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Corbeau wasn’t one to let his emotions show.

He had clawed his way from the depths by forgetting that part of himself. After all, his feelings had never brought him any good. 

That is, until you came around.

Team MZ’s secret weapon had left their imprint on the entirety of Lumiose. After all, they had saved the city from utter ruin, and they had brought about the Mega-Evolution of the city that Quasartico had failed to deliver.

They had made it look so simple.

They had become so powerful so quickly. They had quickly assembled their core team, propelling to the front of the ZA royale, seemingly without trying. It almost looked effortless for them.

Almost.

But, everyone had cracks in their foundation.

And yours were starting to show.

The Rust Syndicate’s office was the one place you could get away from the public eye: away from nosy reporters, adoring fans, and battle-hungry competitors.

At first, Corbeau had been apathetic to your presence. Most of the time, you sat in his office, scrolling on your phone.

It was nice to find some quiet, you had said. Not even Hotel Z was safe anymore. Your victory had been amazing for business.

Corbeau could certainly understand wanting to be free from the public eye.

Recently, your visits to his office had become more frequent.

Corbeau couldn’t tell if you actually enjoyed his company, or if you just wanted quiet.

One stormy afternoon, you trudged into Corbeau’s office, not even bothering to wipe the rain from your boots. Groaning, you flopped onto one of the couches. “Why did you let me become the hero of Lumiose?”

“Hello to you, too.” He said, chuckling. 

“I can’t go anywhere anymore without being swarmed. Even Canari said it was bad.”

“I could easily get you a security detail.” Corbeau straightened a stack of papers. “I have plenty of grunts that would keep the people away.”

“No,” You sighed. “I don’t want them to be scared of me.”

“Fear is a powerful tactic.” He said. 

“For you.” 

“For me.” He smirked. 

“I just wish…” You trailed off. 

Corbeau raised an eyebrow. 

“I’m still glad I did it. I always will be. But I wish people will understand that I’m just… I’m just a normal person, you know?” You sat up, looking at Corbeau. “How do you cope with the fact that you won’t ever be seen as just… a guy?”

“Because that’s not how I want to be seen.” He stood from his desk. “I worked for years to build my reputation. Normal is not a word that can describe people like us.” He sat down next to you. 

“I wish it was.” 

“Normal isn’t meant for who we are. We’re great.” He said. “And greatness can inspire love, or it can bring fear. Clearly, you and I are on different sides of the spectrum.”

“We don’t have to be.” You said. “You’re a good guy, Corbeau. Even if you insist you’re not.”

Corbeau chuckled. “You keep saying that.”

“Would a bad guy let me interrupt his work all the time to get away?”

“He would if he had ulterior motives.” Corbeau said. “Much can be gained from offering a reprieve.”

“Do you have ulterior motives with me?” You asked.

Corbeau smirked. “You tell me.”

You looked away from him, the blush growing on your cheeks. 

“I was serious about the security detail.” He said. “I’ll go with you myself, if I have to.”

“I told you, I don’t need that.” You sighed. “I just… need to convince them I’m a normal person.”

“You’re not a normal person. You’re—“

“If you call me the hero of Lumiose, I’m sending all my Pokemon out and telling them to hit you.”

“I was going to say that you’re incredible.” 

You fell silent.

“The way you fight, the way you move, the way you strategize… You’re remarkable. So, don’t go around saying you’re normal.” He smirked, his gaze lingering on you. Suddenly, he stood from the couch, walked over to his desk, and slammed his laptop shut. “Now. I’ve been meaning to go over to the Sushi High Roller to try out their seasonal menu… what do you say we blow this joint?”

“That depends… are you paying?” 

Corbeau chuckled. “But of course— anything for the hero of Lumiose.” He said, extending a hand.