Chapter Text
Jessie awoke curled up right next to James. The dorm they'd managed to claim at Team Rocket's HQ after arriving late at the day was small, a single twin bed with a chest of drawers smashed behind it and hardly any space between the furniture and the wall. Even so, it was heaven as compared to before. The creepy mission to the remote area in Kalos where they'd had to deal with the damn sword-like ghost types had been trying. The trip back had been long and uncomfortable with interrupted sleep. Therefore, as there was nothing demanded of them for once, they may as well keep sleeping.
James was certainly still soundly enjoying his rest. Jessie took the time to observe his relaxed face and feel the steady, resting rhythm of his breathing while still right up against him. She took his hand which had been right next to hers and ran her thumb across his index finger. He didn't stir, but his peaceful face seemed to morph into a subtle smile. Or could that have just been her imagination? Jessie gave a low, brief giggle as she continued to observe his face. Even though perhaps she ought to get up and start getting ready for the day, she decided to stay a moment longer. He really was still with her.
She'd honestly thought she might have lost him.
After all - what had happened in Kalos had been bad. James's hurt expression had burned into her mind. Just the thought of when he'd left her without a word after their decidedly final encounter with that giant can-opener still made her sick. But as much as she wanted to critique him for that, she'd hurt him worse, hadn't she? It didn't seem like he should have been affected at all, but he was - deeply so. She'd thought about why. Before they'd found James again, Meowth had said it should be "obvious", and maybe it really should have been. But with as unclear as everything had been there were still a lot of questions left in the air.
But was there really anything left to ask? James had said he loved her in various passionate declarations. Jessie at some point realized she'd never said as much to him, and offered it to him just before they'd come back. She'd been somewhat casual in her confession, but he'd still embraced her. Couldn't it just end there?
No. There really seemed to be a lot left unsaid. Even having tried to ignore that before, after a full sleep that fact rang out even clearer than before. Maybe what exactly needed to be broached couldn't really be grasped, but the need to address things could be felt.
Even so, wouldn't it be much more fun to just lay around and enjoy being with him? He was still asleep, so waking him up would make even the best of conversations less pleasant. Still laying right next to him, Jessie adjusted slightly, getting closer and enjoying his warmth. She cupped his hand, running her own down before reaching his slightly chilled fingertips, then gripped them to keep him cozy. His presence was enjoyed, even in this slumberous silence. He was such a treasure in this moment and many others... How could she ever have considered a life without him?
A thud sounded outside, one of the neighboring rooms slamming a door. James made a subtle sound without waking. There were reasons for those previous thoughts, certainly. Everything might be difficult to discuss but maybe when he woke up rested that might be the perfect time to say a few things. But what would happen from there? James's currently peaceful, handsome face might again be awash in anguish. But maybe not. They didn't need to say too much, anyway. Jessie could just... quickly clarify things? Or maybe ask him to.
The exact words to be said didn't come to mind as James stirred, the pace of his breathing increasing. Jessie lightly squeezed his hand and he slowly opened his eyes, observing the plain, slightly dirty walls lit only by the little light seeping in through the blinds before meeting Jessie's gaze again. Him even briefly acknowledging her in the silence with that contented, peaceful expression was enough to cause some kind of buzzing in her chest. Jessie gripped his hand tighter and leaned toward him.
"Jessie," James said quietly, increasing his own grip. He then moved his hand, breaking the link, but it was only to stroke the back of her head. He breathed a quiet sigh as they lay together.
Even just that brief moment of affection was valuable, especially after the previous suspicions that he might not want to have her back... Or even want her at all. "James..." Jessie began, pushing away those heavy feelings.
"Hm?" James's gaze shifted and their eyes again met.
"Ah-" Jessie's heart rate increased as they stared at each other. She couldn't quite pinpoint why - was it because she didn't just love but was in love with James? Or was it more anticipation for what she'd been thinking about talking about? Jessie inadvertently tensed, steeling herself to continue. "Maybe we should - I don't know, talk or something."
"About what?" a voice chimed in front behind Jessie. "I hope it's a tasty topic! Should somebody go pick up the coffee and donuts first?"
