vulnerability [c]

How long has it been that their lips had been locked together? How much time had passed since the intensity of this connection of theirs was shared? Adrian didn't know nor did she care. Absorbed in ecstasy that was this passion, she was unable to register any thoughts aside from the soft sensation of Adrien's lips. Her worries disintegrated as he drew her body ever closer, those caresses that had been her torment fpr so long transforming into her salvation. She needed this. She needed him. And as their connection had broken, their lips parting to grasp for air, a subdued moan escaped as she found herself hungering for more the second it stopped. She'd catch her breath nonetheless, breathing in deeply as her fingers curled to tangle themselves in the man's cobalt locks. There were no words to describe the state of frenzy that Adrien had cast upon her, this state of yearning as she was tempted to lean in for another. But that wouldn't be necessary as it seemed that he felt the same, ensnaring her willing and laying claim once more.

No matter how much time they had spent it never felt like enough as they would break apart for the second time, Adrian finally finding herself at a loss of breath and a loss for words. She'd cling to Adrien regardless of that fact, her gaze rising from the lower half of his face to scrutinize his features. They looked perfect to her - so determined and content. She wondered if her own expression held something similar before the warmth of gentle hands grasped either side of her cheeks so tenderly. Powerless to turn away as their foreheads were brought together, her lips parted as if to speak out tentatively but pressed back together when spoken to first. The ginger had listened to his words intently, not questioning the graze of his fingertips below her eyes as if forgetting the trauma that had brought water droplets there. It was only when he would state his request that the woman's eyes would widen in realization.

A smile. She owed him a smile and at his prompting Adrian would exhale a chuckle. He had filled her with a renewed breath for life and yet all he asked was for the thing she had failed to do for him in Jubilife. At that, how could she help but chuckle as a lightness was granted to her features? "Do you even have to ask?" she replied dotingly, the corners of her lips turning upwards to reveal a blissful smile gracing her face. The tears that had been brought on by grief now fell with overflowing amounts of joy pouring in her chest. Was this what it was like being happy? Fulfilled? She thought smiling would feel unnatural, something forced upon her stiff expression, yet smiling like this felt so easy now that she had Adrien beaming back.

Pulling her hand back from behind him, sliding it onto his shoulder before lifting it to place over his hand on her face, she nuzzled further into his palm affectionately. "I love you Adrien Arkwright," she'd affirm as she stared into his eyes. It was impossible for her to concentrate on anything aside from the man that stood before her now, the pandemonium far below lost to the vermilion haired commissioner. There were a few bizarre noises among the stringed serenades however not enough to raise suspicions yet. Had she noticed perhaps she would have been taken back to reality from this fervent fantasy, but for now she'd lose herself it and hope she'd never awaken. That they could stay here and never return from that high from his hold.

Yet even in her dreams there was always that nagging fear that none of this would last. Here they had loved each other, shared in a moment that Adrian would always cherish, but could this really last? She had to ask. "So what does this mean for us?" She had to ask and hope the dream would continue even after.

Had he always been this gentle? Always been this kind? As she felt her tears being wiped away the ginger tried to recall any hint of this in their past encounters, starting with the day they first met. Unfortunately she couldn't recall feeling anything other than intense hatred, intense hatred that had developed into something else as time passed. It almost felt impossible to believe that it had come to this, come to the point where she could have love someone so much based on those memories alone; but that didn't matter. What mattered now was that he was happy, that his smile had returned, and that she could share in that happiness. That was likely why the woman had welcomed everything now, embracing his touch without even the slightest flinch. What was better? Even in this sad state she was displaying, he was accepting her all the same.

