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Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon or any of its characters but I sure love writing about them.
"My bottle caps!" James whined.
"Our night vision goggles!" Meowth exclaimed dejectedly.
"Oh will you two shut up!" Jesse said frustrated. They all should be more upset about the pokémon that the police took back. They had made a great heist at a pokémon fare and an even greater getaway: traveling far away from Cerulean City, into the forest, past another town and then, to make sure no one would be able to follow, they set up camp in the thick Viridian forest. They even deflated the balloon so no one would spot them and were waiting for a van to come pick them up. Who knew team twerp would be so determined to follow them.
"But look Jess," James said, "They're taking your make-up case and hair spray."
"Noooo-" Jesse exclaimed loudly before James had covered her mouth with his hand. The Pidgeys that were in the tree, fluttered away by the ominous echo.
"Did you hear that?" Misty asked.
"Hear what?" said Ash.
"That noise…it was almost like someone was screaming."
"You must be hearing things," Ash said unsuspectingly.
"Well I'm sure there must be something to it," Brock said, "If Team Rocket's campsite is here, they shouldn't be too far away."
Jesse struggled to get her mouth free, very peeved at herself for letting her vanity get the best of her. "Shsh!" James pleaded, "You don't want them to find us." She pushed is hand away.
"You don't have to tell me that!" she said doggedly. They continued to watch the police apprehend their belongings. They felt helpless.
"So what do we do now?" James asked.
"Oooohhh!" Jesse muttered very aggravated, "it's all your fault!" And she slapped him.
"Oww!" James cried.
"Hey look!" Meowth said grabbing their attention, "they're taking all our cool gadgets."
"Oh what cruel thing will they do next!" James said irately.
"Who cares about what cruel thing they're doing," Jesse said, "I'm more worried about what the Boss will do once he's found out that we've cost him equipment and a huge batch of pokémon."
"Do you know where they might have went?" Officer Jenny asked team twerp.
"Uh…no," Ash said.
"They could be anywhere," Brock added.
"Well we're going to find them this time," Officer Jenny said. "Since they aren't able to ride in their balloon, they'll be slow on foot." She then called a few officers to her side and pointing in various directions commanded that they split up in search of the notorious Jesse and James. They all nodded to her orders and the manhunt began.
"We gotta get out of here," Meowth said.
"Then let's high tail it!" Jesse added,
"But what about our rendezvous with the van that's supposed to come pick us up?" James asked.
"You wanna wait for it or get out of here while we can?" Jesse retorted. He shook his head negatively and followed after Meowth and her.
They traveled for about an hour. For a good thirty minutes they ran and then the rest of the time they walked. Now they treaded on tiredly in consummate silence, except for the occasional sounds of the wind as it rustled through leaves, or birds or the river, not too far from them.
"This is just great!" Jesse burst out furiously, which made James and Meowth start, as her voice cut through the serene sounds of nature. They could only wonder that during the whole time Jesse must have being boiling with anger and finally couldn't take it anymore.
"Are you alright?" James dared to ask, knowing he would not get a positive response. But he felt he ought to say something, hopefully something that would divert her anger (if he could be clever enough).
"No, I'm not!" she said slapping him. "How do you think I'd feel after your stupid plan failed? And those damned persistent brats? And after our campsite was discovered because you thought it was more fun to play with your pokémon in the lake? And then when they took our stuff, not to mention all the pokémon we stole? And now James…do you think I could be anymore happy?" She was on a tangent now and could not care about the repercussions of her speech.
"Of course not!" James said completely agitated by how much she was being unnecessarily mean. He had hoped to pacify her somewhat but she was too provoking when calling his plan stupid. "Is it a crime to be concerned? I'm sorry if I ever cared!"
"Oh really!" Jesse said, irritated he'd have the guts to give back just as much as she dished out, and how it hurt. "If it weren't for you we'd still have those pokémon, but as always your plans fail!"
"My plans? You shouldn't be the one to talk!" James said defensively, "Let me see…" added he in a mocking attempt to thoughtfulness, "when has your plans ever worked…NEVER! Cause you hardly make any plans. At least I come up with plans often as I do or we wouldn't have a thing to go by!"
"You idiot! I ought ta--"
"Come on youse guys--I know we're all very frustrated right now," Meowth interjected between them as he held up his cute little paws, "but we shouldn't be arguing when we have more important--"
"Shut up Meowth!" Jesse said peevishly, "When I need a thought from you, I'll beat it out!"
"Hey!" the cat pokémon said, too piqued to contain his annoyance as he furry swiped her across the face.
"Arrgh!" Jesse roared as she began to pummel the brazen feline. But when her frustration and fatigue got the best of her, she pushed him away and said: "oh I've had it with you two!" and walked away.
"I'm tired of youse as well," Meowth said heading off in the opposite direction.
"Hey! Wait you two," James called as he looked from Jesse to Meowth. They both looked away haughtily. "Guys! Meowth please!" But the cat pokémon dashed off into the thick underbrush. "Jesse wait! Please!" he exclaimed going after her.
