"You do." Kyle had broad shoulders that helped frame the suit well, and the way it narrowed towards the waist created a pleasant shape. It was fitted to him well enough that Adrian wondered if it had been tailored to him. "Don't worry about it."

He got the impression they might be a little tipsy, but they were handing out champagne. Adrian would soon find himself with the same easy-going, light-headed feeling that broke down any towering inhibitions and allowed people like him to be more open with strangers "That's good, glad to hear."

Kyle was handsome enough to look at, and he allowed himself to stare while they struck up some conversation. He was dragged out of his daydream when he heard mention of his name and the Slateport incident, and some sort of file.

"Wait, are you an actual Ranger, then?" Adrian mostly did volunteering, considering the sheer volume of tasks that needed handled, Hoenn was more than willing to accept outside help when it was supervised by a League official such as a Ranger. That was the extent of his involvement.

"And it's nice, I suppose. I was just trying my damnedest not to die, if I'm being honest."

He stares wistfully at the contents of his glass, but his mind was elsewhere. How easily that could've happened differently. Being more thankful they mitigated the damage might've been enough to earn this alleged heroism after all. Still, criticizing himself came too easy. Heh. Some hero I am.

Noticing the Mightyena at his side, he couldn't help but let the words slip: "Are you obsessed with Poochyena, or...?" He hadn't meant to be blunt. It had just gotten blurted out without thought.

kyle lopez

"Maybe you could get into breeding then," he says with a laugh, bemused by their enthusiasm for specifically dogs. But he was one to talk, currently running his fingers though Miser's ears, enjoying the velvety texture rubbing between his digits. He'd mentioned being an Elite Four. Wow.

But Kyle had inquired about him now.

"Well, I'm what you'd call an amateur artist, I guess." He was getting more popularity recently. Earlier that month in Rustboro City, the first fan he'd ever met face-to-face stopped him during a morning outing. Even asked him for a picture together. "I write hard rock and electronic music. Mostly I'm a lyricist," he admitted.

Sloshing his drink around, he divulged himself another sip, casually considering any additive information. "I'm trying to collect all eight badges, obviously, being a trainer and all."

Adrian wasn't going to say anything about aiming for champion status however, feeling pressured by their title, but that had always been an ambition of his as well. Even if it was going rather slowly.

kyle lopez

"Mmm... maybe." Adrian isn't one to ask for outside help lightly, and the idol industry can be cutthroat. Owing his success to someone else, or a company... the idea doesn't sit well with him. He's able to smile, impressions of dimples forming at the corners of his mouth as he appreciates Kyle's forthright assistance. "I'm doing alright for now, though. I live comfortably enough."

Reluctantly he admits the badges he's earned.

"...(N)One." Now he wears a frown, losing face in front of Kyle. It's not that he's a rubbish trainer, he just... has other priorities. He seeks comforts and pleasure above all else, which means much of his time is spent making ends meet. Making money.

Kyle's not one to condemn him for it however, and offers some useful advice for someone fresh in their Gym League Challenge like himself. Adrian has met Fernando on a number of occasions, and his impression of him is that's he's rather guarded.

Maybe it would be best to challenge him sooner, rather than later. But imagining beating him at his strongest... that made the dream all the sweeter, and worth dreaming. "I'll consider it. Thanks."

Cupping his cheek in the palm of his hand, he lets the silence overtake him for a moment when he notices a few people getting up from their tables. It's about that time, I suppose. He's not sure whether the next round will be as pleasant as the last, but he holds out hope. "Looks like they're moving onto the next round of pairings..."

The frown fades as he flashes a smile to Kyle. "'Til we meet again," he says in parting, rising from his seat and preparing to find his next assigned partner. Miser rumbles with a purr, following suit

kyle lopez