Jessie let out a sound of surprise. She turned around, seeing Meowth curled up on her hair that had spilled over the side of the bed and onto the floor. Jessie immediately lost both the lull she'd been in along with that apprehension and sat up, yanking all of her long hair up on the bed. Meowth cried out and flipped after the rug of sorts had been pulled out from under it. "What were you doing there?!" Jessie demanded. "Just because you're a cat doesn't mean you can eavesdrop!"
"Ahh..." Meowth moaned with exaggeration. "Where else was I supposed to be?"
"How about somewhere that's not on my hair!" Jessie demanded.
Meowth sat up, briefly licking its fur before glaring at Jessie. "It was so soft and nice. There's no room on that little bed for me-owth too, so..."
"And now I bet your mangy fur is all over my beautiful hair!" Jessie growled and glared at Meowth, who looked just as annoyed as her.
"You'd be lucky to get decorated with my fur!"
"You-" Jessie stopped as she suddenly noticed James stepping over Meowth and opened the drawer where he'd left his uniform the previous night. She smoothed her hair over and quieted, attention grabbed and other brief conflict forgotten. James put on his pants before pulling his overshirt over his head, looking at the mirror on the wall to check his appearance. Jessie blushed. When had they gotten so comfortable being in a state of undress around each other, anyway? It seemed like forever ago. James had become a constant along with being someone she could trust.
"James," Jessie began, standing up herself and accidentally bumping Meowth in the tiny space. She ignored the pokemon, reaching for her brush. "James, where are you off to so quickly?"
James was already maneuvering around Meowth who sat rubbing its charm. He turned back as he reached the door, stopping to get on his boots and gloves. "I wanted to take our pokemon in for care now that we're here. And then there's Mime Jr. It must have been lonely here without even the others for company." James met her gaze again and smiled before he left, apparently no thought to Jessie's previous request to talk.
*
Jessie rushed her beauty routine, somehow getting her hair styled to the letter before running in the direction she knew James had been headed. She saw him talking with one of the grunts assigned to pokemon caretaking. After accepting a pokeball, James went inside the containment zone where Pokemon were allowed to play, lounge, and even sleep. Jessie didn't bother chatting with the man outside before rushing in to see James. "There you are," she said as she found him.
James met her eyes briefly before turning back to the area and looking around. The area was somewhat crowded this early morning, various pokemon curled up where they'd apparently been allowed to sleep and stretch outside their pokeballs. "It's like one of those newspaper puzzles where you have to spot the pikachu with a million other electric type rodents around it, huh?" Jessie said, guessing easily that James had to be looking for the pokemon he'd left behind.
"It's not that large an area," James said. "Mime Jr. must be around here somewhere." James tentatively lifted up his pokeball before putting it down, realizing he had nowhere to aim. He looked at Jessie before back at the sleeping pokemon all around them. "We should be quiet. We don't want to wake any others up needlessly, hm?"
"Right," Jessie agreed. She tip-toed carefully around the pokemon along with him, trying her best to spot James's small pokemon. Unlike in those puzzles, this wasn't designed to be difficult. There were a variety of pokemon of various differing sizes here. Mime Jr. was small, but should still stand out once they spotted it. They just had to be careful. Beyond politeness, who knew the temperament of these pokemon and how they might react to being suddenly woken from their slumber.
Unfortunately, James suddenly screaming went and did just that. By habit, Jessie reached and hugged him as a nearby onix shifted, blinking its eyes and a few others called out in their own surprise. James remained tense and frozen, not hugging her back as he stared forward. "Mime Jr..." he lamented, tears filling his eyes.
Jessie's eyes followed his gaze. She let out a cry of surprise as she spotted what he had. There was Mime Jr. - eyes wide, limbs extended unnaturally, looking out from under a rock. Jessie loosened her hold on James as he leaned down to observe closer. "Mimey! Have you been crushed?" he asked.
Mime Jr.'s head suddenly moved, picking up about an inch. Its eyes moved from side to side as it curled its hands around like a claw. "Mime mime... Mime mime..." it called in a low tone.
"Crustle... Crustle..." the pokemon next to it called in return, crawling from side-to-side as Mime Jr. mimicked the movements along with Crustle's nonplused calls.
James sighed in relief as he noted what was going on. "Mime Jr." He reached out his arms.
"Mime mime!" Mime Jr called in return, holding out its arms just the same.
"You're okay!" James said, hugging the pokemon that bounced in his hug for the tearful reunion.
