Pokemon Fan Fiction / Pokemon Fan Fiction ❯ The Ruby Rose ❯ Part 1 ( Chapter 1 )

Thunder clapped. Cold rain pouring down upon the barren street called Squirtle Blvd. The street lights, strangely black on such a dark, foreboding night. Silence reigned throughout the City of Vermillion. Nary a sound but the rains patter against the cement. There were no lights shining through the windows of houses lining the street. No sign of life what so ever.

The silence broke as the sounds of footfalls echoed over the barren street. A young girl concealed in the shadows of the night. Her wavy, knee length red hair, soaked and sticking to her racking body. Mascara stained her cheeks. The rain mingling with her own tears of what seemed to be, fear. A shiver ran up her spine as she halted, gazing around her wildly as though someone was after her. Arms crossed over her chest, she continued down the road. The only sounds, that of the rain's patter, thunder clapping above, the occasional crack of lightning, and the sound of her own footsteps.

The plan had sounded flawless. She would act like a poor, helpless girl lost and seemingly looking for her lost Pokemon. Then, the girl crazy Brock would come to her aid, along with him, Ash, Misty and Pikachu. While they were distracted by her, her partners would nab Pikachu. However, it did not work out as planned. A thunderstorm had hit, and a bad one at that. She was now, truly looking for help. Someplace to get out of the rain. She assumed her partners had probably already done just that. She rolled her eyes, pulling her thin jacket of pink tighter around her thin shoulders.

She walked on silently, gaze directed toward the ground. Looking up, she saw a large shadow in the distance. Stopping in mid-step, she stared at it. Deciding that, no matter what facility it was, she would stop and ask for shelter. Nodding to herself, she started in that direction. Heading straight for her salvation from the storm.

She reached the front door of the building, squinting to read the sign beside the door. "Vermillion Pokemon Center. Welcome!" was what the sign read. Nodding she knocked on the front door. In no time at all, Nurse Joy was on the other side, unlocking the door to let her in. "Welcome to the Vermillion City Pokemon Center. Come in! Come in!" she said welcomingly, grabbing Jessie's hand and pulling her across the threshold.

The lights were all off, and a few candles and flashlights brought minimal light to the large room filled with trainers. To her dismay, Jessie did not see her partners, James and Meowth. Her gaze fell to the ground as she proceeded down the stairs to look for them before making any final decisions. Pulling her pink jacket tighter still about her shoulders she walked through the rows of trainers, sleeping or talking amongst their friends. Her clothes were soaked, and the air condition that would have normally been a luxury, was torture.

"Hello Ma'am." A familiar voice said from behind her. Turning around quickly she looked at Brock, the young Pokemon breeder that traveled with the Pikachu they wanted so badly. She smiled, remembering the reason she had been out in the first place. Allowing a shiver to rack her body in an obvious fashion. "H…hello…" she whispered, teeth chattering for dramatic effect. Brock took his jacket off and wrapped it about her shoulders. "There ya go. You looked cold. Thought I could help." He said, full fledged smile hopeful. She smiled weakly in return. "Thank you…" she said softly pulling it tightly about her for warmth.

He nodded. "Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?" he asked; blush shining on his cheeks as he gazed longingly at her. A crimson blush stained her cheeks as she giggled softly. "Actually….no…" she whispered, pulling the jacket up a bit to cover her mouth as she giggled. `Eww…., she thought to herself, I would never act like this on normal circumstances. It's disgusting….' She let the jacket fall back into place, the smile still tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Unbelievable! I can't believe that! You're so beautiful! And your smile…..wow…" he said exasperatedly.

Just then, Misty and Ash appeared behind Brock. Misty, locking tightly to Brock's ear and pulling him away from her with a quick apology. Ash smiling at her and shaking his head. "Sorry `bout that Ma'am. He doesn't know what he's…." he was cut off by her quick retort. "It's ok. He's very kind." Ash gaped at her, Misty stopping to look between Brock and the older girl. "Whoa, whoa….what did you say? You're not offended by him? That's a first." She said, shaking her head in disbelief. Brock smiled, almost disbelieving her words himself. He punched the air with a fist, shouting happily that he had finally scored with a beautiful girl.

