It had been noon when Corbeau came back. It was quite a tiring day. Even when his grunts were there to handle the task, he found it in him to be present on the site himself to ‘gently persuade’ the target at hand.

   It worked. Obviously.

   The target was stubborn but his Scoliepede was stronger.

   Hoping to get some peace and quiet for a while, he came back to his office with silent intimidation being his form of communication. Only a nod to Philippe and single glances at his grunt were all they need to know that he was not to be disturbed.

   However, that silence was broken once he reached his office.

   His train of thought popped when he heard a low mumble.

   Sharp, yellow eyes looked down at the girl. She was still asleep, deep and pleasant, completely unaware that she was sleeping in the most dangerous place in Lumiose City.

   He wondered if bravery overtook her rationality.

   Or stupidity did.

   Or both.  

   Pupils observed her every movement. She fidgeted and yawned, yet remained in deep sleep. Her body then turned to her back, one knee raised upwards while the other leg stretched forward.

   His breathing hitched slightly to see her body.

   She was still adorned in her favourite black, leather jacket. God forbid, he was both in awe and dumbfounded as to how she found comfort sleeping in such an attire. Her shoes were off, thankfully, and were placed nicely next to the sofa bed. Her black shorts—her frustratingly black short shorts—stayed snug on her waist and upper thighs. Lastly, her just-as-black thigh-high socks were still on her legs, comfortably worn with the material pulled lightly by her movements.

   Dilated pupils moved to the tantalizing show of skin between her shorts and socks.

   Her thighs, tanned and plump, mocked him at every sight. It was a marvel that she covered almost every part of herself and yet still left some skin that drove him mad. He wasn’t an idiot. He wasn’t blind either. He knew that the MZ leader of hers was also aware of how she was dressed. He had seen how the boy’s eyes moved to the parts where she left uncovered. Be it her bare stomach or the little gap of her thighs, the girl had a habit of attracting attention in a way she never expected.

   And now, he was severely aware of her.

   “Seika…” Her name was a lull that tranced him. Voice deep and husky from fatigue and faint desire, Corbeau took a step closer.

   Her hands had moved, now rested comfortably on her chest and stomach.

   His throat felt dry.

   She was a fool.

   A fool to come to a wolves’ den and not expected to be devoured.

   She must be doing this on purpose. She must have ulterior motives. What else was there? She kept visiting him every week. She kept inviting him for weekly battles. As much as he had told her that she was welcomed in the Rust Syndicate, Corbeau hadn’t expected her to take the invitation personally.

   It gave him a headache. But not once did she vex him.

   All the battles. All the conversations. Hell, all the moments he was given the chance to lay his eyes on her; all of that brightened his days.

   Not once did he expect someone’s presence to be a source of his joy.

   However, the same presence was sometimes not the source of his peace.

   Another woozy mumble.

   Ba-dump! A louder heartbeat.

   “Seika…” Her name was his favourite whisper.

   “I wonder if you’re doing this on purpose.” Eyes fixated on her. Only her. One step forward, then his knee gently pressed against the sofa bed. “You can’t be that oblivious…” He lifted his right knee until it positioned next to her left leg. Left foot remained on the floor, though leg pressed against the plush sofa bed. Careful as he was, body nimble and movement gracile so that he wouldn’t wake her. “To be sleeping here…” Right hand held the headrest of the black sofa, “thinking you’re safe…” Left palm pressed on a spot next to her head.

   “You’re an idiot…” He positioned above her, now hovering a mere inches away from her peaceful face.

   She didn’t stir. Not a noise. Not a peep.

   Only her breathing was proof of her living. Her breath brushed his face lightly, tempting him to lean closer. Like a man hypnotized, Corbeau observed every part of her face.

   Such long lashes, teal and thick like her hair. Her nose was cute, teasing him to press a chaste kiss on it. Sharp, piercing eyes then slid down to her lips, coloured in black with a sheen that only ignited a delicious hunger in him. A cute little mole was seen on the top left of her upper lip. He’s noticed that way before, entranced by it even every time Seika opened her mouth to speak.