Jessie relaxed, happy to see her friend able to find his precious pokemon. "I knew you wouldn't be far," she said to Mime Jr. with a shrug. "Are you ready to get back to work, then?"
"Mime mime!"
As Jessie saw the pokemon's determined expression, she realized it resembled her own and chuckled. As she closed her eyes and tossed her head, she felt the pressure on her hand. Looking, she saw James had taken her own, carrying Mime Jr. with one hand while linking to her with another. Jessie relaxed and sighed, squeezing his hand back. They stared out at the pokemon. Since neither Meowth nor other humans were around, Jessie wondered if this was the time to talk.
James was the one to take the initiative. "Jessie, I..." He paused, eyes flitting away. Jessie blinked and faced him, her heart suddenly racing at the sign of his awkward interest. She nodded, encouraging him to continue. He squeezed her hand again and did. "I... Well, I wonder if the boss will really allow us to have this many pokemon for the next mission we're in."
Jessie could have faltered, but of course, this was important to James along with her. She didn't want to leave Wobbuffet, Seviper, and Yanmega behind again, though maybe that would be required. "Well, you left this one here for some reason last time," she pointed out.
"Oh, right." James sheepishly looked down at Mime Jr., who looked just as sheepishly back up at him. "I didn't want it to have to deal with those frightening honedge."
"And now you brought one of those scary things back," Jessie pointed out.
"Mime mime?" Mime Jr. tilted its head in question.
James placed Mime Jr. back on the ground. "I did," he confirmed, then taking out a pokeball. "And it wants to stay in the team. Would you like to meet Honedge, Mime Jr.?"
"Mime mime!" Mime Jr. called, holding out its hand in imitation of James.
"Alright then! Go, Honedge!"
James's creepy pokemon called out in various metallic clinks as it appeared. Mime Jr. stood up straighter and narrowed its eyes, apparently on alert. Who wouldn't be? On top of now having a weapon-like ghost type in front of it, Mime Jr.'s dual types were dually weak to Honedge's own. What might happen here?
Honedge called out, rising and falling from its floating position. Mime Jr. hopped up in return while grinning. "Mime mime!" it called in a happy tone. The two pokemon then seemed to begin a conversation of sorts.
Jessie realized how tense she'd been as she breathed a sigh of relief. She was still holding James's hand. "They're so cute, aren't they?" James cooed over the pokemon.
Were they? Mime Jr. certainly could be thought of as a traditionally 'cute' pokemon, but Honedge... The vague resemblance its features had to a face more fell into the realm of 'uncanny'. Maybe it was cute that James's actually cute pokemon could tolerate it?
Honedge suddenly flipped around, facing upward. Jessie started to duck before noting James not doing the same. Mime Jr. put its hand by Honedge's hilt, and Honedge swung itself around as if imitating a real sword. "Mime mime!" Mime Jr. called in glee as they played. A few of the nearby pokemon opened their eyes, watching with a contented expression.
"Look, Jessie. They're fast friends. Isn't that wonderful?" James beamed toward her, and Jessie certainly had to smile in return. She realized she'd become hand-in-hand again with James without either of them really thinking about it much. Finally, were they gaining back the closeness that had seemed to fade while they were in Unova? And then before they went to Kalos and-
"Mime mime mime!" Mime Jr. called in quick succession, grinning as it moved with perfect timing with James's other pokemon, before Honedge swiped forward, only barely missing hitting the poor crustle.
"Crustle..." Crustle muttered. It stepped from side-to-side before stopping and pinching its claws furiously. "Crustle!" As Crustle called out loudly, other pokemon started to open their eyes.
"Uhh... You've got Mime Jr. so maybe it's time we get lost," Jessie said.
"Right," James agreed. He held out two pokeballs, recalling both his pokemon at once. He and Jessie hustled back through the entrance to the pokemon care area, jumping over and around a barrier just as the place began to get loud with pokemon calls.
They caught their breath a little ways away, sitting down leaning against the wall in a more secluded space. Jessie noted James grinning as he looked at his two pokeballs. She placed her hand on his and he glanced from her to the pokeballs and back again, laughing awkwardly. "Well... I'm sure the boss won't mind if I keep Mime Jr. for just a bit."
"We already had permission to get our pokemon back from before, remember?" Jessie said.
