Truthfully the woman didn't think much on the question either, shrugging as provided an offhanded yet honest response. "Not particularly. They're just convenient." She would make the effort to slip out of the shackles that were her heels before expounding on it however, not turning back to face him as she daintily kicked off the stiletto shoes that had been plaguing her and carefully placing them to the side. Perhaps she should have paid more mind to the disbelieving inflection in which the question was spoken, the ginger not quite catching onto the fact that her eating fast foods sounded so outlandish when compared to the knowledge of Adrien being capable of doing so. Nevertheless she'd still provide some additional information as if finishing up her thoughts on the matter while her distracted gaze continued to drift about the apartment. "As I said I'm not picky and spare time isn't exactly something I have much of these days."

Upon being told of his latest absence from the apartment, the woman hummed in understanding acknowledgement. She could hardly blame him if that was the case, she supposed, as it wasn't as if Adrian was known to stay in one place either. The latest development of being promoted to commissioner had change that against her will of course, the need to remain near the Ranger Headquarters in Sunnyshore consistently making it so she had to establish a place to stay there... that is if one could honestly consider what she was currently doing establishing a place to stay. Thus she wouldn't further question the condition of the place as she'd finally turn back to face Adrien, taking note that more pieces had been removed before offering a shrug. In doing so the shrug promptly reminded her of restrictive bodice hugging her torso that pulled itself downwards, threatened to reveal more than she desired. The suggestion of freshening up had come just in time with that in mind, a scowl briefly expressing itself on the ginger's face after taking notice and readjusting herself within the gown's confines.

"Not if I can help it, no." A blunt statement to answer Adrien's likely rhetorical question, reestablishing her distaste for dresses as a whole in her inflection. Indignantly swiping her hands down the length of the lower half of the gown, causing some of the ruffles in the skirt to dissipate, Adrian released a sigh. Of course she didn't actually plan ahead for this development, figuring she would have simply gone back to Sunnyshore after her duties at the ball had concluded and passed out there. Thus she had no real change of clothes and it wasn't as if going to get any at this hour would be anything less that extremely inconvenient. But again, Adrian wasn't exactly very picky and so she figured that anything would do as long as it was comfortable enough. "Do you have a tshirt or something you don't mind me using?" She'd ask curtly, albeit innocently, as her eyes flickered to meet his for an answer. Considering the types of clothing that Adrien seemed to wear on a consistent basis every time she had seen him, she wasn't sure if he had actually owned anything remotely comfortable. Honestly, anything would likely have been better than having to stay in the dress though.

It took a bit for the man to respond, Adrian tilting her head as she awaited an answer and wondering if he had actually heard her. When he had, there wasn't much to be gained from it aside from reading the confusion on his visage to which she wouldn't understand. Being the type of person she was, Adrian didn't quite comprehend the hidden meaning of wearing another person's clothes. It wasn't as if she doubted that she wouldn't be able to fit into Adrien's shirts and there wasn't anything that can be done about it at this hour. That said the apparent hesitance to actually respond, much less fulfill, the request she made the woman raise a brow. Was what she was asking so outlandish?

He'd finally repeat the word for the article she was requesting, the woman still wondering about his apparent surprise at her request. "Yeah, is there something wrong with that?" She'd affirm obliviously as curiosity colored her voice. Perhaps he just didn't know what Tshirts were? It felt more likely he didn't own any considering his lifestyle, though that was hardly anything to be reluctant about saying. But then when Adrien finally spoke in regards to finding potential change of clothes, he had cut himself off as if to stop himself from pursuing that train of thought to which the ranger would find strange. "... in?" she'd repeat his last word this time to signal that she had indeed heard him and was urging him to continue. He wouldn't though, simply resolving to get something instead before disappearing into one of the side rooms.