Those simple three words, 'I love you', brought so much joy into the ginger's world as long as she convinced herself to believe that they were truth. Of course Adrian still had her reservations, the flesh wounds remaining from the nights earlier events fresh enough to keep that doubt relevant, however none of those insecurities would become blatantly apparent on her visage as her smile transiently settled there. Even if this was a fleeting moment, a moment that lasted only for this evening, at least she could indulge in this sin. However once she had raised her query the response she had received had given her the opposite impression of what she expected. A cocked brow, confusion, and a baffled rhetorical statement; all while she had sunken back into the security of his warm torso. "I hope not," she admitted swiftly despite his hold around her strengthening as if to prove otherwise. It should have been obvious at this point that the woman had found comfort in his touch, exhaling a small enraptured breath as he brought his hand through her hair among his other points of numerous physical contact with her. Just another thing that contributed to her happiness that she didn't want to lose had he 'let go'.

Honestly when she had posed the question, Adrian was not thinking of anything else other than their relationship with each other. The matter regarding their allegiances and their ideals, while far from negligible, taking a backseat to establishing what this had meant for them in the future. Thus when a sigh had escaped Adrien as he told her that he didn't know, the ginger felt her heart sinking to her stomach. Suddenly the possibility of returning to the cruel reality that they lived in crept ever closer, Adrian closing her eyes to shut out the negative thoughts being supplied to her. Had it not been for Adrien having rested his head onto her shoulder, the heat of his breath brushing against her exposed neck, she might have lost that joyous expression on her features.

And then he'd say it, those fated words that would remain engraved in her memory as she felt the tingle of his nuzzle against her. What he had wanted... it was so endearing that she'd chuckle once again. If that was what he wanted, "then I'm yours as long as you'll have me," she'd whisper in response, her voice bold and resolute despite the low volume she spoke in. There was no doubt that this was her being selfish. While it might have sounded like a brazen commitment from bewitched woman, the ginger was well aware of what it meant ever since spilling her confession. She was the commissioner of the rangers bound to protect those inhabiting the region and he was a member of galactic trying to tear down then rebuild that peace. This was unacceptable on so many levels, but "I don't care about anything else if it means I can be with you."

She knew the risks, she knew the consequences, and she had already committed to sacrificing herself if she had to for these few moments of happiness. Otherwise, what would have been the point? As if to emphasis the woman snaked her hand back towards his scalp and wove her fingers through his dark blue threads once again, her arm wrapping around to hold him close the best she could. "And I don't intend to share either."

The night had started out in the worst way possible; organizing the security detail, wearing a dress, dealing with idiocy, dancing with strangers in said dress. Not to mention almost being forced away by the one person she cared about. She was so sure that Arceus was out to spite her tonight. Yet somehow the final hours had turned so magical despite all the catastrophe that had fallen into her lap, all because Adrien was returned her affections and held her so close. The thought had caused the a light giggle to escape her as she stroked her hand through his hair, the signs of content he had given with her doing so spurring her to continue without worry.

His murmurs he had spoken reinforced her decision to stay close to him, to never let him go, and the shared sentiment meant worlds for the normally cynical woman. She had chosen to believe in him and what this had meant. Thus it was only fitting that Adrian felt so fulfilled and exuberant enough to have it show in her demeanor, at least when they were alone. At least when it was towards him alone. While Adrian was so caught up in this moment, a slight indication of discord had finally reached her ears. The ranger in her had caused her to turn her head slightly as to not disrupt the man in her grasp so her eyes could shift towards what little she could see of the dance floor. However a scoff would reel her attention back as the firm hold around her was taken. There she was met with a familiar hand presented in that oh so familiar way that brought her brow to arch upwards.

A dance. The ginger scoffed as she saw it, the idea of dancing one that tormented her for a portion of her evening already in the name of obligation. However, this offer was one that she felt she wouldn't mind taking despite having to part to do so. She'd shake her head slightly at the sight however the answer was an obvious one. "You're silly," she'd remark amiably before delicately placing her hand in his. If Adrien was the one asking, how could she refuse? "Of course."

That said Adrian had shifted her attention towards his wounded eye, having already taken notice of the fact that he hadn't worn his usual eyepatch this evening. While she did not doubt that an Arkwright would know how to dance, what concerned her was his ability to do so leading. Taking her opposite hand and bringing it to brush her fingertips softly over his affected eyelid, she whispered tenderly. "Think you can manage?"