James nodded. He looked back up at Jessie, the two of them locking their gazes. Jessie found herself getting that hint of excitement again, loving to be in his spotlight. She'd had many of these kinds of moments with James since they returned, hadn't she? They were back to normal. And much more, really. Jessie again ran her hand up his arm, taking in his positive regard as his hand moved to her shoulder. The same as earlier, a buzz reverberated through her, a mix of happiness and relaxation, maybe outright relief now that they were back at their home base of sorts. Unsure what they might do now, she leaned forward.
"I see them! Right there!"
Jessie shuddered in a brief start as she and James looked toward where Meowth walked next to a familiar woman in glasses. "Agent Jessie and Agent James, I had news you'd returned yesterday," she addressed them with a serious demeanor.
"I went to let Miss Matori know we're back. She was already looking for us," Meowth said.
The name jogged a memory. Giovanni's secretary, of course. Matori had mostly been seen on a screen when they'd been in Unova. But of course, she was an organizer trusted by their boss. "That's correct, ma'am." Jessie said.
Matori nodded, turning to James, who held out his pokeballs sheepishly before fumbling them away. James then stood tall, expression hardening. "We finished the assigned mission in Kalos," he said.
"Right," Matori said, her expression still not changing. "I received your report prior to your return and forwarded it to our leader. He'll want to see you at nine AM for a meeting. I believe he may have a new mission for you."
When was that? Jessie tried not to make it obvious she was looking for a clock. They could surely tell time, but it was going to take a while to get used to watching the clock and going to appointments again. Being on the road and doing many things in their own time was much more fun.
"Understood," James answered. Matori nodded to acknowledge them before going on her way. Jessie sighed. Just like in Unova, she and James had to break apart from their close moments for the sake of 'professionalism'. It was practical and appropriate and everything, but Jessie couldn't help but wish they had a week vacation or something to recover from Kalos - among other things.
James didn't appear as exasperated as her. Instead he squealed in delight as Matori left, returning to that relaxed state. "The boss must still be impressed with us if he wants us on a new mission," he said.
"We're still on the up and up, heading for that speedy success!" Meowth cheered in unison.
"Stands to reason. We are Team Rocket's elite and all," Jessie said, tossing her hair before she grinned back at her teammates. Turned out there was plenty of reason to celebrate in the moment - meanwhile, other things would have to wait.
*
Being up early, they were able to have some sort of breakfast before the meeting. They ended up getting caught up in bragging to another employee they knew, and before they knew it only had a few minutes left before the time. Jessie shouted as she noticed, making a scene as she stood up, rushing and dragging James and Meowth down the hall.
They slowed as they approached the boss's office door. Showing up out of breath may not be professional at all. Collecting themselves, Jessie, James, and Meowth slowed. They pulled themselves together by instinct to emanate their already elite status. A smirk appeared on Meowth's face as it walked forward with deliberate strides. James slicked back his hair, his expression flattening out. Jessie tossed her head, falling into their absolute confident formation. After opening the door, together, they walked into the office.
"Ahh!" the trio shouted in unison as the sight inside almost immediately broke their expert performance. On top of the boss's desk was the prize of all prizes, just sitting there casually sniffing a pen. Cassidy and Butch were next to the desk, standing at attention, indicating this wasn't just any pikachu, but the one they'd gone through so much trouble to capture, eventually succeeding when they'd been in Kalos. How could they have gotten so caught up in other things that they'd allow these two to walk away with it?! Jessie had the urge to rush over to Cassidy and snatch away Pikachu's pokeball with force if needed, but the boss's poignant, questioning look stopped her.
"We've arrived as ordered, boss!" Meowth was the first to speak up. Jessie and James fell in line behind their pokemon conspirator, straightening their backs to try and cover up for the previous transgression.
"Pika?" Pikachu looked down at Meowth, almost seeming to roll its eyes before it sat up itself, curiously peering at Giovanni before on the ground at his persian. Even wanting badly to express what a prize it was, the words didn't come, especially before Cassidy spoke up.
"Right. I've already begun my verbal report to the boss to supplement my written one. We've defeated the threat to Team Rocket. Boss, do you have any questions? Since these two were there, I'm sure they don't need anything repeated."