   Now that he had a good look at it—at her—the hunger only deepened, now pooled lower to his groin.

   Another stir.

   He froze completely.

   Thankfully, miraculously, she remained asleep.

   “Mmm…”

   Just as Corbeau was about to mentally sigh in relief, he instead took a sharp breath.

   What a soft, soft sound.

   And as he looked at her, his grip on the headrest only tightened to see a sweet, sweet smile.

   “Haa…” His movements were controlled by a raging heart. His thoughts were clouded by her sweet, mouth-watering scent.

   Closer and closer he closed the mocking distance between them.

   Craving.

   Begging.

   Suddenly, a flinch on her waist slapped him back to reality.

   Pupils shrunk slightly. Immediately, he pulled back and looked downwards. There, strapped nicely on the left side of her shorts, were six shrunken Pokéballs.

   And they looked very, very displeased.

   One heartbeat. Two heartbeats. Three.

   As if a spell had been broken, Corbeau blinked like a fool and blurted out a baffling chortle. “Alright, alright.” Voice a raspy calmness, he carefully pushed himself upwards and away from the still snoozing girl. “I’m not hurting your trainer.” Both hands were raised in mock defeat. Although tucked inside each ball, the man could observe such deathly glares from her team.

   He knew better than to piss off her very protective Pokémon—no matter how reckless she herself could be.

   Hands plopped to the side; he felt a frown form on his mouth. She was still asleep despite her Pokémon now being fully awake and aware of his presence.

   Truly, not a sense of decorum existed in the frustrating trainer.

   “Haaa…” Corbeau tipped his head backwards and moved one hand up to ruffle his hair. Still, like a gentleman that he was, he refused to wake her up and ruin such a tranquil sight.

   So, without another word, the young man shook off his jacket and gently placed it on her waist.

   “I’ll scold her later,” he mumbled, frown tickled to a tiny sliver of a smile to hear another sleepy grumble.

   Truly, she was the bane of his rationality.

He also had his own concerns about whether she was fully ready for the weight of being associated with him and his organization. Granted, Harmony had her own change of heart once she saw what they were really up to, allowing herself to understand the Rust Syndicate better than most. To the point where they were more like teddy bears masquerading as threats in her mind. Dorky vigilantes that acted like the most scandalous people in the region. Corbeau at the helm with a heart for Lumiose bigger than anyone would expect. Still, Rust’s intimidation tactics and their unconventional means of accomplishing objectives definitely did toe the line of “lawful”. And while she still had some feelings about holding bounties over heads in exchange for good deeds–it did work. Rust did way more than the bonehead mayor Harmony’s never stopped hearing about. Still, good intentions in questionable wrapping made for colorful interpretations. For better or worse, his reputation would always precede him. They both knew it well: once an opinion was formed, it was difficult to change.

If the common person saw Harmony with him, there was a decent chance they’d assume she was being forced into being by his side. A debt repayment at best and a sleazy exchange at worst. Despite her protests that she could ignore it, he was adamant he didn’t want any extra talk dragging her down. Not with everything else she had on her plate. Not after she’d protected them all. He said he probably would end up behind bars if someone said the wrong words. 

Sure, she laughed it off, but part of her knew he meant it.

So for now they’d be patient.

Hence their current situation: sneaking out, secret visits and late night calls. Among these moments came the matter of teaching Corbeau when to text instead of call–a lesson in progress that amused her more often than not and reminded her of their five year age difference.

She watches as he bags all her treats. Some local and some, in Kalosian standards, foreign. She hasn’t seen some of the candies in years so to stumble across them here—she had to grab a few to get Lida to try. Harmony swerves rushing to grab the bag before he could. His response immediate: a disapproving tch, a narrowed glare.

