Chapter 5: Home Visit
Seth could remember it like it was yesterday. He was a child, still a Zorua, and was once again ordered to stay in his room while his parents had visitors. He was always told to do so because he was seen as unrefined and improper due to his playful nature, and manner of speaking. He knew his family's business was important, but something in him felt pain whenever his Mother ordered him to go to his room because they had guests.
But one day, he was sitting in his room like usual, and his father knocked on his door after a business visitor had left.
"Seth, I'm coming in."
His father, Clark Zenabrin, walked into his room, a serious look upon his face as per usual. He was a black and red Zoroark, unlike his son, who looked more like his mother.
Seth stood up as straight as he could, trying his best to be respectful.
"Yes father? To what do I- um… How can I be of- uhmmm…"
The older Zoroark sighs and kneels down before putting a hand on his son's shoulder.
"Seth, never be afraid to speak normally to me, okay? I know your mother wants you to grow into a proper young man, but I want you to be happy first and foremost, you understand?"
Seth nods, smiling.
"Yes Dad."
His father smiles back and picks him up.
"Good. Now, there's something important I wanted to talk to you about."
Clark puts him back down and grunts as he sits down in front of him, cross legged. Seth tilts his head in confusion.
"What's the matter Dad?"
The older Zoroark smiles.
"I'm giving you your own portion of my company!"
Seth is shocked, but also confused. He knows his father understands business well, so why would he give his ten year old son a portion of said business? Seth still doesn't understand it to this day.
"Really?"
Seth's father nods.
"Yup. You're a big boy now. In fact, I was ten years old when I started my first Nomelade stand."
Seth tilts his head a little more, he didn't understand it but something about that comparison didn't seem right. Noticing his confusion, Clark realizes that he is talking to a ten year old, and gets an idea.
"Not to worry though, you won't be by yourself. I'll be sending you off with my management team. They're all trusted individuals who I know personally. They'll do most of the work and help you understand business practices."
Seth is somewhat relieved, but one thing stood out to him.
"Send off? Where am I going Dad?"
The older Zoroark chuckles somewhat nervously.
"Well, you'll be going to the Hoenn region, son. It's a nice place, far away from home, and you'll be going there to stay while you manage my company, isn't that great?"
Clark tries his best to look excited, but the older Zoroark quickly realizes his son isn't so enthusiastic about the idea of leaving home for a long period of time.
"But Dad, I don-"
"Now Seth, everything will be just fine, I promise"
Clark picks his son up and sits him on his leg.
"Think about it, you'll be getting your own manor just like this one, your own servants and cooks, and neither I nor your mother will be around to tell you what to do. You'll be free to do what you wish, as long as the job gets done. On top of all that, you'll finally get to prove what a responsible young man you are, how does that sound?"
Seth perked up at the thought of being able to show his family that he was actually more than an embarrassment. He would be able to make up for all of those times he embarrassed them when business partners and potential investors stopped by. He would manage things properly and do right by his father. Rather than being filled with sadness from being sent away, he was filled with determination.
"Alright Dad, I'll do my best!"
The older Zoroark picks him up once more and hugs him tight.
"That's my boy! I know you'll do a great job!"
Just as he sets him back down, Klaus floats in with a silver platter, ready to give Seth his lunch. He stops in surprise upon seeing his employer there.
"Oh! Master Clark, apologies, I wasn't aware I was interrupting, I was just bringing Master Seth his lunch."
Clark smiles and adjusts his suit jacket.
"It's perfectly fine Klaus, we were just having a little talk. But also uh…pack your things. I've chosen you to accompany Seth on his Hoenn venture. I'm sure there are no objections?"
Klaus shakes his head and puts the platter down.
"Of course not sir. I'd be more than happy to do so."
Upon hearing that, Seth perks up even more. Klaus was another role model, and having him around would make being so far from home easier to bear.
Clark smiled and shook one of Klaus' tendrils.
"Perfect. Promise you'll take good care of him Klaus."
The two of them look at the young Zorua, who had climbed on a chair to reach his lunch.
"You have my word, sir."
(Present Day)
Seth wasn't sure why he suddenly remembered the time his father told him he would be moving out and managing his own portion of his company in another region, but he hadn't thought about it in years.