Of course. That was his response as he had boldly maneuvered around her form, expecting his hands to fall into position on her waist. While there was still mild concern flickering in her eyes, the ginger reluctantly nodded as her hand gently fell onto his shoulder. Despite herself she had gotten used to anticipating the usual placement of hands on her side for the justification of dancing, having already participated in the ordeal twice so far. Thus when the warm of Adrien's hand had found themselves resting slightly higher on her waist, Adrian glanced down briefly in interest. Had it been anything other than Adrien's touch, she wouldn't have been able to relax into it the way that she had.

They had remained close as the ginger was guided through the motions, taking steps that followed the rhythm of the orchestra. This time around she was not as much concentrated on the dancing aspect as she had for her previous two dances. Rather her sole focus was placed into her partner, eyes locked onto his features as she gave into his lead. Truthfully it was a lovely moment to share in only made problematic by the gown adorned on her body, a gown that Adrien called attention to for a second time to her chagrin. "Don't remind me. I've been getting compliments all night but it's still insufferable."

That would have been her single voice of displeasure made, her usual blunt nature showing true. Although Adrian herself acknowledged the beauty of the dress itself and how much it had suited her figure, having to wear it hadn't pleased one bit. But that made her sound unappreciative of the gesture, she knew that especially after the first time she scolded him about it. Thus she decided to follow up with another truth, exhaling her irritation to lighten her tone. "But if you like it, I'm glad you got to see me wear it..." she paused momentarily as if remembering something before continuing. "Even if you lowered this neckline on purpose."

Of course following this, the woman had endeavored to block out the memories of the initial instance Adrien had praised her appearance in the outfit. Needless to say lingering on those thoughts would have soured her mood to a significant degree, not to mention ruining the moment. So she tried not to think on it, tried not to bring it up now or ever, but an apology would interrupt her train of thought. "..." She didn't want to talk about it but she'd listen as long as she could, staying silent as he spoke while staring into his eyes. When they would lower she would sigh as she was led into the turn. Adrian realized that he must have been feeling guilty and he should have considering how much it had hurt, but to be asking for forgiveness... he had seemed to be doing a lot of that lately. If she had recalled correctly, it had taken him much longer to apologize for setting her on fire.

But she loved him and he had since made it up to her, comforted her when she needed it and given her what she thought she could never attain. So to say that it would happen again, she would respond as sternly as her voice could muster. "Promise me it won't. And promise me that you won't ever try to leave me again and I'll think about it." As she completed that sentence, the ginger couldn't help but wonder. This Adrien that had held her so close had been a different Adrien from fraternizing one she thought she had known and the fact that he was saying these things without her prompting... it made her feel more at ease about her decision.

Of course she noticed. After having to wear the dress before and after had made it difficult to not notice the changes that were made to the gown; the lighter weight and then wider range of movement being the more notable ones. That said the fact that her chest was made more prominent now than what she had remembered, it felt as if it had been done on purpose. Thus the ginger resisted the urge to push the man when he had essentially confirmed the fact that he was the culprit behind more provocative alteration made to the dress, her hand subtly intensifying the grip on his shoulder to show that displeasure instead. Luckily she had rolled her eyes briefly upon hearing his murmur, thereby missing the glimpse made towards the modified neckline that otherwise might have made her restrain nulled.

What she wouldn't miss however was the fact that Adrien had almost run into one of the walls, barely evading it in the midst of their dancing. Pursing her lips together in an effort not to make a comment, she'd glance to the side to make an effort to become more aware of their surroundings. Allowing Adrien to lead and fixating her concentration to her partner, she had lost interest in the minimal amount of space allotted to them up until this point. Yet his words, his promise, had demanded the entirety of her attention back unto him alone. The ease and readiness in which he asserted his statement had made her taken aback, wondering if he had truly meant what he said based on the swiftness the delivered them. However he'd deliver them again and it would be difficult to dismiss the passion held in his tone, the passion that could only attribute to a determination. The resolve to keep his word - to never leave her. Just the sentiment had made her heart flutter despite the security that had clenched it.