“I’m a gentleman, mon coeur,” outstretched hand waiting for her to give in. He wasn’t wrong in his claims, his gentlemanly demeanor was a trait that made her swoon on the daily. But her tongue juts out playfully as she snatches the bag even closer to her torso like it’s a prized possession. “I’ve got it.” She proclaims through a grin.

He rolls his eyes, “you’re the only person I let get away with going against me.”

“And that’s why you like me, “ she says cheekily, taking the moment to slip her arm into his. 

The walk back to the hotel was a pretty long one between districts, but it made for a good excuse to extend their meet up. Slowly walking alongside each other, enjoying the ambiance of night, the cool breeze letting her nuzzle up to him more.

Usually Harmony didn’t get to enjoy the nightlife–the battle royale taking up her evenings more often than not. Whilst regular folks hid at home–to not become victims of the holo tech zones – she got to live in the rush, in the adrenaline of battle, feeling the heat of moves and the cries of both Pokemon and trainer.

It was a very different atmosphere than the one she shared with Corbeau right now.

Harmony could get lost in Corbeau’s voice, his velvety cadence adding life to his stories about Lumiose. What he said tickled her imagination. Streets bustling at night, galette vendors sprinkled on every corner, Gogoats carrying passengers around, the overzealous rollerskaters zooming past bystanders on roads… that were now overturned by wild zones..

He remarks how he wishes that was the Lumiose she could’ve seen and experienced, but at the same time this Lumiose felt right for her.

“Maybe it’s different, but we could still go on a romantic rollerskating adventure,” she snickers, “if your old bones could handle it.”

“I’ll skate circles around you. I’m in peak fitness.”

She snorts, “says the guy who told me to stop making him do physical labor.”

They were in their own little world and and everything was nearly perfect. 

Nearly. 

The anxiety of being found never truly went away, but being in his presence brought a comforting reassurance too. She was enamored with how the lights of Lumiose bounced off his golden eyes, how the warm breeze tousled his hair, how the soft scuffle of their shoes against the cobblestone streets…until a small flame appeared. She could see his shoulders relax the second he took a long drag of the cigarette that dangled in his mouth. She pouts, it’s a habit she’s been wanting him to quit, but Arceus was he attractive doing it.

And when she catches his gaze from the corner of his eye she knew he knew it too.

“Really?” Her grievances were loud, furrowed brow, emphasizing her displeasure, before he exhales opposite of her. While he’s entertained her attempts to stop him she understands how it’d be a difficult habit to break— not only in physical need but in societal circles he partakes in.

“You’re the one who came to Kalos, mon Papillon,” he once chided—but she’s noticed he hasn’t been reaching as often for his pack around her. An effort she appreciates all the same. And from their days together it’s only been once compared to the multiple of before.

"I was on my best behavior for a while, Miss Harmony."

Corbeau wasn’t subtle, his attempt to butter her up with her favorite pet name falling on deaf ears.

She already had her ultimatum--an incredibly weak one when she let her eyes linger too long--that she wouldn't kiss him when he smoked.

Which meant she wouldn’t get a goodnight kiss tonight. Great. A small sigh escapes her. Harmony knew it was her own doing, but why does she have to miss out?

She steals another glance. Watching the way his jaw tenses and relaxes, his eyes closing contently as he takes another slow drag. Tendrils of smoke blew downwind, as the low spark danced across his cheek bones. She hates how attractive he is in the moment. 

Deep down she knows it’s something she could let slide, offer a bit more grace and leniency but–

“Cut me some slack. I'm trying to quit. Philippe can vouch for that,” he says, “but we all have our vices, just like you and your sweet tooth,” gesturing to her latest haul.

“These” she reaches into the bag, “are indispensable proof for Lida that I wasn’t running off to do something unsavory." Her mouth fails to resist quirking upward at the chuckle beside. Of course he would find that wording funny, given his reputation. And if Lida found out where she was, she’d probably use worse words. Rolling her eyes with affection, she continues to plead her case.