Apparently all of the business meetings that had happened prior to his father speaking to him about it, were with contractors and construction companies to ensure that the manor he currently lives in was proper and ready for him to stay there. On top of that, his father wanted to make sure the management team treated him with proper respect, while also making sure that Seth didn't grow up to turn into a leech, who used his father's name to get what he wanted.
When he first started, he didn't "work", he had to spend a lot of time learning standard business practices and management himself, since it wasn't technically legal for him to start doing actual work. So, he spent all of his time learning and studying under Klaus. And when he finally turned 16, he put forth all of his efforts and knowledge, and managed to do exactly what his father expected. He made a name for his company in Hoenn, and turned them into the number one security and defense supply company in the region. He had performed so well that he hardly ever needed to go into the office to manage it, unless they needed him for something specific or if it was a day like today.
A day where his parents would be visiting.
"Ah that makes sense. My one question is, why am I here?"
Seth spins around in his office chair to face the inquisitive Lycanroc, who he'd brought along for the ride.
"Well, I've wanted to show you my job for a while now, I know you think I'm lazy cause I'm home all the time."
Seth smirked and Adam avoided eye contact.
"I uh, I never said that."
Seth chuckled and got up.
"But I also wanted you to meet my parents. They'll be in town for about a week or so, and today's the day they make an office trip."
Adam was shocked. He wasn't sure what exactly Seth told his parents, but he hoped he didn't make up a drastic story about why he was there.
"Oh, alright. What are we gonna do, sit here?"
Seth swirls back around in his chair.
"Nope, we're gonna roam the building, my Dad doesn't like to idle, he just wants to make sure things are running smoothly, then we'll be having lunch. He'll be here any minute."
Adam nearly fell out of his chair.
"Wait what? You haven't told me how I should act yet, do I call them sir and ma'am? Should I speak like Klaus? How do I greet them?"
Adam knew Seth's father was likely to be a reasonable man based on what he'd learned before. He was more worried about what his mother would be like in person. He only stopped when he noticed the Zoroark's smirk. He turned around to see a much older, black and red Zoroark standing in the doorway.
"Am I interrupting something?"
Adam's blood ran cold. He dusted off his suit jacket, then bowed immediately out of respect.
"Um, no sir. We were just having a friendly conversation sir."
Adam did his best not to let his nerves get the best of him. He wasn't exactly sure how to address the technical boss of his boss with anything that wasn't utter respect.
Clark chuckled and walked inside, closing the door behind him. Seth walked over and gave his father a hug. Adam wasn't sure what to do, and just stood there.
"There's my boy! And this must be the new servant friend you've mentioned, Adam."
Adam nodded, keeping his head lowered.
"Chin up boy, I'm not gonna force you to keep up the formalities. I'm Clark, you can call me that or Mr. Zenabrin, whichever you prefer. It's nice to meet you."
Adam looked up to see the older Zoroark smiling. He noticed immediately that Seth's signature grin was the spitting image of his father.
"Yes sir- I mean um. Alright. It's nice to meet you too Mr. Zenabrin."
Clark laughed and patted Seth on the back.
"He's clearly a respectful individual Seth, your mother would want you to take notes haha!"
Seth smiled sheepishly, and Clark turned his attention to Adam once more.
"Now, my son's told me that you're not only a servant, but that you're a very good friend of his! You've been taking good care of him, and stuck by him despite putting up with his antics. I'm sure I didn't forget anything- oh!"
Clark elbows Seth in the side with a smirk.
"Apparently, when wearing a maid uniform, you look-"
"Dad!"
Adam turns red upon mentioning the very first prank Seth pulled on him. He was touched that Seth spoke to his father about him, but he didn't think he talked about everything. He assumed that Seth also left out the part about prison and his false arrest, which relieved him. He didn't want to have to deal with being treated like a criminal again.
One thing he wasn't sure about, however, was why Seth had also turned red at the mention of the maid dress. Meanwhile, his father was laughing hysterically at the two of them.
I see now who Seth gets his behavior from.
"I'm only teasing. But Adam, I am truly grateful that you could find friendship in my son. He hasn't exactly had many friends in his youth, and to me, friendship is more valuable than any amount of money. As long as you find it in your heart to take care of my son and stay by his side, you'll have not only my respect, but the respect of the Zenabrin family."
Adam was stunned.
Just what exactly did Seth tell him?
