Yours truly [C]

She wanted to believe him. She wanted to trust him when he tried to assure her that she wouldn't lose him ever again, but how could she after listening to him ask her to distance herself from him by lying? The single thing that had given her any form of solace in that regard was the fact that Adrien assured he wouldn't lie to her anymore. She had to believe in that. As if to reassure her of that, a gentle warmth had reclaimed the hand that had fallen lifelessly at her side. Unfortunately even his touch had done little to revitalize her hand after the first time it was left, unable to form even a slight grip as it remained seized his grasp.

Why did they have to have this type of conversation here when they were in public? Why did it have to be now when Adrian was still high strung from work? Why couldn't they have just been happy together with no strings attached? Once Adrien had exclaimed in his perplexed disbelief, her heart dropped with the weight of an anvil falling from the sky. Of course that was going to be the answer. She should have been content, accepting him for who he was and what he wanted; not asked for him to abandon his goals and ideals for her. She had known better and yet expected so much out of someone else for her own sake... it made her feel disgusted with herself. Honestly the woman wouldn't have blamed him if he had indeed turned to hate her for her selfishness, unable to bear the thought as she was pulled along towards the overhanging vantage point. Having fallen silent after her spiel, she turned her head away in shame, enduring the heavy beating pounding against her chest.

Naturally the crestfallen ginger didn't anticipate being comforted in the slightest, the sensation of being consumed by a warm embrace feeling oddly foreign despite her body welcoming the gesture without question. It overwhelmed her, baffling her to further speechlessness. After all that she had said, why? She didn't deserve this. She didn't deserve to be comforted as if she was the one hurting - as if she was being reasonable. Yet at the same time she'd consent herself to it all the same, hiding her face into his shoulder as he held her close and spoke in that soothing voice of his.

With every sentence he spoke it felt as if he was unraveling a knot at her core, easing the entangle mess that was her insecurities. Even now Adrien was being considerate and accepting of her, yet all she could do was be selfish and critical. The caress of his fingertips as they traveled down her jawline and force her eyes to drown in his mesmerizing golds made her lose all will to fight back. Taking in every word he had to impart, incapable of speaking against him at this stage, an odd type of superficial happiness welled inside her. How could he say that with such a straight face and accept that fault? To ask her to accept that fault by having her embrace it? And with that blessing that was that sympathetic kiss to her forehead with such an audacious statement, the ginger could only exhale a haggard huff while she made note of his smile as reassurance.

He truly was her specialized drug.

"I love you, Adrien." Those words came from the bottom of her heart. They always had but this time they weren't said in either desperation or reverence, rather in complete devotion. He'd apologize, take back his demands and ask her to forget, going as far as to ask for forgiveness when it should have been the other way around. Adrian was in awe at how lucky she was to have someone like him as she returned his nuzzle. "I don't deserve you," she whispered sincerely. Finally finding the energy necessary to raise her arms, they were brought around Adrien's lower torso in a loose hold. How he could ask her to be selfish and still accept her she would never know but, "If you want me to be selfish then..."

There was a hesitant pause, the guilty redhead thinking over what to say as she swallowed a breath. Her gut demanded that she speak her mind, to not hold back, to let him know what she wanted. 'It's want he wants' she mind tried to reason. So she had to say it. "I want you to leave Galactic. I want you to believe in me. I want you to be safe and stay by my side forever." At first the request came at a murmur meant for only their ears, but with each sentence came with an increasing volume and a growing conviction. Those were important to her however what she wanted most of all was, "I want you to promise me that we'll stay together, no matter what."

Adrien didn't need her forgiveness. Adrian understood he was trying to protect her because he cared about her well-being as undeserving as she was to it. Perhaps that was why she felt so comfortable in his arms and took quiet delight whenever she got to see his smile. He didn't need forgiveness but as long as she was being selfish - as long as he was so close - then what she needed to bring ease into her being was...

"Is it alright to ask you to kiss me?"

