"Indeed, though perhaps I should say a misshapen gear in the engine?" He questioned no one in particular, feeling rather distracted himself. Zenon was trying to remain within boundaries of a gentleman and keep a distance that she would have to cross first and, satisfyingly, she did, but at the same time, it became significantly harder to not let loose wholly.

He eagerly responded to the kiss she initiated, grip on her waste tightening and the other hand slipping down to cradle her neck, tips of fingers tangling in her fiery hair. The way he turned her and backed into wall could nearly be missed before her back touched it, effectively trapping her there. Trading? Entirely forgotten, in all truth and honesty. The only thing he wanted now was unlimited time and if he had his way, perhaps Sarah would forget any reason to leave in nearest hour... His lips moved away from her mouth, seeking the spot he had claimed as his on her neck to renew the love bite.

---

She had leaned, just a fraction, into his touch, before realizing how awful she must look and ducking her head even further. His hands were rough, but touch - the very opposite. She had once mocked him for his calloused hands, much as he had her for her unmarred appearance, and in the end, who had done more, important things? Shame swarmed her yet again, only deepened in way too long time she took in bathroom.

When she stepped out and sought Mannik, her appearance was... Well, not quite as disastrous, though she had not even attempted to hide the recent history with makeup. It would take time and half-done attempts would only attract more attention. Besides, her hands were shaking.

Noticing that Mannik was with the other people from Below, she recoiled slightly inwardly, unsure where to put her eyes or how to approach him. Would none of these people really question why she was hailing no trouble at someone murdered within her home? The trust they had in Commander and Mannik was truly beyond anything she had seen. Perhaps, just perhaps, if she and Zenon could earn same unwavering loyalty, they would have a chance yet. She couldn't even tell them thank you in this situation, without it all looking even odder.

Though plenty of unofficial lessons of a noble in Domes dealt with assassinations, death and murder, none covered a situation quite like this and Adelmar struggled with feeling lost, though her expression had again become impassive. She waited for Mannik to notice her and give any indication if he was going to leave now or had more to say. She wished, deeply, for him to stay, but was not sure she could ask it of him. Not after all the crying and actually having him come here in the first place. Her thumb brushed gently over the place he had kissed earlier as if recalling this touch could compensate all the wrongs of tonight.