Seth was standing to the side bashfully, avoiding eye contact with him. He wasn't sure why a thanks would be needed for him being a friend, but he wouldn't deny it. He would return the thanks in earnest. Adam ignores Seth's unusual shyness for now, and returns the older Zoroark's smile.
"Of course, I'm grateful for everything he's done for me so far. I'm more than happy that he considers me a close friend."
Adam smiles brightly alongside his response. He may have been a little distant when he arrived, but he does see that place as home, even if he is "forced" to stay there.
Clark looks at Adam with another smirk before hooking an arm around his shoulder.
"You aren't just saying that to get on my good side are you?"
Adam puts his paws up in defense.
"No no! I promise, I've been treated well, and I truly mean what I said."
Clark backs away and smiles.
"Just wanted to make sure you weren't using my son to get to me. Trust me, it's a business tactic. But, I get the feeling you're being sincere. Seth, come, let's get the work related part over with so we can move on."
Seth, who'd been strangely quiet for the last few moments, suddenly grew excited.
"Sure thing Dad!"
Adam was free to tag along for the workplace inspection. It didn't take too long, the three of them merely explored the building, with Seth making sure to explain everything to Adam, who'd never been there before.
Like the lower three ground floors were for manufacturing and packaging and shipping, using machines and their Pokemon operators. The middle three floors were for shipping management, responsible for order placements and deliveries, of which there were plenty. The top three floors were for the offices. Budgeting departments, business meetings, and of course Seth's office. Adam didn't really pay attention to this part because he grew hungry and got distracted while trying to flag down a bagel cart.
He could tell, however, that Seth took pride in his work, even though it didn't seem like it when they were at home. He always emphasized how smoothly things were running, and how much free time he had because of it. Adam could vouch, considering there was little that required his attention at work.
They finished the tour where they started, Seth's office. Before they entered however, Clark turned to Adam.
"Adam, you mind giving us a moment? I wish to speak with Seth privately."
Adam nods and waits outside.
"Of course."
The two Zoroark enter the office, closing the door behind them. Seth turns to his father with mild curiosity.
"What did you want to talk about Da-"
He was cut off by his father giving him another hug.
"I just wanted to catch up, Son. I haven't seen you in two years after all."
Seth is baffled by the sudden embrace, but hugs him back.
"Oof- but Dad, I just told you everything that's happened with the company. What else is there?"
Clark backs away and takes a seat in the chair in front of Seth's desk.
"Seth, I will forever and always be grateful and proud of what you've done for the company. By putting my trust in you, we've not only been able to successfully expand from Unova to Hoenn, but to Johto, and Sinnoh as well. I truly applaud you not as your boss, but as your father, for exceeding my expectations by a large margin."
Seth gleams at his father's praise. His father has always told him how proud he is of him for helping expand his business, but it was nice to hear it in person.
"Thanks Dad, I-"
"But one thing has never changed with you Seth. I didn't come here to visit the company, and see how the company is doing. I flew here to visit my son, and see how my son is doing."
Seth was confused.
"What do you mean? Like…my life?"
Clark nods.
"Yes, are you taking care of yourself, eating properly? Maintaining a healthy work life balance? I want to make sure you're alright."
Seth sits down in the chair across from him.
"I mean yeah…but Dad, I'm 25 years old, should you really be worried about that? I'm perfectly fine in regards to all those things…"
Clark chuckles and reaches over to ruffle Seth's hair.
"Of course I should worry about my son's happiness and health. No matter how old you get, it'll never be too old to worry. You'll always be my little boy."
Seth turns red from the childlike treatment. He's secretly happy that his father asked for some privacy, he'd never want Adam to see or hear any of this. But he is glad that his father is showing how much he cares. His father was always usually too busy to call or check in regularly, but he made the effort to visit him when he could.
"Th-thanks Dad. I have been doing fine. Klaus makes sure of that, just like he promised all those years ago."
Clark chuckles and leans back in his chair.
"Good. I'm glad. And your new friend certainly seems interesting, he doesn't seem like those other sorry servants you hired. He seems…different. How'd you meet him anyway, I thought you took down all those ads after deciding you didn't need any servants?"
Seth grew nervous. He had forgotten he never told his father how Adam ended up working for him, or about the incident all those years ago. He definitely couldn't tell him that Adam was arrested and that they're the only ones that know he's innocent, or that he's technically forced to be there as a requirement for his "community" service.
