Work Text:
"The Boss's mood seems improve whenever you pay us a visit."
You don’t truly grasp the significance of Philip’s words until you experience them firsthand. Every visit to the Rust Syndicate brings a noticeable change in Corbeau’s demeanor. His mood seems to brighten just a bit whenever you step through the threshold, a small spark igniting behind his usually guarded gaze.
Your schedule is chaotic. Between battling in the Z Royale and helping Mable with her extensive research, your free time feels more like a luxury than a reality. Mable, despite her overwhelming workload, appreciates your assistance as you work alongside Paxton and Harmony to expedite her projects. Meanwhile, at the hotel, you’ve transitioned into a crucial supporting role, becoming the right-hand man to Urbain and Taunie, the energetic twins who run the operation with an effortless charm.
As you enter Corbeau’s office, your Pokémon trotting faithfully by your side, you are greeted by a slight smile playing on Corbeau's lips. It’s a rare expression, one that transforms his serious demeanor into something warmer.
He motions for his grunts and men to prepare tea and an assortment of snacks. These moments of small talk and leisurely exchanges are like brief respites from the world outside, each one punctuated with laughter and shared stories. Occasionally, Corbeau breaks the routine and challenges you to a Pokémon battle—a welcome distraction, one you can’t refuse, especially coming from the head of the Syndicate himself.
But what if you chose not to visit?
When you’re absent, Corbeau's mood takes a downward turn, becoming noticeably more agitated and irritable. He’s not a cruel man—in fact, his empathy shines through when things get tough, even if he occasionally lets his frustrations slip, snapping at his men and grunts. On those days, he might mutter about not feeling well or lament how his mood has spiraled downward.
Your visits do more than provide him with company; they help keep the shadows at bay. In his own way, Corbeau relies on the connection you’ve built, and it’s easy to see how your presence can bring a flicker of brightness to his otherwise complex world.
It's not that he’s overly worried or anything, but he does occasionally find himself wondering what you’re up to amidst your hectic schedules. He has your number saved in his phone, and while he could text you at any moment, he hesitates to do so. He doesn’t want to come off as demanding or overly eager for your attention like a lilipup begging for attention.
Instead, he sends his grunts to keep an eye on you from time to time, gathering updates. It gives him a sense of connection, even though he feels that familiar pang of loneliness whenever you’re not around for a visit. Still, he understands that when you find a moment in your busy life, you'll make the effort to come and see him.
One day, while you’re out conducting research, you glance up just in time to see Philip running toward you, clearly out of breath and a bit panicked as he reaches your side after you exit Wild Zone 8. His forehead is glistening with sweat.
“What’s up?” you ask, tilting your head slightly to get a better look at the big man.
“Will you be visiting the boss later?” he asks, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. “It’s not a demand, but he’s... been having some issues with his mood lately."
“Oh,” you respond, letting out a small chuckle as you wave him off. “Don’t worry, I’ve already planned to visit him."
Philip returns your smile, albeit weakly, and without saying another word, he jogs away to give you some space. As he disappears into the distance, your phone buzzes, and you quickly check it to find a message from Corbeau.
Wanna grab a coffee?
Speak of the devil himself.