While the ginger was adequately puzzled by the male's reaction, she couldn't exactly question them now that he had went off to find her something to wear. Thus she'd sigh as she made her way to the washroom that he had motioned her to moments ago. She'd turn on the lights and look inside curiously, finding nothing but a rather pristine looking bathroom before her instincts had caused her to turn back due to the sounds of movement behind her. She'd take in the sight of Adrien himself before her eyes fell onto the teal cloth in his hands. "So you do own casual clothes after all," she'd smartly remark as she raised a hand to catch the toss, doing so before it would land on her. It was meant as another jab, perhaps partially as payback for times he had done so shamelessly when they had first met, but there was a hint of self affirmation in them. Regardless she'd quickly append a statement to appease him. "It's fine, thanks," Said quickly, the woman would not even bother to unfurl the shirt to look it over. She was just eager to get out of the dress as soon as possible and anything that wasn't another dress would have sufficed.

Thus with shirt in hand Adrian turned heel to retreat into the bathroom, a hand already fidgeting behind her to undo the binds that held the gown together. That said she was somewhat hesitant to indulge in using the shower despite the fact that Adrien had given her the consent to do so (to her comprehension). However after working all day with no break and the memories of having to deal with socially interacting with strangers at the ball, Adrian was grateful for the chance to wash up a bit. As her other hand moved to shut the door for privacy sake, she would give her new boyfriend one final look before speaking out and shutting the door afterwards. "I'll try not to take long."

---

The shower itself, true to her word, didn't last too long after removing everything that wore her down. A good ten minutes was the entirety of the time the ginger spend in there at the worst. Adrian was conscious of the time she had spent and thus would shower long enough for steam to begin accumulating from the use of hot water but not long enough for the heat to begin fogging up the mirrors. Emerging from the sanctity of the washroom; Adrian yawned a bit as she opened the door, paying little mind to the slight squeak of the hinges. The tshirt was covering her torso well and was just long enough to extend past her hips in length which covered up her apparent lack of pants below. The dress that had previously adorned her form was now draped over her left arm like a obnoxiously large sheet and in the same hand was the leg holster for her gun that was hidden below the skirt's confines. There was no doubt that she felt significantly better now after having showered and freed from the restraints of the gown, her expression cast into a rather light appearance as she took a few glances around to see if she could spot Adrien from where she stood before having to call out for him.

It wouldn't take long to spot those cobalt strands just as it didn't take long for the man to take notice of her. The soft murmur that had come to greet her might have been missed had it not been for the still lull that had fallen over the apartment at that current hour. "Hey," she replied back softly as her eyes fell over the rest of his form. He still wore the same clothes, not that she expected anything else, but somehow his relaxed appearance had looked that much more captivating. It was hard to believe that was possible but she'd brush that fact to the side as she approached the couch where he had sat. Her lips parted to apologize for making him wait, but was stopped before any words had come out with his apparent state of awe. Thus instead, her focus had shifted to the immediately to address it.

"What?" she'd question inquisitively, ignorant of her own appearance due to her own eyes lingering on him. That smile and the motion he had made should have made it obvious but it wasn't until he had spoken again that the ginger comprehended. "Oh." Now normally Adrian might have been resentful of the fact that she was being objectified in her appearance, miffed at the blatant compliment on it coming from a guy looking her over, and replying with an angry retort. That said, the woman was instead caught off guard and taken aback by it. None of the usual annoyance had come and in their place was a hint of embarrassment that flushed her cheeks in a hue of rosy pink. At this point, when those words of flattery had come from him, the ginger wasn't sure how to deal with it. But it definitely wasn't a bad feeling. It would take her a moment to recompose herself from the unexpected comment, Adrian's hold around her dress slightly increasing as she thought over what was proper to say in that regard. Though she'd still stumble over her words trying to reply to him. "I- erm... Thanks, I guess..."

Despite herself she didn't glance away, maintaining her emerald irises on his golden spheres as she listened to his next instruction. At that the woman might have noticeably bit down on her lower lip. "Um, right. Thanks." Honestly the woman had no intention of actually using the spare bedroom even at the start before agreeing to visit and stay the night. Doing so meant getting too comfortable in someone else's house and felt unseemly to the ginger, even if it was at the behest of the host. Being who she was, Adrian was satisfied with sleeping on the couch with that in mind, being used to experiencing worse than during her 'career' of sorts. She wouldn't voice these thoughts however, simply nodding instead at his gesture and following suit to place her things near the doorway of the spare bedroom. The intent was to leave her things out of the way and sleep on the couch once Adrien had retired for the evening. At least that was the plan.

