See, if bryan delarosa had apologized, Chu-e would have been beyond confused. It was for the best that the guy was a bottle on his feelings this time. What could he have done? Got his hand cut off like Prince? Died like Cipher? Bryan was only human and it was only thanks to the... something eating him from the inside out he was alive. That's how it was. It couldn't be helped.

Of course he accepted the invitation, though. Chu-e was on the sub anyway and Bryan seemed capable enough, if reckless from what reports he had read. Plus, he was curious what the other wanted.

"Bryan." When he entered the room, he gave a small smile to the other as walked closer. His eyes caught on the Fennekin, lingering for a moment before he could stop himself.

Of all the things Chu-e might have expected, for some reason that wasn't one of them.

bryan delarosa would be able to see the surprise on his face, mouth a small 'o' for a moment before he remembered to snap it closed. It was almost hesitant that he, finally, after the poor Fennekin was hanging limp and awkward in the air, that Chu-e reached out to gently take the fox pokemon. He tucked the fox gently in his arms and under his chin, patting him lightly.

"... Thank you."

The look he gave Bryan was almost fond, something soft in his gaze when he offered a small smile. "Does he have a name?"

Chu-e was a little tired today. Unable to help himself, and wishing to chat with bryan delarosa a little longer, he took one of the free seats. A small sigh left him as he did so.

"I'll call him 'Digit'." Lowering the fox to his lap, he continued to run his fingers over his fur.

"My Delphox... his name was Cipher. Not too many people know that, I think?" Cipher hadn't been friendly, was quite vicious, but he had been so protective of Chu-e. Had cared so much about him. "It meant 'secret' but it also meant 'nothing'. I got him from a pokemon rescue in Mauville as a Braxien...."

A small pause, his lips twisting into a small frown.

"How are your pokemon? You have a... Morpeko, right? Is it okay?" Chu-e, vaguely, thought he remembered seeing Bryan with it once or twice.

"Most of my pokemon come from rescues. The... 'high risk' ones, ones they think can't be with normal families." He dug his finger a little harder behind the Fennekin's ears, making sure to scratch the spot he knew the pokemon were fond of with extra care. "Everyone deserves a second chance, pokemon included."

"Oh! Yeah, Leon Vercetti mentioned you and him were dating, I think?" He wasn't usually one for gossip but it was important, in his position, to stay on top of things.

"'Course I do. People aren't born evil, you know? They have bad shit happen to them that makes them do bad things." The plot points about Priam and other things... they could come back around to that in a moment. This was getting to be serious talk.

"What made you join Rocket? Really want to be in with us? Everyone knows Rocket are the bad guys, even me, so why did you throw your hat in with us?" It wasn't said as an accusation, just with curiosity, his own version of a hand reaching out to close a gap between them. To get to know bryan delarosa as a person, not as a peon. To have a chance to learn about the man who saw one of his treasured pokemon die and then give him another to help ease that pain.

"And her?" Was repeated back, the blunder not missed by Chu-e.

There was a small pause before he gave a small but sad smile.

"You don't have to tell me any names. And... I'd advise you tell only people you really trust. Names can be dangerous." He knew from experience. It was a kindness that Chu-e said this. Not everyone had been as lucky in the past as bryan delarosa was now.

There was a small pause, Chu-e taking in what bryan delarosa had said to him.

Then, a slow smile spread on his face. He rubbed the Fennekin between the ears before pulling the smaller pokemon close to his chest. It was warm.

"Thank you." And it was quiet but warm, a soft gratitude said more in tone than words alone.

"Why are you fighting for her?"

It was never just 'motivation' in Rocket.