Thus as she was led towards the edge of the balcony, the pensiveness look that had taken over her expression had dissolved into softened defeat. He didn't have to do anything else - say anything else - for the woman believe, but as they would come to a stop overlooking the rest of the dance she found herself enthralled by him once more. The sound of his earnest voice, the glow of his compassionate gaze, the sensuous heat of his breath against her skin as he spoke. How was he so alluring? How was he able to make her surrender herself so readily as he pressed his lips onto her own? The kiss would only last for a fleeting moment and as it had been broken Adrian released a shallow breath yearning for more.

"...You win" she murmured airily amidst her lost train of thought. This wasn't a contest but she had long since acknowledged her defeat here. She couldn't stay upset nor linger on her grievances towards Adrien when he was the one that gave her purpose. The one that had the ability to bring her happiness. Her eyes would lower downwards, lingering on his lips as mustered the will to continue. "I forgive you. I'll forgive you for everything up until this point."

But that was a double edged sword for that meant her entire being hinged on Adrien... which, considering his track record, might have been disconcerting. Yet oddly enough Adrian was alright with that. She had already told herself that she was and was committed to this as long as he felt the same. He said that she meant everything to him but truthfully he was her everything. "So please don't break that promise, Adrien. Or else I might break along with it."

His murmur wouldn't go unnoticed by the ginger, her senses becoming significantly more attentive to the man that had her under his thrall. They were not words that she was accustom to hearing but the way they were said had sent tingling sparks surging throughout her body that had in turn enhanced the stimulation of his strong arms pulling her in. Without realizing it Adrian's lips had already parted ever so slightly, as if waiting to receive the touch of his as they drew closer. Successfully rekindling her greed for his affections, a faint moan would escape her as the kiss reconnected them. She couldn't help herself from reaching her arms up and tangling them around his neck, holding onto him closely as her lips attempted to memorize and adapt to the passionate movement of his. She wasn't expecting it to get any better, feeling it impossible, up until his tongue had boldly intruded past her defenses to lace around her own; deepening the kiss that sent a burst of warmth flooding into her. She was in bliss, drowning in the euphoria of this moment that she desperately tried to return until the last of her breath had left her.

It was only when both her lungs had gone empty and her strength had run dry that she'd allow for that moment to end, loosening her grip as she endeavored to reclaim them. In the meantime she'd take to staring into those glorious golden irises amidst the sounds of their heavy breaths, engraving this memory in her mind before Adrien had broken their silence with a chuckle. Drained of any anger or anxiety, her weary expression settled as she tilted her head slightly at the response that was finally said. It took a moment for her to recall anything of what they had been speaking of before being enraptured in that kiss, but once she had that lighthearted smile returned to decorate her features. "I believe you," she said wistfully as she shut her eyes for a second to internalize his words. Once she had reopened them however she had caught glimpse of his grimace which had her spirits briefly waver at the sight. "Is someth-"

She hadn't yet caught onto the trouble stirring below them, fixating herself on them alone, thus his suggestion to leave had taken the woman off guard. The woman paused, contemplating the suggestion. Had it not been for the fact that she had been in charge of security and her sense of duty the decision wouldn't have even been in question... but Adrian had remembered she was the commissioner. She had responsibilities even if performing them had almost wrung out her sanity. "Adrien, you know I can't..." Though she had managed to say it, there was an unmistakable dejection in her tone as she lowered her gaze. She wouldn't try to pull away from him despite that, her desire to remain in his grasp steadfast. A sigh was released, the need to justify her response rising to her throat. "I'm heading security. I can't just leave, as much as I wish I could." Though the thought of having to return to the detestable insanity that was the dance below prior to her time here felt akin to throwing herself into a den of hyenas, her body tensing up at the possibility. The fact was that she wanted to leave, she had been wanted to leave since the start of the night, and with Adrien at that? It was such a tempting offer...

"Besides, where would we even go?"