"Uhhhh, he uh-"
The two were suddenly startled by a loud thud from outside. Seth was relieved that he had a reason to avoid answering his father's question.
"Welp, I should check to see what that is. Sorry Dad."
Seth quickly got up, genuinely curious about what was going on. He was shocked to find Adam pinned against the wall of his office by a pile of plastic folding tables. Adam's ears flattened when he saw Seth and he smiled sheepishly while trying to hold them up.
"Oh! Hello sir, did you enjoy your talk with your father?"
Seth nodded, trying not to laugh.
"Sure. Uhh, mind telling me what happened? You aren't hurt are you?"
He walked up to the Lycan, who was clearly stuck, giggling when he saw one of his cheeks pressed against the window to his office.
"Oh no I'm fine, just a little stuck. But uhh, apparently your management team wanted to have a little party for your Dad while he was visiting since they haven't seen him in so long and they needed to get these tables to the conference room. But the person carrying them accidentally bumped into a pillar and I pushed them out of the way and well, here I am."
Seth noticed his Warehouse Manager, a Pikachu named Sully, on the ground a few feet away. He was filling out a workplace incident form frantically while the Legal Manager, a Purugly, stood over him menacingly. Seth didn't dare interrupt them.
Seth was honestly glad Adam wasn't hurt, but he also found it somewhat silly that he ended up like this. The Lycan was completely pinned underneath the tables, arms and all. He was blushing red, because nearly half the office was watching him, and Seth felt a little bad that company policy stopped anyone from helping during incidents to prevent any additional injuries. His Legal Manager was brutal.
Seth, however, could very well help out. He took off his suit jacket and put it on a nearby chair. He started picking up the tables one by one, and laughed as Adam only whimpered from embarrassment.
"Alright alright, don't go anywhere Adam, I'll have you out of there in a sec."
He laughed a little harder than he should've at his own joke, much to Adam's dismay, but continued to move the tables.
Meanwhile his father was watching from the window of Seth's office. He smiled as he watched the two interact. He knew that Seth had a hard time fitting in and making friends in school as a child.
The only one he had to play with, was his younger brother Nicholas, but his mother often had him taking behavioral classes so he wouldn't be "influenced" by his older brother's behavior, and the two hardly saw each other.
As such, seeing his son laugh was a rare sight. It filled him with joy to see his son happy.
Seth finally moved all the tables, setting Adam free. The Lycan felt as though he was about to die from embarrassment, making such a scene, even if he wasn't at fault.
"Ugh, my legs are sore from being pressed against those tables… Why are there so many? How big is that conference room?"
Adam was on the ground, pressing against his legs with his paws to ease the soreness, when Seth got an idea. He knew Adam was already embarrassed, and would probably be pissed at him later, but he decided to take it up a notch. He couldn't help himself. He walked over to the naive Lycanroc, and picked him up bridal style.
"Wha- Sir what are you doing?"
Seth held in a laugh seeing the Lycan turn completely red, the white parts on his face matching the crimson parts.
"What, you said your legs were sore right? I'm just extending a helping hand is all."
Adam couldn't believe this. The entire office watched as the Zoroark carried him to his personal office and opened the door. Adam didn't dare make eye contact with Clark as he was carried.
"Pfft. Hey Dad, ready to go for lunch? "
Clark snickered too, understanding why his son took a liking to the Lycanroc. He found the look he made when embarrassed to be humorous.
"Sure, but….it's a nice day out, what say we walk? I saw a place nearby that seemed like a great place to eat. What do you guys think?"
Adam immediately caught on to Clark. He was being set up.
"Wait no let's just-"
He was cut off by Seth, who agreed with no hesitation.
"That sounds perfect! Let's go!"
Adam whimpered and covered his face. He already thought that Seth and his pranks were a handful. But being at the mercy of two mischievous Zoroarks was another level entirely.
Ugh…why me…
(A couple hours later)
The trio finally returned to the office to call it a day. Adam had endured the two Zoroarks' shenanigans, and after thoroughly embarrassing the Lycanroc by carrying him bridal style to and from the cafe, Seth apologized. He promised he wouldn't mess with him again for a little bit, hoping he hadn't taken things too far like last time.