While there was hardly a response from the navy haired male towards her rather bold proclamation, appearing to accept her opinion here as fact amidst the blank expression he was giving, he had returned some of the affection regardless. Adrien had made his stance known from the firm grip of his hands on her shoulders and the furrowed appearance of his brows to which the ginger could only take heed to. As she began from start to finish not once did Adrien give a verbal response of affirmation or rejection to her demands, though her emerald eyes did make note of his constantly shifting features as she spoke. Honestly she wasn't sure how to feel on that. On one hand it felt as if he was actually considering her selfishness, the smile on his face giving her a brevity of hope. On the other however she understood that she was asking for a lot that she couldn't possibly expect to be fulfilled and, as selfish as she was, still wished for some sort of vocal indication from him.

It was only on the final request that Adrien would hint dissatisfaction, the faltering gaze of the male not missed by the ranger's watchful eyes. He'd start speaking again and from the beginning of his attempted statement alone did she instantly regret making that silent wish for a response. Why else would he hesitate as he was and sigh as if he was disappointed? Reactively her lips pursed as if to prevent another outburst and prepare for the worst. The statement that he couldn't promise because they couldn't stay together no matter what.

Because it wasn't possible...

But as if to eradicate that doubt, those two words signifying an oath that been voiced. They sounded reluctant as they did melancholy to which hardly moved the frown inset on the commissioner's features, unable to determine if he truly meant to keep his word on the matter. The next words helped mend her apprehension however as a newfound vigor was placed into delivering a new promise. To never let them drift apart. Somehow it had given the uneasy ranger something to grasp, for this was not directly part of her demands but fed into them by his own volition. She still wouldn't know what he was thinking but at the least that promise had given her solace in the longevity of this relationship they had together.

When it came to her final demand, Adrian held back the compulsion to answer the apparent rhetorical question; holding back the 'yes' in her throat despite the taunting smile on his features as he had come in closer to oblige her. After all of the selfish requests that she had made, it felt only logical that this equally as selfish one was presented all the same. Yet at the same time, as Adrien's arms had trapped her between him and the metal rail behind her, she thought herself all the more foolish. This was what she wanted and thus as Adrien's lips came for hers, the ginger would lean towards him eagerly and indulge in the succulence that was his kiss.

However long it lasted, Adrian wouldn't notice. It didn't matter how many people saw her like this or how rapidly Adrien had stolen away her breath each time. This simple act had performed wonders to her stress levels, the tension in her body melting away from the seductive warmth that consumed her. Her entire mind emptied itself in favor of focusing entirely the passionate sensation from his capable lips. Of all the things that the ginger imagined she would regret, asking for this was not one of them.

Once they were forced to part, Adrian could barely bring herself to pull backwards as she stared into her lover's eyes adoringly. "Thanks," she whispered breathlessly as a delicate smile returned to her. Honestly it amazed her how reliant she had become on those brief moments of blissful delight as an aide. "You're really good at that."

Without removing her hands from around him, the crimson haired woman leaned backwards to have her arch of her back pressed against the railing so she could have a better view of her lover's visage. Honestly she should have just been satisfied with him being there and part of her was tempted to leave the conversation at that. It would have left an ambiguous conclusion though and made their argument essentially unresolved.

Unfortunately being the type of person Adrian was, she didn't want to be left with more questions and worries, so with a halfhearted sigh she continued. "Will you consider it?" she managed to utter softly among her passing thoughts. Of course she meant at the least the first part about leaving Galactic. A tall order given he had already denied her the first time despite having suggested it himself. The rest could come later and fall where they may, but the root of how this conversation started rested in their allegiances. "I know I'm asking for a lot, but I'll make it up to you somehow."

Because if he wasn't going to leave Galactic, she was going to leave the rangers - even if it was against his wishes. It was better than the alternative and Adrian was hard pressed to think of any other way.