At that, Jessie scowled and shook her head. "Uh…right…" she said quickly, turning and walking to an empty seat and sitting down. `James…where are you?' she asked herself, searching the room with her azure eyes once more. Her gaze dropped to her feet as she stood up yet again, dropping Brocks jacket on the floor and running to the counter where Nurse Joy stood. "Did a man check in here earlier with a Meowth. He's about my height and has blue hair. Have you seen him?" she asked, worry lining her face as she awaited the answer, she feared she already knew would come. Nurse Joy shook her head. "No I'm sorry. No one fitting your description has entered the Pokemon Center today." She said simply, seeing the worry in Jessie's eyes. "If I see him, I'll alert you right away. He's a dear friend I assume?" she queried, looking sympathetically at Jessie. She nodded weakly in reply, turning away and walking slowly back down the stairs.

Taking a seat closer to the window, she stared out into the pouring rain, wishing that he would come walking through those front doors and come sit next to her safe and sound. Asking her if she was ok. And trying to make light of the situation like he always did. She sighed, resting her head upon her hand and staring unblinking, into the rain and darkness that was just beyond the window. "Please be ok…." She whispered to herself. Hoping, praying that that wish would come true.

Misty and Brock walked over to her, having seen the worry in her eyes. "What's up?" Brock asked, sitting down on the chair next to hers. Misty sat down on the other side of Jessie and looked out the window in the direction Jessie was staring. "They're out there…." Whispered Jessie, her shoulders drooping noticeably beneath her crimson mane of hair. Brock put a hand on her should in an attempt to comfort her. "Who?" he asked softly, tilting his head questioningly. "A friend of yours?" asked Misty, searching Jessie's face. The older girl seemed so familiar and yet…..at the same time…. different.

Jessie simply nodded. "Yes…..a very dear friend." She said softly. Brock sighed. "Well, I'm sure they found shelter. Your friends." He offered, trying to bring some light to the gloom. She shrugged, hoping his words were true. However, somewhere, deep inside, she knew it was not. Getting to her feet, she ran for the front doors. Throwing them wide open she ran out into the storm. Her once damp clothes now soaked again.

She ran down the street she had come down earlier. Mud from the puddles beneath her feet splashing up on her jeans as she ran. "JAMES! MEOWTH! WHERE ARE YOU?!?" she screamed into the rain, gasping for breath as she squinted her eyes, searching the darkness for them. She began running again, shouting out their names as she ran. As she began to slow, near some trees, her foot slipped and she fell to the muddy ground with a thud. The mud discoloring the pink of her sweater, the white of her shirt, and the still clean parts of her blue jeans. "James….:" she whispered, gasping for breath as she struggled to regain her footing.

She collapsed into the mud, her strength dwindling to nearly nothing after her long runs and all the time spent in the rain. Laying her head down she attempted to regain her breath, having failed to get to her feet. She lay there, sopping wet and crying, hoping that a worse fate had not befallen her James. She stopped. Had she just called him that? Her James…..Her eyes widened as she thought about it. I love him….it hit her hard. Somewhere in the depths of her heart, she had loved him for so long. Never thinking of him as more than a friend to her until now. Now when the worry brought forth the feeling and the knowledge of what that feeling truly was. "James…:" she whispered once more before she lapsed into a state of unconsciousness.

~*~*~*~

From somewhere far off James heard his name being called. He looked down at his companion. "Did you hear that Meowth?" he asked in his deep silken tones. Meowth nodded. "Yeah…I did. What do ya tink it was?" he asked, looking out into the storm from their hiding spot beneath the trees. James squinted, gazing out into the rain. "I don't….." he stopped, running swiftly from beneath the trees as the realization of who that voice belonged to fully hit him. "Jessie…." He whispered, running as quickly as he could in the direction of her voice.

Meowth gaped at him. "What? Did yas lose ya mind?" he yelled after him. Sighing as he followed his friend out into the storm. He stopped, cat eyes searching for the form of his friend. "James! Where'd ya go?" he shouted, shaking his head and continuing to run in the general direction he thought the voice had come from.