Adam had forgiven him, because while he was embarrassed, the prank wasn't that bad. He wasn't hurt, or annoyed, in fact, it was kind of nice. It might have been his imagination, but he felt as though Seth was holding him somewhat possessively. He hadn't thought about it intentionally, but it crossed his mind and changed the reason he was blushing from embarrassment, to embarrassment, and…something else.
By the time they reached the office, and Seth put him down, he had gone quiet, feeling completely sheepish, and shy. He assumed Seth thought he was annoyed and was upset, which spurred his apology. He wasn't going to correct him either.
They decided that they would all go home since it was almost evening already, and Adam tried to calm down from his emotional high after being carried like he was. It'd been a while since he felt that way, and he was shocked that Seth was the one that caused it.
After the incident with the pool, he and Seth managed to grow closer. The Zoroark kept his promise of toning down the fun, while still keeping things more lively around the house like Adam had grown accustomed to. But something changed with how Seth interacted with him after that. He went from pestering and deliberately being a nuisance, to being thoughtful and considerate, but still messing with him in some way.
An example would be when he said that a large flying bug had found its way into his closet, and he told Adam to kill it because he was too scared to do so. Adam wasn't afraid of bugs, so he didn't mind, but when he got in the closet, there wasn't a bug, there was a box with gummy candies that Seth bought for him. Adam's weakness was gummy candies. Gummy worms, gummy bears, gummy sharks, everything. And after going so long without them, he appreciated the surprise.
Another example was when Klaus told Adam that he'd start training to learn how to give massages so Seth could enjoy backrubs at home, and that they'd be driving to a Spa once a week for his training. Adam was a little peeved about that since he felt as though he was being taken advantage of for his work, since Seth had promised he would never work him like an actual servant, and giving massages is a step too far. But when they got there, Seth told him that he wouldn't be training to do anything, and that it was a lie to cover up the truth, which was that he was treating him to a full spa day at his hometown in Lavaridge.
He had remembered that Adam was from there, so he booked a full day trip. He got to visit some old friends, and his old house, now vacant, while also enjoying high quality meals and spa treatments at the local hot spring.
It was the nicest thing Seth had done for him thus far, and apparently it was a random idea brought on by him remembering something the Lycan had said.
Seth continued to surprise him in thoughtful ways like that, and it was actually….sweet. The Zoroark had shown he cared and made up for what he did.
Eventually Seth and his father pulled around the front of the building with their cars, shaking Adam out of his thoughts, and he hopped in the passenger seat next to Seth. They began their drive home when Adam realized something.
"Wait a minute. You said I was meeting your parents, but only your Dad showed up. Did your mom not come with him?"
Seth's ears flattened at the mention of his mother.
"Oh no she's here. But I realized that while I introduced you to my father as my friend, my mother only knows what she bothered to hear. Which was that I hired a new servant named Adam. That's all she knows. And she isn't exactly cooperative or…well to be frank she isn't nice to "the help" at all. So she's been at home with Klaus since he's the only one who can keep up with her. But I'm gonna send you to your room until she leaves, because I don't want to subject you to her behavior."
Adam nods, understanding. After what he'd heard about Seth's mom previously, he sort of expected her to be a handful. Before long, they arrived at home. They entered the house silently, with Seth's father waiting outside. Adam tried to do as he was instructed and go right up to his room, but as he was about to head upstairs, he noticed a pair of Pokemon entering the foyer.
"I still can't believe I came all this way and he's not even here. I bet he went to work to see his father, I swear those two would be the same person if Clark were any younger."
Another pale Zoroark with red highlights was walking with Klaus, who was carrying a tray with tea and what looked like a variety of snacks. They hadn't seen Adam yet, so he kept going up the stairs, but rather than go to his room, he hid behind the wall in the hallway. He was curious as to what Seth's mother was like in person.
Seth looked exasperated already, remaining silent until she walked over.
"Hello Mother. How was your trip?"
She scoffed and turned up her nose.
"Hmph. It was dreadful, some people don't know true class when they see it."
Seth's father, upon hearing his wife, walked inside.
"Our private jet was unavailable due to maintenance, so we settled for first class on a public plane. Theresa dear, not everyone knows who we are, I told you that before we left. The person in question was also a small child."
She crossed her arms and turned her nose up even higher.
"You'd think they'd teach kids about it in school."