A scoff was all the ginger could respond with upon staring into her lover's eyes amidst his egotistic boasting. That was to be expected considering his cheeky attitude and it was her own fault for enabling such a comment to be made. That said, it did help lighten the mood and oddly enough was a reminder of how things hadn't changed much. Adrien was still that same pretentious idiot, but at the very least he was her pretentious idiot. Thus as he had shifted to make himself more comfortable, the green eyed ranger would bring her arms upwards to lovingly tighten her hold around him. The more often she was exposed to doing actions like hugging and things like this, the more used to it she was becoming.

While the ranger had caught onto the puzzled look, she wouldn't have the chance to say any explanation before an exclamation followed suit. It was as of he was reminding himself of their conversation and a tinge of guilt struck her upon recognizing it. Yet he'd still indulge her all the same, remaining lighthearted as he began to assure her of all the things she had demanded. He'd leave Galactic, going as far as to swear on it, after concluding these so called 'minor tasks' that he claimed to have to do. While tempted, Adrian knew better than to start asking about whatever galactic affairs that her boyfriend might have gotten himself involved in. Knowing him, these tasks that he intended to accomplish were far from minor and it was better for now to stay ignorant lest her sense of duty get the better of her. Sighing at that knowledge, she nodded in agreement to the stipulation. Having him entertain her selfish notions, she was hardly in a position to disagree or rush him into it. "Alright. Just be careful." Concern laced her tone as her mind thought over the possibilities of having to interfere with whatever these 'minor tasks' were or even whatever lengths it would take to actually leave Galactic as a whole. Being chased afterwards was a matter that Adrian didn't give a second thought to. It was the during that the worries laid. Almost as if to convey that, she'd speak up cautiously. "Don't get into any trouble." For now she'd accept Adrien's word without question and resolved to wait patiently... at least until it became a larger and unbearable concern.

As for the rest of her demands, the ginger hardly expected such wholehearted and forward statements to be made so quickly with such certainty in his tone. It certainly put to rest some of those lingering doubts that silently plagued the woman's conscience. The belief in her, the statement that he always had, definitely dissolved that fear in her system. She wasn't sure what she had done to deserve it, but once she felt a small weight placed upon her shoulder, she wouldn't question it all the same as her gaze shifted to the cobalt strands that rested so close. With him so close to her, so affectionate and vulnerable, Adrian wanted to hold him closer and keep him safe in her grasp no matter the cost. The final statement he'd assert was the one that had solidified the smile that lit up her face however, her lips settling into that unfamiliar position that was so foreign to her up until those weeks before. Stay by her side forever. That concept being possible alone on top of the fact that Adrien agreed to it made her feel as if this was just some perfect fantasy of a dream. "I wouldn't wish it any other way," she whispered tenderly into his ear without moving an inch to keep this dream alive as long as possible.

She was hopelessly in love, there was no denying it. Plus with their latest proclamations it was almost as if they had just said their vows for marriage. A funny thought considering the current set of circumstances. Nevertheless a soft murmur would reach her ear to affirm the intention to make up for her selfishness. Again it was to be expected and the ginger had no reservations about fulfilling her word on the matter despite the dubious implications held within his voice. "Of course. I said I would." Because no matter what was demanded of her, she was dedicated to doing whatever it was that her boyfriend requested. Even if it was to wear a dress again or even having to lie about anything except her relationship with him, she'd resolve to do it. A resolve that was then doubled upon his nuzzling that tickled her neck. A soft chuckle was released at the sensation as a hand was withdrawn from the hold to brush up his back in an effort to bring her fingers through those silken blue threads. "Whatever you want."

It was then that the ginger deemed it safe to close her eyes and embrace everything about this moment herself, taking in his warmth and the mingling sounds of the whistling breeze against the ocean's sloshing waves. It didn't matter that she was in uniform or how many people had taken notice of this little public display, blocking out the chatter and the footsteps of everyone else around them not a difficult task as it was a skill that the ranger had honed long ago. For now she would be content here until forced to do otherwise or by the will of the man in her arms. "For now, how about we just relax and enjoy the rest of the day?"