James heart thundered in his chest. Had she been out here the whole time? Looking for them? He shook his head. The thought of her cold and hurt plaguing him as he ran towards her. In the distance he saw a figure lying on the ground. Immediately, he knew who it was. Running to her, he dropped to his knees. Gently, he moved her head into his lap, brushing the wet hair from her muddy face. "Jessie…." He whispered, leaning down to see if a reply would come.

Hearing none, he picked her up in his arms. Cradling her broken body as close to him as he could. He rested his forehead against hers, rocking her body slowly back and forth in his arms. "I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner." He whispered into her ear, placing his ear against her chest to listen for a heartbeat. Relief swept over him as the faint sound of her heart reached his ears. A small smile of both happiness and fear creased his face, tugging at the corners of his mouth. He held her tightly and turned to see Meowth behind him. "She's alive, but we have to find the Pokemon Center. Quickly!" he said urgently, heading in the direction of the facility.

Meowth could barely believe what he had seen. Jessie lying limp in James' arms. He had looked on in disbelief as James and cradled her, and touched her forehead so lovingly with his own. The thought of Jessie and James as a couple having never pierced his psyche. Gasping to come back from his thoughts, he followed James quickly. The memory of the two, never leaving his thoughts as they headed toward the Pokemon Center.

~*~*~*~

Brock, Misty, Ash, and Nurse Joy, now all sat by the window all lights in the Pokemon Center having been extinguished. There they sat, staring out into the storm, hoping the young woman that had run out looking for her friend was ok. The storm was fierce. High winds, thunder, and lightning adding to their worry for the girl. They didn't even know her name. But she had seemed so nice. So there they sat, crossing their fingers in hope. Ash turned to Brock and Misty, worry lining his dirty face. "What do you think?" he asked, looking from the rain to his friends. Brock dropped his gaze and Misty shrugged, patting Brock on the shoulder. "I don't know. I hope she's ok. Whoever she went out there looking for must be more than a friend. She seemed so frantic to find them when she ran out the doors like that." Said Misty, looking back out into the horror of the storm.

Brock sighed. "She left my jacket too….I wish she had at least taken that. It would have kept her warmer than what she was wearing before." He said sadly, looking down at the ground once more. Misty hugged him, patting him on the back. "I know…its ok. I'm sure she'll be fine. Besides, you didn't really have a chance with her." Said Misty in an attempt to comfort him, and introduce him to reality at the same time. He pushed her off of him. "Hey! You don't know that! And how can you be sure she'll be fine in weather like that?!?" he yelled, throwing his arm out in the direction of the window for emphasis.

Misty shrugged. "I was just trying to make you feel better. I guess I don't really know that she'll be ok. All we can do is hope. But, I do know you didn't have a chance with her. That's obvious if you think about it. I mean….did you see the way she rushed out of here? Whoever that is must be more than a friend. Like I said earlier. I mean…if Ash was out there, I don't know that I would just go out there looking for him because he's my friend." She said, looking at Ash and then quickly out the window.

Ash, being his normal self however, did not catch the remark. Brock just shook his head in response. "Ah well….I can try can't I?" he said, more to himself than her. Nurse Joy looked at them. "Misty's right. All we can do is hope that she'll be ok. And she does have a point when she says he must be more than a friend. Earlier, the young woman rushed up to the front counter asking if I had seen him. She seemed to be quite upset when I told her I hadn't." she explained to the children, rolling her eyes as she looked at Brock. Who had been staring intently at Nurse Joy, tongue lolling from his mouth as he did so.

Misty looked up at her. "So it is a he then?" she queried, nodding as things started to become more clear. "I thought so." Nurse Joy nodded. "Yes, it was. And she said her Meowth was out there too…." She said looking out at the pouring rain. All three children nodded, not fully listening to what she just said. Had they been they would have realized exactly who the young woman they had been talking to had been. Brock nodded as though thinking something over carefully. Misty turned to look at him. "What is it Brock?" she asked. Brock sighed, looking over at her. "She was one of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen." He said simply, nodding as though she should find this important.

Misty scowled at him. "That's what you say about every pretty girl you meet." She retorted, rolling her eyes disgustedly. Brock waved his hands in front of him. "No…you don't understand. I mean it this time." He said seriously. The scowl did not leave her face as she shook her head. "Whatever you say Brock." Ash didn't say anything toward the subject, but let on he agreed with Brock as a warm blush appeared on his cheeks. Misty's eyes widened as she looked at him. "Ash….why are you blushing?" she asked in disbelief.