Seth and Clark both sighed, and Adam silently giggled from upstairs. Seth's mom sounded like a piece of work, he was thankful Seth didn't want him to meet her personally yet. He couldn't help but laugh as Seth and Clark listened to Theresa drone on about how commoners should know their place and address her with the respect she deserves. His giggling had caught the attention of Seth, who happened to look up and see him peeking out from behind the wall. He smiled, and turned his attention back to his mother.
"Nevermind that Mother. How have you been lately?"
She squinted and took a seat on a bench that Klaus apparently had brought in right as she was about to take a seat.
"Thank you Klaus, perfect timing as usual. That will be all."
She looks back at Seth as Klaus nods and floats away.
"Still haven't learned not to interrupt, I see. I have been well. Aside from the house being a total disaster since Klausie left, and my servants being completely incompetent, I myself have been fine."
She takes a moment to look around the house, causing Adam to hide behind the wall completely.
"Speaking of, where is that new servant of yours? What was his name? Albert? Allen? I've yet to see hide or hair of him since I arrived. I wanted to have a word with him."
Seth mentally facepalmed, knowing exactly what was coming.
"His name is Adam, Mother. What could you possibly wish to speak to him about?"
She waved her hand around, gesturing to the surrounding area.
"The state of this house of course! Two things have made themselves apparent since I've been here. The first is that this "Adam" has taken over for Klausie when it comes to general cleaning around the house. The second is that you clearly haven't scolded him enough. As such, I was going to do so for you."
Adam suddenly felt compelled to hide himself better. He didn't want to risk being seen and getting scolded by someone else's Mom.
Clark sighed and walked over to her.
"Theresa, let's just leave it as is. The place looks perfectly fine, and it's not our house."
She glares at him as if he just said something completely disrespectful.
"Nonsense! I won't have my son be at the mercy of a commoner, causing him to live in a Tepig sty. Either I'm going to get that lowlife to clean up his act or suggest he get a new one. I'd suggest the latter, commoners have the highest chances of stealing from you after all."
Seth felt a vein pop in his forehead at the insults to Adam, but kept his composure. He turned to his father.
"Dad, it's clear the trip has taken a toll on her. And surely you must be tired from visiting me at work? I think you guys should head back to the hotel and recuperate for the night."
Clark nods in understanding and gestures for Theresa to follow him.
"Come now Theresa. I believe our boy has had enough for today. And surely I needn't remind you that this is his house, so our judgment and criticism are not necessary, yes? We agreed we wouldn't push our children to live by our standards."
She stands up and scoffs once more, walking toward the door.
"Hmph, I was merely offering a suggestion. Find a new servant dear, you'll never find a wife with your home in this state."
Seth was stone faced as she turned to leave, before making eye contact with his father, who was laughing at the face he was making.
"Goodnight Seth, it was good to see you again."
He smiled and waved as Clark walked back to his car, Theresa already in it.
Adam made his way downstairs after Seth closed the door.
"Wow, that was really something huh?"
Adam was caught off guard by a surprise hug from Seth.
I know I said I didn't mind the hugs but- eh, nevermind.
"You alright sir?"
Seth nods and sighs.
"Sorry about her, like I told you, she's always like that. I appreciate what you do around here Adam. You keep the place clean enough for me."
Adam smiled and pats the Fox's head.
"Thank you sir. I'm glad I'm appreciated. How about we go and play some games to help wind down after today?"
Seth nods, letting the Lycan go. He didn't want to tell him the real reason he gave him a hug. Those last words his Mother said "Find a new one" actually managed to bother him immensely. It made Adam sound like an object he owned, a mindset he didn't care for in the slightest.
He never really did get along with his mother. She was the one who tried to force him to speak in a "proper manner", tried to force him to choose a wife from options she deemed fit for him, tried to turn him into someone he wasn't. She was also the one who hid him away when they had guests, much to his father's dismay. He loved his Mother very much, but being in her company for too long drained him of his energy. Especially after she insulted Adam right in front of him.
He followed the Lycan to his room and did as he suggested and tried to let himself relax.
The reason why wasn't clear to him quite yet, but the idea of replacing or "firing", or even sending him to prison made him extremely uncomfortable. He had gotten used to having him around, and he was hoping that wouldn't change anytime soon.
(End Chapter)