Placing her things down, the ginger felt the need to readjust the shirt afterwards with a few slight tugs at the hem because of how flustered she still felt at Adrien's compliment. She'd turn back to the main room once that was done and impulsively return to Adrien's side, being out of her element here and not knowing how else to proceed. Or perhaps it was because she just wanted to remain as close the man as she could for the rest of the night which was the original reason she had agreed to the arrangement in the first place. In either case she'd approach silently from behind the couch and delicately plant her hands onto the man's shoulders, attempting to slip them in a weak cradle around him before saying the first thing that had come to her mind. "So what was that about being more romantic?"

It seemed as if her actions had caught Adrien off guard, his subtle movements hardly being missed from over the surface of her skin as her arms wrapped around his neck. The ginger would settle there for a while and bask in the moment, absorbing the warmth he exuded despite having just separated herself from hot shower minutes prior. This warmth was the one she much more preferred anyway. While she had missed seeing his smile from her position behind him, a similar one was being worn by her as well. Remaining this way was something that Adrian was content with, however with the touch of his hands and an impish hum it wouldn't take long for her to find herself being led into a better position.

Her light and nimble frame had tumbled over the couch effortlessly, Adrian not resisting in the slightest as she released her hold so that her body could topple over onto Adrien's. He didn't seem to mind it and actually embraced her as he'd reoriented himself on the couch to which the ginger could only grin as she looked downwards to meet the sight of his loving face. She could have lost herself staring into his eyes forever had it not been for his comment bringing that particular memory to the forefront of her mind.

Maybe she should have punched him for that. If it had been a day earlier then she would have done so without a second thought. Tonight though, the ginger had instead released a lighthearted chuckle that mingled with his; recalling the embarrassment she felt from accepting his compassion and the safety that had encompassed her when buried into his chest. It was truly laughable how that moment of weakness and shame that felt detestable had since morphed into a sweet and cherished memory. One that she didn't mind repeating at this point in time as she shifted to conform comfortably to his physique. "Mmm, you're the one that climbed into the bed with me." A gentle reminder if one were to point fingers about being bold. She wouldn't even mention the fact that it was Adrien that had boldly pulled her on top of him, placing her in such a position, since she didn't particularly find any complaint about it so far.

Before she was so sure that his actions that day was a trap brought on by her weakness and the medication in her veins. In some ways it might have been true - a trap meant to ensnare her into his charms - and if that had been the case then it was a rather effective one considering where she was now. She had fallen for him and it had taken her too long to realize that, but now that he was her's it made that humiliation from the hospital worth it. Thus as Adrien manuvered his arm to rest at her waist as if securing her there, she wouldn't shirk away or be overcome with a flushed face, rather she'd embrace it as if there was no other correct choice. "Besides, I don't mind if you want to talk about it now. At least when we're alone."

This time around there was no incessant beeping from heart monitors ringing in her ears, free from the wires that had bound her that had to be maneuvered around in the hospital bed. This time Adrian was free to enjoy this moment as she lowered her face closer to his to bait his lips, listening to his explanation to a question that she had herself had forgotten was asked. Something about romance if she could recall amidst her contentment. Dinner at a nice place, talk a little, and spend time together... was that not what they were doing now? The ginger didn't quite understand the concept of what constituted romance but she didn't want to change how they were now. She wouldn't voice that specifically however as the off chance she might have revealed that lack of awareness of the subject, opting to voice her opinion on the matter instead. "I'm fine with just the being with you part on this couch, you know." Blunt but as always her words were honest.

