Chapter Text
They had been sent blasting off again, as if that surprised James at this point. They landed in a tree this time, before falling down onto the hard earth. Countless hard landings had left him and his team somewhat used to the pain, but it still hurt, nonetheless. It appeared as though he had landed on a rock, and a sharp pain surged through his side with every step. They were walking in moody silence along a forested path, hoping to find an unoccupied cabin before nightfall, which was fast approaching. James was anxious to get there, as he felt an unusual ache settle on his bones. He tried to play it off as simple exhaustion, but he was slightly worried as he realized what that sort of pang usually meant. Oh no.
He glanced discreetly at his partners, who were walking a few feet beside him. Jessie looked no better than him, her delicate face was all scratched up, and she had branches sticking out through her fiery hair which James would probably have to help remove as she rambles furiously about the twerps or an upcoming contest. Meowth seemed to be nursing a hurt paw as he held it close to his chest. James sighed and wrinkled his nose as he suddenly became aware of a slight tickle at the back of his throat. Before he could even register what was happening, he felt a sneeze rise up.
“Ahchoo!”
This seemed to snap his teammates out of their respective dazes and they both turned to look at him. He sniffled and looked away, a faint blush spreading across his pale cheeks.
“I’m fine, must be something in the air”. He chuckled nervously, hoping his companions too tired to notice the stuffiness that edged his voice. That hadn’t been there before, right?
James sniffled unconsciously once more and made a mental note to stop himself. He couldn’t get sick; they had a schedule to keep up with! They were already slightly behind, considering the time they had to spend in one place while Jessie recovered from her own sickness. James found himself regretting not taking better precautions while taking care of her. He could feel Jessie’s scrutinizing glare as she read him like an open book. Jessie was surely aware of what was happening, which meant his battle was already lost before it even started. If he could only manage to stop this before it developed completely. Yes, that was what he needed to do. Today he would go to bed early and rest up and then be good as new! James tried to convince himself of this as he swallowed and felt a tinge of soreness. It was going to be a long night.
The team managed to locate the cabin just as the sun dipped below the horizon. Thankfully, they still had enough light left for Jessie to locate the key from under the welcome mat and let them in. James almost ran in, only restraining himself in order to retain his dignity in front of his teammates. He was desperate to escape the chilly nightly breeze and buried himself almost immediately into the kotatsu. Jessie, bless her heart, plugged it in for him as he began to melt into the soothing heat. James could vaguely make out the conversation Jessie seemed to be having with Meowth, all he could think about was getting warm. He was trembling by the time Jessie got to him and pressed her hand gently against his forehead. James leaned into her cool touch and let out a very unbecoming whimper when she pulled it away.
“Couldn't even make it until tomorrow, huh, rich boy?” She teased, placing a kiss into his sweat-soaked lavender hair.
James could hear her footsteps retreat as she walked to the kitchen and continued her conversation with Meowth. He knew they were talking about him, probably discussing how they were going to have to rest for a few days before continuing, putting them very behind schedule and perhaps causing Jessie to miss the next contest. The mere thought of disappointing Jessie made him struggle weakly against the kotatsu in a bid to get up. His head swirled at the sudden movement, and he immediately fell back onto his injured side. James yelped at the sudden pain, which alerted his teammates to his attempts at doing anything that was not resting.
Jessie walked over to him once more, this time holding a wet handkerchief, which was placed against his forehead. The sudden coolness made him shiver and curl more into the kotatsu. He could feel Jessie’s hand against his shoulder, a comforting touch which fueled his struggle.
“I-I’m fine, Jess, really”. He stuttered feebly, pawing at the kotatsu to try and stand up once more. His throat ached as he spoke, and he swallowed dryly. The hand at his shoulder held him down and prevented him from trying it again, however.
James was pretty sure he heard Jessie scoff before saying “I’m sure you are, dear”.
Did Jessie just call him ‘dear’? James’ heart jumped slightly in his chest. Jessie never used pet names with him, not even when their relationship had taken a turn towards the romantic. He really hoped this wasn’t a fever dream. James opened his eyes and turned up to stare at his partner. She had begun rubbing tiny circles into his shoulder, and he let out a small sigh. Jessie still hadn't removed the branches from her hair, and her face was still scratched and smudged with dirt. Yet, James was sure he had never seen a more beautiful sight as he stared at his Jessie. Her normally piercing sapphire gaze was softened into something James could only hope was affection.
“Get some rest”, She said sternly. “We’re not leaving until you do”.
“But-”. James tried to protest but was interrupted by a sharp glare and a hard squeeze to the shoulder.
“This isn’t up for negotiation, James”. She scolded, frustration finally taking hold.
James bit his lip and looked down. He was so exhausted, and his whole body ached probably due to the fever. He guessed it wouldn't hurt to rest for now. Besides, if he did, he would be better by tomorrow, and they would be able to leave in time for Jessie’s contest. He could feel the edges of his vision darkening, all he had to do was close his eyes and it would all be over. He could finally rest. Jessie’s removed her hand from his shoulder, and he silently mourned the loss. Two fingers then turned his head and he was suddenly very, very close to Jessie’s face.
“It’s okay. Rest.” She whispered before kissing him on the cheek and sauntering away.
And almost as soon as she turned away, he was already asleep.