Giovanni blinked, turning his attention to Cassidy and seeming to dismiss anything from before. "No questions. Good job," he said. "Now, from here-"
"What about Pikachu!" Jessie couldn't hold back from the outburst. Not just Pikachu, but everyone looked toward her. The boss showed some subtle signs of annoyance, but went quiet, giving her an expectant gaze. Jessie just couldn't let it go. "We caught this powerful pikachu over in Kalos, and-"
"Right." Cassidy spoke calmly all while her eyes narrowed, briefly glancing back toward her rivals as she slowly and methodically put the report on the desk. "We did catch some pokemon in Kalos. Though I didn't verbally say so, it's in the report. That includes one of the honedge that James is now training and this pikachu that I'm now training. The honedge is lacking in skills, though I'm sure James as a competent trainer can change that. Meanwhile, the pikachu seems to be above average; it's an assert for me."
"Pika!" Pikachu smiled, lifting up its arms.
At Cassidy's explanation, Giovanni blinked, not seeming to find any of this of much note at all. Cassidy continued, "Would you give the two of us permission to continue to train these pokemon?"
"Yes, that's acceptable," Giovanni said with what seemed unsuitable nonchalance at the news of this major capture. But Cassidy had been the one to be able to tell the story, and therefore spin it how she wanted to gain the powerful pikachu for herself. It wasn't fair!
"Thank you, sir," Cassidy said, briefly smirking back toward Jessie.
"From here, I have a new assignment for you all," Giovanni continued before there could be any further protest. "From what I understand, you all were able to work well together, fill in what the other may have been missing..."
"Oh, no, that's not true, boss," Butch chimed in.
Jessie tensed up as the previously silent person spoke up. Surely, he'd been there the entire time, she'd even noted him upon entering. But somehow, hearing his voice called attention to his presence along with being a reminder of why she didn't want to see him. He briefly glanced at Jessie as he smirked. Jessie herself didn't react. Was James reacting? There was no nerve left to look and check.
Butch continued, smile widening as he closed his eyes and extended a hand dramatically. "Jessie and James are the perfect combination. Trust me, there's nothing missing between the two of them. If you grouped us up, we'd just get in the way. With everything they've got going on, neither needs to go crawling to anyone else for anything."
Jessie paled, speechless. Of course, someone saying something so their two groups weren't stuck together for another mission seemed necessary, but this person being the one to speak gave a different reaction. She didn't miss the additional disparaging layer of his surface-level complimentary words, but even if the boss weren't there, she wouldn't want to speak up and say anything about it.
"I see." The boss narrowed his eyes in thought, taking Butch's words at face value. "So then," Giovanni continued, looking toward the trio, "you all alone may be the best suited for this new mission."
Even if it was benefiting them, Jessie hardly felt reassured by this turn, especially as Cassidy chimed in again. "We're always ready to take on any challenge you assign to us, of course," she assured, "but apparently Professor Namba wanted us for something or another while we were gone. If we're needed for that, I suppose one would hope these two would be competent enough to handle things on their own."
Ugh. Now it was Cassidy's turn to indirectly snipe at them. Of course the boss wouldn't notice, and it would hardly be prudent for them to point it out. Jessie stayed quiet before the boss responded, "Of course. Jessie, James, Meowth."
"Yes, sir," they all said in unison as they were addressed.
"This next mission is yours." Giovanni looked toward the phone, which was blinking incessantly. "I have an important call. You can get the details from the secretary."
With that, they were effectively dismissed. "Yes sir, understood," they all said at once before filing out.
"Pikachu, let's go," Cassidy said.
"Pika." Pikachu jumped on Cassidy's shoulder. The two of them glanced toward each other. Cassidy petted Pikachu behind the ear as it called out happily.
Really? Just that easily, her rival completely owned their long sought after prize? Being given permission like that, there was no path to protest, especially with how preoccupied the boss seemed. As they all exited the office Jessie fumed at the sight of her rival with Pikachu, letting out a noise of frustration. Cassidy and Butch exchanged glances before looking back at her. "You have your orders, don't you?" Cassidy said. "There's no conversation we need to have right now."
Jessie folded her arms, almost rolling her eyes. Trying to avoid looking at Cassidy, she accidentally locked eyes with Butch. Feeling guilt for various reasons, she turned away. But since Cassidy wasn't just walking away, maybe she should take the opportunity to address things. "Even if it doesn't involve the boss, we have unfinished business!" Jessie said. "There's no way I'm walking away and leaving things like this."
