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Adelbert feels oddly naked without his armor.
It would not do, however, to spend an evening with his lady while dressed in full knight's garb. His current clothing feels stiff and awkward, and he can't remember the last time he shed his armor for civilian threads. The breeze over his bare head is the worst of the discomfort, and he has to stop himself from running his hands through his hair over and over again.
Beatrix, by contrast, is the loveliest thing Adelbert has seen in his entire life, and she looks completely at ease in her own civilian garb.
They have both left their weapons at home for the evening, though Adelbert can see the hilt of a dagger poking from the top of Beatrix's left boot. Ever one to be prepared, she is, and a surge of affection warms Adelbert's heart.
He hadn't even thought to bring a small, concealable weapon.
Beatrix glances at him, and gives him a sharp look. "What?"
He must have that goofy look on his face again. "It's a nice night," Adelbert says. He glances down, where their hands swing lightly at their sides.
They're walking side by side, close enough it is obvious they are together. Her hand is inches from his. Would it be too forward of him to link their fingers together?
"It looks like it might rain," Beatrix says, and well, she's right. Clouds streak across the starry sky, and on the horizon, an approaching grey mass suggests a storm.
"I don't have an umbrella," Adelbert mourns. He should have brought one.
He glances at their hands again.
"I'm sure we'll be indoors before it hits," Beatrix says. She smiles at him, soft and gentle, and Adelbert's heart melts a little more. "Dinner was nice."
"Yes, it was! I am impressed with how far the rebuilding has come!" Adelbert smiles, thinking of the busy restaurant, the smiling patrons, the general atmosphere of Alexandria as the last vestiges of Queen Brahne's descent into madness have been restored to their former glory.
"Prin-- I mean, Queen Garnet is a wonderful leader," Adelbert says, though his smile falters around the edges.
Garnet has absolutely risen to the occasion, but there are days Adelbert catches her staring longingly out the window. He knows she's thinking of that foolish thief, and while Adelbert admires Zidane's strength and courage, he hates the man a little as well. For leaving the princess alone and lonely with such a sad look in her eyes.
"She has a kind heart," Beatrix says. "And a very dedicated support."
Adelbert nods. "Yes, with you by her side, there is nothing she can't accomplish."
"I was referring to you," Beatrix says gently.
Heat stains Adelbert's cheeks. "I-- um-- well, it is my duty," he says, flustered. "I will always stand by the Princ-- Queen's side." He looks down at their hands. "And yours, of course, Beatrix. I am here for you as well."
"I know." Beatrix's voice is soft and warm, as is the gentle curl of her fingers around his as she takes his hand. He can feel the calluses of years of sword work bumping up against his own.
She's so beautiful.
"You are a good man, Adelbert Steiner," she says. "And I am having a wonderful time tonight."
Adelbert's heart goes thumpity-thump, and he swears there's a direct line from their linked hands, to his increasing pulse. "As am I, milady," he says. "Would you... care to do it again? Tomorrow perhaps?"
Her eye shines in the moonlight, but her smile is even brighter. "It's a date."
***