No matter how many times his fingers would graze her skin, they had always left a sense of tender affection that had made her long to keep him there. It almost felt as if he was worried he would break her from the way he had always caressed her face but that made her yearn for it all the more. But then he would scoff and speak his mind, asserting a thought that made the lovestruck ranger raise a brow from the intriguing notion. "Are you sure about that?" she'd question with a voice of distinct mix of interest and skepticism. It was mere hours ago that he had given her new purpose and joy, yet he was the one that was exhilarated? It was almost baffling.

"Enlighten me then."

He was planning something. That was always what that tone meant and perhaps the ginger should have been worried what that might have entailed. Yet she couldn't be bothered to allow that possibility to ruin her mood. After all she had been through tonight, Adrian was content was being at ease with everything that was thrown her way as long as it didn't ruin her time with him. He had accepted her for who she was, despite her callous disposition and all her failures, so if he wanted to tease her then so be it. Thus she'd affirm it with a single nod as she felt his fingers sensuously trickling down to her chin. She could have taken the initiative herself, lowered her lips to press down against his impulsively, but her naiveté gave pause to the idea. Adrien was the expert when it came to that type of thing and she was already greedy demanding him all to herself. So she'd wait patiently, for once, for the ecstasy that came with his adept lips when he decided he wanted to take her obvious bait.

For now she'd take satisfaction in the grin he had on his face, trying to memorize it as she reminded herself about how close she was to losing sight of it forever. It wasn't like that time she had to ask him to smile for her in the elevator of sky tower. This wasn't a smile spurred by her words. This was a smile that had come with genuine happiness that had come without any prompting. How could she not reflect such a sentiment when he offered to stay cuddled together on the couch? "You say that like you aren't enjoying this too," she replied softly with a gentle nudge. It felt strange yet refreshing to be so open with herself towards someone. It definitely wasn't something that the stoic ranger was used to in her life but she could certainly get used to it at this rate.

Of course the ginger wasn't seriously questioning how happy he was. What she was questioning was the apparent fact that she wouldn't know the degree of happiness he had felt. Thus when he asked about her so called doubt, she shook her head with a faint chuckle. The admission of his belief towards being rejected had caught her off guard though which had her smile dilute a bit, coming with the painful reminder of how she had felt the same when she had poured her heart out to him. It was odd that Adrien felt the same despite the fact that he tried to sever those relations with her that same night. But she wouldn't bring that up and have those bitter feelings resurface. As if on cue to neutralize that negativity the touch of supple lips meeting hers eradicated any thought process, replacing them with a pure inclination to take in that sensation.

There was no way she was going to get used to them.

It wasn't a long kiss, a mere second perhaps, but it was enough to keep things light. Thus she didn't mind once Adrien had decided to shift, bringing her to tumble into a conveniently created space that allowed her to fit snugly against him and the couch itself. "Adrien Arkwright expecting rejection? What has the world come to?" she teased again lightheartedly, as if neglecting any degree of truth there might have been to her rejecting a confession from him. Technically she had done just that the first time they met, as she had rejected many other unwanted and unwarranted advances towards her, but those days seemed so far behind her... at least when it came to Adrien.

Once again he'd catch her by surprise though, this time with the utterance of that word of appreciation. It was still not something she was used to hearing and upon it reaching her ears, she'd blink in bewilderment before he had managed to impart another gift upon her lips. As he'd create the minimal amount of distance for him to take the reins in baiting her, her emerald irises would wander down to linger on those lips as he spoke. At those words she couldn't help but feel at ease, her smile growing from his reaffirmation of his affections as unnecessary it was currently. "Don't thank me. I'm happy for that same reason... I should be the one thanking you." Unlike the golden eyed rogue, Adrian was too enticed to resist much longer; giving in easily to steal another kiss for herself that lasted a second or so longer than the ones planted upon her moments before. There was a lust for more, greed to press her luck, however doing any more on her own felt too unfamiliar to continue without guidance. Thus she'd part to reconnect her gaze onto those perfect golden eyes of his, a doting smile on her face as she'd challenge his affections with her own. "I love you more."