That pout of his had caused the ginger to sober a bit knowing that her sense of duty was interfering with her ability to enjoy the rest of the night with him. Alas it couldn't be helped, but the sight of the pout had reminded her of when he had first pulled that look on her back at the Hearthome hospital. The thought she had about it back then reentered her mind and would cause her to chuckle despite herself at the sight of it, mimicking her motions from that time by lifting one of her hands to prod his cheek with an index finger. "You're pouting again," she'd chimed dotingly as he had rolled his eyes at her comment. It seemed as if he didn't actually believe her, retorting her statement with the return of her acknowledgement to those accursed skull masks from the beginning of the evening that earned her ire. At that she would sigh and retract her hand from her teasing gesture.

"That's because its creepy as fuck and you hurt somebody earlier with it. Plus someone else was wearing a similar stupid skull mask and refused to take it off because they said you told them to wear it." Recounting her encounter with the other gentleman in accordance with ridiculous masks that had escaped promptly after confronting him, hints of annoyance that the woman was notorious for began to return to her visage with the furrowing of her brows. "Which you'll be explaining to me later," she added apprehensively, not wanting to get into it at the moment. No doubt that meant that the man was someone from Galactic, likely someone that had no business walking around at the lunar ball freely no less. But getting into it meant drilling into the matter in which would no doubt rebound her mood to the way it was. So for now she chose to be selfish and save the conversation for later, which was far from professional but Adrian couldn't have cared less.

Technically speaking though perhaps he wasn't wrong in that someone else could have handled it and not the commissioner herself... but if she hadn't dealt with it then perhaps she wouldn't have been standing there in Adrien's arms either. Thus she brushed off that minor detail with a shrug before leaning her head in a bit to consider attempting to alleviate some of the exasperation that she felt returning to her. "Are you complaining that it was me? Technically I should be detaining you, not making out with you..." Gradually her voice would get softer as she said those words, as if hushing a secret as she attempted to press her lips onto Adrien's. Her inexperience made her attempt timidly as it was brief, however she only required a bit of that intoxication to ease her troubles.

Whether or not he indulged her little attempt, she'd pull her head back afterwards while remaining close to listen to his persuasion. She'd cock a brow at his statement about the rangers being able 'deal on their own', refraining from speaking ill of them despite all the stress they have caused her. It felt quite apparent to her that the statement was made to sway her opinion and not in any actual faith in the abilities of the rangers themselves, recalling his admonishing of them in Canalave. Thus it wouldn't have served to convince her in the slightest, however the second detail had her brow arching ever higher. "I guess that should make me feel better," she voiced skeptically in spite of the reassurance he had made to trust him. For a moment she had questioned how much involvement that Adrien had in regards to the activities of Team Galactic as a whole, making the fact of him knowing her position as the commissioner seeming unfair in that respect. Part of her was curious but the other part didn't want to know to protect herself, the later winning out for now as they'd move on.

The suggestions he had made were interesting, making it obvious that he was satisfied going anywhere with her as long as it wasn't at the ball. While Adrian shared that sentiment she wondered what had brought it about. Nevertheless once Amity was brought up she immediately shook her head at the idea. "Right, because I had so much fun with you in Amity last time." Sarcasm dripped from her words, her memories of being set on fire not particularly pleasant ones that she wanted to relive. The fact that it was even suggested was laughable and did little to convince her. It was only when he had said the magic words to plead with her, butting heads as he declared his adamancy that her resolve began to crack.

"You're such an kid," she stated firmly albeit defeatedly. If only Adrian hadn't shared a desire to leave she might have continued to argue, however the man had already begun learning the tricks to have her falter to his wishes as she learned during their time in Jubilife together. Thus the normally stalwart commissioner had actually... considered it. The evening was coming to an end anyway, Adrian having taken note of it the last time she had caught a glimpse of the moon, so perhaps it might have been acceptable. Her pokemon were still here to watch over things and she had yet to take a break. As long as she notified the highest chain of rangers on duty then... perhaps she could call out early? Thus with hesitance she released a breath, "What's in Veilstone?"