The lethargic response and the following sluggish motions from the man in her arms as he shifted away had the ginger stifle the initial onset of disappointment that threatened to appear on her expression. Reluctantly releasing her hold from around Adrien as he recollected himself, her gaze lingered on the languid expression he wore. It felt almost as if she was witnessing a novelty; a peaceful face from a visage that normally held either a taunting smile or a more somber appearance. How was it that one man could look so enchanting? "You can take a nap if you're tired, you know." She'd speak lowly in case the suggestion was considered. It was quite obvious that Adrien had gotten comfortable and dozed off, and since she hardly minded the prospect of holding him as he slept, it felt like a pleasant way to spend part of her day.

To reaffirm her original suspicions that the rest of her day was going to be taken over, the remark of taking a long break resulted in an amused scoff from the commissioner. "Right." At this point she could hardly argue against the prospect, rescinding herself to the fate of having such a spoiled boyfriend as the warmth of his hand slipped into her palm. "And next thing you're gonna tell me is that I need to change out of my uniform into a sun dress or something." Mostly the comment was said in jest but there was some curiosity of whether he'd bring up the subject. While it wasn't as if she disbelieved in the golden eyed rogue's ability to steal her away, she wondered if he actually intended to have her take the day off with him so abruptly.

Nevertheless Adrian pushed herself off the railing to follow alongside the navy haired man towards whatever destination he intended to travel to. The sight of the opulent sand-filled coast as they approached however did bring a puzzled look to the ranger's brow. Again she could hardly bring herself to make a complaint, but she would silently question why Adrien had brought her here after confirming he wasn't a beach type of person. It lasted for only a moment of course and, regardless of the reason, it was still time spent together. Thus she'd suppress that fleeting thought just in time for her focus to be entirely directed to the words being spoken to her. The question posed however had brought about an equally bewildered expression.

Yet perhaps that was fair. While they were dating now, most of their interactions before then were instances of irrefutable disdain or controversy. It was a good mix of Adrien being a pompous prick and Adrian herself not being interested in divulging anything about herself afterwards... at least before the incident. It was undeniable they still had a good bit to learn about each other, though when paperwork was brought up as a potential thing that was done for fun was when the ginger would huff in denial. "I never will. I hate that kind of thing," she'd proclaim adamantly. That said while there was quite a lengthy list of things that the temperamental redhead disliked; when it came to things she liked, it became a more difficult task to muster a proper response. She'd take a minute or so to think it over, the idea of this question being vaguely familiar from the last time they had gone out together, and ironically a unintentionally similar answer arose from it as well. "Mostly sports related things, so things like surfing or jogging? Though I hardly have the time anymore."

There was a shrug that was provided along with the answer and for the most part it was all truth. Before being promoted, Adrian had spend much of her off time training along with her pokemon or drinking herself under the table provided she had the following days off. Nowadays, that time she had taken for granted on the field was spent cooped up in an office going through papers. The thought was depressing to say the least, hinted as such with a heavy sigh. However, the more she had thought on it, even if she did have time there wasn't too much of an urge to go out drinking anymore. Once that thought had come to mind, her gaze would shift from the expansive road ahead of them towards the man at her side. "Spending time with you is now high on my list though," she'd finally offer with a slight nudge of her elbow into his side.

Her lips parted slightly to reflect the same question before a memory had stopped her. "I don't know...? I don't remember." The memory that lingered haunted her and she had to bite her tongue to keep from recounting the emotions that had run through her that night. Part of her hoped that if she had asked again there would be a new answer but a fraction of a doubt stopped her, forced her to amend the question in hopes of having a more fruitful response. The last time she had gotten infuriated and she didn't want to have a repeated experience. "What about you? What are some things you like?"

The immediate rejection of the suggestion to nap didn't much faze the woman who merely raised a brow at the response. While she was going to voice that she didn't mind, the man had already looked to have brushed off his fatigue with ease and was tugging her along by his side that made that idea moot for now. Once the words 'sundress' was repeated however, that was when the ginger pursed her lips and began bracing for some kind of playful tease in regards to wearing a dress. Thus once the term 'swimsuit' came into play, she'd scoff at the very thought. "No," she'd answer promptly, not willing to entertain that thought. "And that wasn't a suggestion."