As if to prove her conviction she lowered her head and nuzzled into his chest in a much more willing and indulgent way than her actions at Celestic Hospital, even going as far as to bring a free arm to wrap around his side to hold him closer. The first time she had done this it was from sheer embarrassment and humiliation from her feelings. This time however, Adrian could no longer reject how she felt for this man. Being able to be with him like this was a blessing she didn't even know was missing in her life and she was determined to embrace everything that came with it. Of course that being said, the ginger hadn't forgotten about the need to eat and with the knowledge of how instant noodles worked she reluctantly mumbled. "As much as I want to stay like this, that dinner you made for us is going to get soggy." She paused, eyes flickering down over his clothes for a second before interjecting another line that was more prominent than the first. "And you haven't even changed yet."

Adrien's responses, albeit brief, were all so remarkably endearing. The ginger half anticipated him to retort half the time and taunt back as he normally had to spite her, yet he was being oddly so agreeable tonight. Adrian didn't mind, of course; being able to revel in his warmth and keeping him to herself for the night was all that she truly cared about. It was clear enough that the man was in thought from the single word responses among the blissful gaze he was giving her. While normally she might have questioned him, tried to comprehend what thoughts went through his mind, she was too lost from the allure of his golden eyes to formulate the words to do so. He had accepted her love and all of her affections. That was all she could ever ask from him and more as she snuggled into his arms.

It was funny how things played out in the end. Going into this, Adrian was determined to be the one to protect him and that smile of his. Now with the sensation of Adrien's arm moving around her frame and squeezing her so closely to him, it felt as if she was the one to be protected as he gave her reason to smile. It made her feel so much more secure about her decision to be with him and to never let him go. Even if this was a trap or some sort of trick, the ranger didn't believe she'd regret falling for it or for him. Perhaps she was being illogical and purposefully naive, but she chose to trust him and love him all the same.

Slowly her comfort made way for weariness to set in, the ginger feeling her eyelids lazily lowering to immerse herself further into this bliss for the rest of the night. That was until her idle mind would register the murmur of the navy haired incubus right as she felt the security of his arm escape her. "H-hey..." she'd whine in realization, blinking away her fatigue as she retracted her own arm reluctantly. A fleeting flush of red colored her cheeks again from being incapable of handling the forms of flattery from Arkwright's words, sparking the memory of when he had called her cute at the Jubilife cafe as well. Before she rejected it... and actually this time was no different. "I'm not cute."

Cute of all terms didn't fit her image, not that the ginger gave her image much thought much less given anyone's opinion of her any ounce of acknowledgment. That said, when it came from Adrien; things were different. Cute implied that she looked weak or delicate, and at the thought she'd unintentionally bring her lips to a pout. He had just called her hot minutes ago and was more agreeable, strangely, to that term. So what changed?

Honestly the redhead still didn't quite comprehend what had brought about these compliments in the first place. She'd take notice to the fact that Adrien had looked her over once again after mentioning that he'd change later to which earned a puzzled hum. "Fine," she'd reply softly, finding little use to argue over his preferences. While she didn't mind going without dinner for the night if it meant staying curled up with Adrien, a tinge of regret seeping into her chest once he had acknowledged going to eat. A slight groan of disappointment sounded from the ginger's throat, unable to hold back that reaction as she caught a glimpse of Adrien shaking his head. Her lips parted to speak against moving just yet but Adrien would speak first, interrupting her train of thought with his own idea of sorts. Thus she'd raise a brow instead, waiting patiently as eyes followed his movements into his pockets.

"Ah..." The sight of the phone gave her a faint understanding of what was to come. In all honestly the ginger wasn't too fond of having her picture taken or having memories of her saved. Yet somehow this time she could share in the sentiment of wanting to save this moment in time, to take a picture of her happiness with the man of her dreams. Thus despite not being her style, Adrian would snuggle herself closer to the indigo haired man and go as far as pressing her cheek against his once she felt the hold of his arm once again. There was no resistance and no hesitation being told to smile, the ginger finding herself doing so with ease the entire time as the digital shutter sounded. Yet even after she wouldn't remove herself from his side and instead made a small quip, "At least you didn't take one of me in that dress," all before planting her lips to his cheek.

She wanted more... but this would have to do for now.