"Oh?" Cassidy's tone was almost playful, but she narrowed her eyes toward Jessie sharply.
"Pika?" Pikachu frowned as it mirrored both Cassidy's tone and glare.
"I don't remember ever leaving anything unfinished with you," Butch said, smirking to himself.
"I certainly didn't," Cassidy followed, again petting Pikachu.
Jessie winced. "Well now-"
"Jessie." James interrupted the exchange with a tap on her shoulder. As she turned to him, he gave a weak smile before looking to the ground. "So now... Will you be spending the night with him?"
Jessie froze at the question, brought up right there in front of her rivals including the guy she'd had to have an awkward conversation with prior to leaving Kalos. Turning back to them, it seemed Butch didn't misunderstand, rather seemed just as aghast as Jessie at James's implication. With the two of them silent, Cassidy scrunched up her nose. "Are you really that dense, James? Those two aren't getting up and close and alone together again," she said, tossing up her head.
"Oh. I see." James blinked, silently considering Cassidy's words a moment. "So... It will be the three of you together then?"
Cassidy scowled, exchanging glances with Butch again. "Pikachu?" Pikachu called out as it curiously tilted its head.
Cassidy reached up and patted Pikachu's head, an incredulous expression on her face. "Let's go," she said before she and Butch turned and left. They whispered along the way, certainly speculating about the details of Jessie and James's relationship, barely hiding their laughter.
Jessie couldn't find it in her to respond right away, standing a few moments in silence as their rivals went down the hall before the entire weird, downright awkward conversation had sunk in. "James..." she began in a low voice, just at the tip of boiling over. "What... the hell... were you thinking, talking like that in front of those two?!"
By the end of the question she was shouting, and James had gone wide-eyed in apparently genuine surprise, as if not at all expecting that kind of reaction even with what he'd just said. "If you were going to do that, I'd just wanted to know," he said.
"Well I'm not! We're not! You'd have to be an idiot to think anything like that was going on!" Jessie shouted.
"Would he really, Jess?" Though it had been silent and stood aside for that exchange, Meowth spoke up now. "Cheaters usually cheat again, right?"
Jessie's face went red, stammering as she couldn't get anything out. Of course, Meowth's outrageous statement also had to be responded to.
"You don't have to say that." James was the one to speak instead of Jessie, and quite calmly at that. He forced a smile again, blinking before he continued, "She didn't do that."
"Come on, James! I didn't miss how you two started looking at each other more after Unova. And maybe I even got a peek at you doing other things," Meowth said. "And then she went and-"
"I'm not anyone that could be cheated on," James said.
Jessie's fury calmed, replaced by a coldness. There definitely were things that needed to be said. Even though James was with her - right in front of her with barely even a few inches between them, there seemed to be a chasm. She wanted to reach out right in that moment and erase it, dragging him far away from the cliff and fully into her embrace.
James reached out to her instead, taking her hand. "Jessie," he began, his tone steady and comforting. "I... Well...." James's face seemed to turn pink, his reaction unlike anything Jessie had seen from him before, especially when it came to her. "Well..." James continued, breaking through his stammering, "If you aren't spending the night with him, could you spend the night with me?" James managed to meet her eyes despite his obvious nervousness, a grin on his face. "Would you?"
Hearing his words with their gazes locked, Jessie suddenly felt a warmth overtake her. It felt different than any interaction they'd had before. At the same time, it wasn't really much different at all, was it? They had long been comfortable enough to touch and stay close to each other, often exchanging long, meaningful gazes. They'd also spent the night together many times, including just the previous. But this was different. James knew on the surface level at least, his suggestion wasn't something out of the ordinary for them, so it had to be the case that the question he was asking involved a different kind of 'together'. Finally, after things had been so blurry before, he was seeing her in a different light.
Jessie nodded, a grin on her face. She leaned forward, embracing James, him doing the same in unison. His loving action and casual request caused that happy reverberation from earlier to set in again. The warmth inside Jessie also spread, swirling around and washing through every part of her. Maybe there was a conversation that needed to be had, but things really weren't completely broken. They really could figure this out. Couldn't they?