"What the hell do you want?"
"We can't just split up, we're a team."
"Some team! Always losing!"
"Even though," James said pleadingly as he grabbed Jesse's wrist, "we need each other…especially since we don't have our stuff--if we get lost in this forest, at least we won't be alone."
"Oh please James!" Jesse said releasing herself from his grip, "all you care about is yourself! You're just worried that you'll get lost without me--I don't need you slowing me down with your incessant whining!"
"Jesse, you know that's not true," James said softly.
"Yes it is, so don't deny it!" The Boss is going to be so angry!
"You don't mean that."
"Yes I do!" she said too angry to think straight. "You're always slowing this team down and I've always got to carry the slack cause of your laziness and silly complaints!"
James stared at her in disbelief. "Why…why are you being like this?"
She turned away, unable to bear his tearful eyes. She was too frustrated…mainly at herself. And her anger was like poison running through her veins and coming out in the most caustic way. If only he could just leave her alone so she could let it all out without hurting anyone. She glanced at him for a second. Her pride wouldn't let her feel guilty; it denied her the sensibility she ought to have when she's hurt him. "Just go away!"
"But Jesse…"
"Oh James! Can't you see I'm angry! Gosh! You make me so sick!"
That was like a dagger to the heart. And he felt himself stumble at the cruel blow. "Why? W-" he uttered, having difficulty letting the words out as he was trying to suppress the urge to cry. "Why do you say the meanest things? You don't have to be so callous!"
She turned up her noise haughtily, not willing to acknowledge her fault.
He began to grow angry to her insensitivity. However, his anger was not just for the horrible things she said but also for all the times she's been so mean and abusive to him. "I thought we were supposed to be best friends! Who knew being your friend would be so painful! If you really don't like me around then why don't you just ask the Boss for another partner!" That smart; Jesse stared at him, not imagining it had come this far. "Or else stop saying horrible things to me!"
Anger mixed with sorrow was shown on his visage and she felt guilt fly through the doors of her heart. "James I--"
"Do you think I can take this? I'm only human and I have a heart just like you and I feel! I'm so pissed off at myself for letting my guard down and that the plan failed. But it was a team effort and we all screwed up! You don't have to treat me as though I'm the worst!"
"James…I…I'm so sorry," she said falling to her knees as she planted her fist between them in a pensive position. "I didn't mean it…I just don't know…I don't know how else…"
James stood abstinently, far too pissed off to be swayed into sympathy. "It's about time…you ought to be." He was about to turn away but the slight was too much for her to bear. She jolted up and smacked him. "Bastard!" How dare he not accept my apology when I break down and expose myself like this.
James clutched his cheek and looked back at her. Big tears swelled in his eyes as he cringed and fell to the ground.
"James, I…I…" she stammered, instantly regretting her actions. She bent down and held him as he cried in her arms.
"Why Jesse? Why?"
"Cause I'm a wretched fool," Jesse said, feeling very angry with herself. "Because I'm a bitch and you're too good to be with a friend like me."
James cried more, more than he wanted to but he had no strength to suck all the pain up. Jesse rocked him back and forth attempting to pacify him.
A while passed by and he grew calm.
"It seems all we do is," said he in a soft voice, "hurt each other and it's so unfair. We're all each other has got. We shouldn't do this."
"You're right James," Jesse uttered with some difficulty.
He looked up at her; curious as to why her voice seemed strep. He was surprised to see her with watery eyes. All he could think about was how he could take away her pain. He reached out to her cheek and gently caressed it, wiping away the tears. They looked into each other's eyes, both entranced by how beautiful the other's are. It would have lasted long but Jesse got up.
"I'm sorry," she said turning away. She felt ever so horrible that she didn't believe she deserved the comfort of his sympathy.
He only wondered why she acted thus. When they were looking into each other's eyes, there was something in her gaze that he never believed he saw before. Something so deep, so revealing that he imagined their relationship meant more than just a simple friendship.
James stood up and put his hand on her shoulder, hoping she'd turn around. "Jesse, I beg you to forgive me."
"James, you have no need to ask for my forgiveness when you really haven't done anything. I'm the one who's been such a pain."
James knew he couldn't argue with her on this so he said softly: "Well…I will forgive you if…if you grace me with that beautiful face of yours."
Jesse looked at him surprised that he'd only use this as a prerequisite for forgiveness. He smiled at her fixatedly. She blushed and looked down, her guilt and vanity both mingling emotions in her heart; and yet…something more. He pouted with disapproval as he tipped her chin up.
"Such a blush," he said gently.
Jesse then became very aware of how close she was to him. It never mattered before. But now somehow it was scary, more so because of the way he looked at her…it was too intense. She felt shy, something she hasn't felt in a long while. She buried her face in his shoulder and he wrapped her arms around her. It was easier not to look at him, for he was making her feel very weak inside, very vulnerable.
They held each other for a time, finding comfort in each other, knowing that the storm was over.