It made sense why such an idea came into being since the two were headed to the beach, however there was no doubt that the cobalt haired man was imagining something entirely different from what would be realistic for her own tastes. Thus as if anticipating the suggestion, she'd speak against it before it would even arise. "You also aren't buying me a swimsuit so don't even think about it." In some ways, perhaps that hinted that the ginger was willing to wear something swim related and that would be true to some extent. Adrian didn't mind wearing a swimsuit in general if they intended to actually do beach related things, not only did they both clearly not have any swimsuits to go along with the idea but there was some apprehension that was previously unknown to her tugging at her conscience. She couldn't tell why that was, only that it was stemming from the idea of wearing a swimsuit specifically.

In any case at the scoff made to her statement followed with the question, the green eyed ranger would raise a brow incredulously as she gave a sideways glance. Was he being serious? Wasn't he the heir to some elite company of some sort? Or perhaps he truly was that spoiled that he didn't have to suffer through tedious things for his own company. Regardless the woman would answer seriously, if not reluctantly, as she shift her gaze off into the distance ahead of them. "Because I have to. It's part of my new responsibilities," she'd state somberly. Bringing her free hand to run through her scarlet strands, she'd halfheartedly continue without giving her words much forethought. "How do you think the rangers are still functioning as an organization? The commissioner has to keep everyone and everything in order or no one else will."

As much the callous redhead had complained about it all, she had performed her duty knowing that each task that was mandated from her as commissioner was some sort of necessity. All in an effort to keep knowledgeable about things in regards to the region and the organization, and be decisive for the sake of the branch of rangers in her control. That said, she didn't think that meant that she was important as a person in any capacity. Any competent person could have done it with some effort, and Adrian was simply the person that had that responsibility passed onto her.

Course the efforts made by team galactic and team rocket against them to disrupt the peace they tried to uphold didn't help, but she'd refrain from mentioning that in the face of her current galactic lover. At least for now lest she ruin this time they were spending together further.

Speaking of which, she was eager to stray from the topic of work which is why she had continued upon the original line of thought of the question at hand. While Adrian could hear the low murmur coming from her lover's lips, she'd entirely miss what he had said altogether, the conflicting noise that surrounded them had overlapping and overpowering the low voice. Yet the fact that he had murmured... perhaps he expected something different? If she recalled correctly, he had done the same thing when she answered at the Jubilife Café that further contributed to whatever strain of despondency was in her sigh. However upon receiving the tug that brought her closer to his side, her arm now pressing against his, those thoughts would fade away as the corners of her lips teased upwards. A simple whisper, the word that returned her sentiments, was all it took to alleviate the ginger's worries. There was a brief appreciative exhale of a laugh as she felt the grip around her hand tighten, her eyes trailing to their interlocked hands as she made note of how it comforted her.

While it took the golden eyed incubus a few moments to answer her question, Adrian wanted nothing more than to actually receive an explicit answer. Thus she'd wait patiently, keeping her gaze on his visage as they descended the steps to bring them towards the sandy beachfront. Thankfully he had indeed provided a solid answer, but it was certainly one that the female hardly anticipated from her flirtatious lover. She could have questioned the authenticity of the answer but as Adrien had continued, she felt no need to do so. Instead she'd wear a satisfactory smirk upon catching glimpse of an eager Adrien. "I didn't take you for a scholar," she'd muse offhandedly with a slight trace of elation in her tone.

Yet whatever happiness she attained from receiving his answer paled in comparison to the one that filled her upon his next declaration. Pausing once offered the idea of another thing that he had cherished, a faint blush of red would light up her cheeks upon the swift delivery of the line and the sweetness of his lips onto hers. It was unexpected but certainly not unwelcomed, the woman relinquishing herself to the pleasurable sensation of the kiss for as long as it was granted onto her before it had been taken away seconds later. "You idiot," she'd mumble adoringly after his affirmation of his affection. While the reclusive woman was still a far ways away from being able to hold a large grin onto her features, it felt undeniably easier to bring a larger smile onto her lips after seeing Adrien doing so for her with such a silly line. "I love you too."