"Besides, sugar won't kill me.”

“Hmm, both statements are debatable.” There’s a curious gaze in Corbeau’s eyes as she rips into the packaging. Sometimes Rust workers tell her he hangs onto every word she says, but Harmony swears it’s every motion as well; butterfree flutter in her stomach at the revelation.

(Truthfully his whole presence does that.)

“I had this once over on a trip to Johto, you can hold it like you do your cigarettes,” placing it between her index and middle finger as an example, “though I don’t know this flavor.”

She glances at the Kantonian label, “I think this one is hazelnut?”

Corbeau plucks the package out of her hands, eyes scanning over the wording with ease. 

“It’s dark chocolate.”

Harmony stops, mouth ajar as tidbits of information about him try to come together. “You can read Kantonian?” squeaked in awe. At this point in time she knew there was no way to know everything about him–their time had been too short and most of it was split with the near-city ending events that unfolded—but Corbeau had granted her insights to his life in more ways than one. His upbringing, his loyalty to Lysandre, his commitment to Rust, the city, his team. 

She felt lucky to get just a glimpse into his life, to be trusted by a man full of secrets.

“It’s not a big deal, “ he states flippantly, waving his hand as if trying to get her to move on. As if it wasn’t information Harmony wanted to linger on. 

He smiles wistfully. 

“I promise I’ll give you more of my tragic backstory on our next date.” Harmony fidgets at the prospective outing, “but I’m still here waiting for you to tell me why you want me to snack on this cookie.”

“Well, I wanted your lips to be occupied by eating a yummy treat instead.” 

Corbeaus hums in consideration, dropping the offending item before leather soles stamped on the butt.

“If you’re actually looking for distractions to keep me away,” his hand, warm and steady, slithers up to hold her jaw. “I can think of one better way for my lips to be occupied, my Harmony,” he whispers, eyes falling to her parting lips. “Something yummy, and oh so sweet.” His thumb caressing her bottom lip–Harmony gulps under his hungry gaze.

“But alas you have your stipulations.”

Harmony feels every bit of her resolve crumble. Her cheeks burn, her heart pounds in her chest. Oh how badly she wanted moments like this with Corbeau. Moments not in hiding where they could just be lovers.

Her eyes flicker past his shoulder. Empty streets. MZ? Lida was at the hotel blocks away, Naveen with his grandma, Urbain at Quasartico. That solves her “not in front of others” requirement.

But the smoking?

“You know there’s usually a game involved,” It’s but a whisper. A weak attempt to keep the upper hand.

“Oh? Pray tell.”

There’s a different type of anxiousness that makes its way into her body. It wasn’t fear of being caught this time, but anticipation and desire. Harmony figures there's less than an inch between them in that moment, slowly stilling herself to buy time. To try to not give into his seductive wiles.

“Not that I ever partook, but people will place one pocky stick between them,” she carefully inserts the pocky stick into Corbeau’s mouth. Her own lips finding respite on the other end.

 “and bite towards center,” he finishes. Warm brown eyes meet molten gold, the mirth in them that tells her he already knew what she was getting at.

“This isn’t a challenge I’d lose–” his words ever so obstructed by the stick between them. With no warning his lips inch their way towards her, chewing their way down the biscuit, barely giving her a moment to react before she could feel the pocky snap and the tip of his nose brush against hers.

“But I also don’t need a juvenile excuse to kiss you,” a pause, a breath, a centimeter away. “...If you let me.” 

And who was she kidding—it was always him that gained the advantage. Damn him.

“Just this once,” she breathes, “you can kiss me as a chimney.”

He hums, silently accepting her terms as he tilts her head for a better angle. She can taste his smile and chocolate all the same as his lips slide against hers. Her hands find their way towards his shoulders, melting into the feeling of his kiss. 

Maybe, just maybe she could consider dropping her rules.