When they slightly released, her hand at his sides, he ran his fingers through her hair (her hair spray had all but run out). She looked up at him, finding strength in their friendship and knowing he really cared for her. He cupped her face and leaned in for a kiss. Softly and slowly their lips met, and parted. The kiss became passionate as their tongues played with each other. Their lips gradually detach and with eyes open, they gazed solitarily at each other in satisfaction, but then in surprise at what was happening between them.
"There they are!"
Jesse looked passed James as he turned around. Officer Jenny and a few policemen promptly ran in their direction with their trusty Growlithes by their side.
"Guess we're not out of the woods yet," James quipped.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him along as she bolted off.
"How the hell did they catch up to us?" Jesse asked.
"I hope Meowth's okay."
"Knowing that pokémon, he's probably well on his way to the base."
They ran onward out of the thick part of the forest and into a narrow path. They stalled for a while to see where the best direction for them to head off to would be. A black van came ripping down the road, carrying dust clouds behind it. It swerved in front of them.
"It's about time!" Jesse exclaimed.
"I was looking all over for you guys," Mondo said, "I saw that your balloon was confiscated."
"No time to talk!" Jesse said getting in.
"Move aside," James commanded as he got in the driver's seat. The doors slammed shut. James pressed down on the gas. They sped away instantly, leaving the police officers blinded in a dust cloud.
Back at headquarters in Viridian City, they explained to the Boss that their plan had almost succeeded but their campsite was found out. They thought that they could get some sympathy from him because of the unfortunate circumstance not being their fault but the Boss was not one to be so kind.
They headed back to their room. Inside, Meowth laid comfortably on one of the beds.
"What did I tell you James," Jesse said with a smile as she looked at the cat pokémon.
"Only this pokémon could get back to base before we ever could," James said sitting down beside Meowth and petting him on the head.
"Meowth, where were youse two?" He was glad they were in a better mood than before.
"In the Boss's office getting our fair share of his anger," Jesse said.
"I'm glad I missed it--I tink I got enough abuse today."
"We've all had a rough day," James said, "and we can all use a rest."
"Well I'm starved," Meowth said, "I'll be down in da cafeteria."
"Can you bring us something to eat, too?" Jesse asked as she sat down by James.
"Sure," and with that the cat pokémon closed the door behind him.
James looked over at Jesse. He placed his hand over hers. She looked down as his hand and thought about the kiss they shared. It was a great kiss. Never was a kiss so desired. She remembered getting lost in it. She couldn't think of anything but him. She can't believe that feelings she has had for him for a long while since, though she's tried to ignore them, was shared by him, her best friend. She blushed uncontrollably. But he had gotten to her today, in such a way that she could not put on a façade, no matter how hard she tried, not that she wanted to.
James removed his hand and stood up, taking off his gloves and jacket. "I feel so icky from all that running."
Jesse wondered why he pulled away. Little did she know, he was beginning to get scared now that they were alone in their room. Never did it bother him till now. But she seemed so inviting and he wondered about their relationship. Have we gone to the next level? Is she expecting something?
She began to remove her boots just as he went into the bathroom. She laid down on the bed. "Why am I acting so silly? We're friends and we…friends?"
After they had taken turns taking showers, Jesse came out of the bathroom in boxer shorts and a short fitted tee. She loved her flat tummy and always took pride in showing it off. She plopped down on her bed with her comb. James, who was now wearing light blue pajama pants and a white undershirt, joined her. He took her comb and began to comb through her hair as he usually does.
"Well I guess Meowth isn't coming with our food."
"Guess he's too tired."
"Yea…"
"Your hair is so much more nicer like this," James said. With all the hair spray gone, it hung down naturally. "Cause I can easily get my fingers through it…see?" And he did so.
"You think so?"
"Yea…"
After combing through it, almost therapeutically, for Jesse began to feel so much more comfortable, James braided it into one long braid. "All done."
"Thanks," she said turning to him with a smile. They made eye contact, looking very happy at first and then with a longing. They were caught up in each other then felt awkward. Jesse was the first to smile again, but she did so uneasily.
"Well uh…" she uttered, "good night."
"Uh…good night," James repeated.
She looked at him unsure.
He could read her expression and felt he ought to say something or do something. But he couldn't really say anything, feeling too self-conscious for his own good. He then kissed her but briefly. Then he looked at her for a reaction. Her lips were so soft and so delicious to just steal one kiss. Before he could take the initiative to do it again, she did so, wrapping her arms around him. They fell back on the bed and kissed more avidly as they gripped each other tightly.
They stopped for a moment to take a breather. "James?"
"I love you," he said not being able to back any longer.
Jesse's lips parted with astonishment. He kissed her again, deeply and more lovingly than before. And as their lips released slowly and her eyes fluttered open, she said softly, "I love you too, James."
The door opened. Jesse and James looked up. Meowth was in the doorway with a box of pizza and a six-pack of soda. He stared at them for a good while and they blushed so hard.
"Am I interruptin' someting?"
The End
Any comments, please email me at flowiris@yahoo.com