Though they had finally reached the beach, the serene sounds of splashing waves with wingull cries indicating as such, Adrian couldn't bring herself to shift her emerald eyes away from her lover. "So what's the plan?" She'd bring herself to ask as an endearing term would play at her tongue.

Surely after bringing her to the beach her boyfriend had some plans as to what to do there, right?

"Not that one," she'd respond back honestly towards his inquiry. Truthfully she hadn't given much thought into what things her lover might have liked, never having the need to think about those types of things before. The thought of Adrien being into history and books did feel oddly out of place the more that the ginger had thought on the topic though. There wasn't one inkling given by the cobalt haired man in terms favoring such things so that she could make such a guess, their past experiences making him appear more of a rich socialite than anything else. It wasn't a bad answer and definitely something she would keep in mind for future reference. In fact, perhaps it was the best one considering that money couldn't always buy artifacts or texts of olden lore.

Regardless after the brevity of bliss that was the small kiss, the questions and answers funneled towards the back of her mind whether she liked it or not. Nothing else mattered anymore once she was enraptured from those lips. Not even the fact that the sight of her reddened cheeks would deter her, at least not more than the flustered feeling from his declaration of love and his affectionate gaze already had. "And whose fault is that?" she'd retaliate amorously with the resisted urge to nuzzle into him to conceal it. It definitely wasn't fair - having a boyfriend that could make her flushed at will like an idiot while she hadn't been able to make any progress on doing the same. There was nary a hint of bashfulness to catch a glimpse of during their little moments such as these, but perhaps that was to be expected. This was from a man that she used to call shameless time and time again, and even so she loved him nonetheless.

Even when she caught the tone of his voice that indicated confusion towards the concept of having a plan, she'd gingerly chuckle at his sheepish reaction. Their time in Jubilife was the same way at first if she recalled correctly. It wasn't what she expected but the ranger couldn't bring herself to feel surprised at her lover's antics. He'd choose the beach despite not being a beach type of person, then persist to go after being told they could go anywhere else. Honestly it was nonsensical no matter what way one looked at it... and again another part of him that Adrian had fallen for all the same.

Upon the reference to changing clothes however, the woman blinked in befuddlement at the statement as she watched those golden orbs look her over. Didn't they just get off the topic about changing clothes? "We were trying to be inconspicuous?" she questioned absentmindedly as she tried to reel herself back in from the bewitching spell. He had emphasized the word that which led her gaze away from his features to follow his eyes towards her uniform. Truthfully the ginger hardly cared about her looks and so the outfit didn't quite garner as much resentment from the ranger to think much on changing out of it. Not that she minded the prospect aside from the fact there was nothing to change into at the moment without buying-

And there it was

"No," she'd respond abruptly the moment the suggestion of buying clothes was made, recovering adequately from her loving daze at the prospect. Releasing an elongated breath, the woman shook her head in the case that a rebuttal was attempted. While she had brushed off his earlier statement about someday buying her a swimsuit or seeing her in one, it seemed that had come full circle in terms of trying to buy things for her to wear rather quickly. "We talked about this. You aren't buying me clothes again." There was emphasis on the word again as her gaze shifted back up to meet his earnestly, knowing there would be an attempt to persist. It had become a consistent occurrence that whenever the two had spent time together, Adrien always somehow bought her more clothes to the point that the redhead became concerned her entire wardrobe would expand in size and become overrun with reminders of how much money was being spent on her.

With that in mind, her thoughts went to work to circumvent the idea of having to buy and change clothes. "I'll just take off the jacket." The issue was the uniform, or at least that was how Adrian saw it; so all she had to do was lose the jacket and that would be it. Thus with a reluctant nudge, she'd attempt to slip away from her lover's grasp to shrug off the orange garb from her frame.