Ash lowered his head, so his hat would hide his face. "What are you talking about?" he asked, looking away from her. Misty couldn't believe her eyes. "You think she's pretty to….don't you….." she whispered, mouth dropping open slightly. He nodded slightly in response and then attempted to change the subject. "Who do you think she went looking for?" Misty's fist slammed down upon his head at the question. "You moron! We've established that already!" she said steaming.

Ash rubbed his head and smiled stupidly. "Oh….right…" he said, laughing nervously as he did so. Misty rolled her eyes and looked back out the window. The large room was now silent. Trainers having gone to bed almost an hour ago, so they would be ready for the next day's battles. The only sounds were the storm outside, the snores of those sleeping, and the soft conversation by the window.

Pikachu looked at Brock and Misty from her perch on Ashes shoulder. "Pika Pikachu Pika Pika Chu Pikachu." Said Pikachu, using its arms to emphasize its meaning. They nodded as though they understood, then looked at each other and shrugged. "What did it say Ash?" asked Misty, tilting her head slightly. Ash thought it over then said, "I think Pikachu said that everything will be ok. And not to worry?" he asked, looking up at Pikachu questioningly. Pikachu nodded. "Pikaachu!" Pikachu replied. Ash smiled as though he had done something important and they all looked out into the storm once more.

~*~*~*~

Not to far from where he stood, James could see the outline of the Pokemon Center. "Thank god…" he whispered, looking down at his sweet Jessie. He had loved her since the moment he had met her. Always to afraid to admit his feelings, but never pushing them from his mind. He smiled down at her and proceeded toward the front doors of the Pokemon Center.

Upon reaching them, there were four familiar faces beyond the doors, awaiting his arrival. Running through the opening and out of the rain he stopped to gasp for breath, looking back at those who stared at him. "Help…." He gasped, motioning towards Jessie's limp body with his head. Meowth bounded over the threshold and shook himself. Looking up at those around them and deciding against revealing who they were just yet, by talking. As far as he knew, he was the only talking Meowth around. He sat down and uttered a, "Meowth meow meow Meowth."

Nurse Joy ushered James into a side room and pointed toward a bed. "Put her there." She said quickly, getting supplies out of the drawers on the far wall of the room. Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu followed them into the room, looking down at the dirty, wet young woman that lay on the bed. "Is she…." Misty asked carefully, looking down wide eyed. James shook his head. "No, she's still alive. But barely." He said softly, taking her hand in his own and giving it a light squeeze.

Nurse Joy walked over to the three children and quietly asked them to leave the room. Brock, Misty, and Ash nodded understandingly and walked from the room. The three sat down on one of the softer couches and waited to see what would come of it.

Nurse Joy turned to look at James and nodded to him. "We need to get those wet clothes off of her." Then taking a second look at James she smiled slightly and said, "You too." He blushed slightly and looked down at Jessie. "Are….are you asking me to do it?" he queried, a bright crimson blush glowing on his cheeks. She nodded absentmindedly, never turning to look at him as she walked from the room to find them some dry clothes.

James' eyes widened as he stared at Jessie. Extending a shaky hand, he gently lifted her head and upper body and removed her jacket, letting it fall to the floor next to him. His blush grew redder as he looked at her now. Her white shirt, although dirty, was now see through. With a gulp, he removed that too. Leaving only a bra to cover her upper body. He gently lay her back down on the bed looking at the next article of clothing. He inhaled a ragged breath as he looked down at her tattered jeans. He first removed her shoes and socks before moving to the next task. With a nod of reassurance for himself he began to unbutton her pants and slowly pulled them off.

All that remained were her light pink bra and underwear. He refused to take those off. Turning away he inhaled a few deep breaths to try and calm himself and awaited Nurse Joy's return. Hoping the blush that now covered his face, would be gone by then.

Nurse Joy re-entered the room, tilting her head as she saw James' blush. She smiled slightly and walked over to the bed on which Jessie lay. "You didn't completely undress her. Hmm…" she said softly, thinking it over in her head. Turning to him, she pointed toward the clothes she had brought for him. "Take those. The bathroom is right down the hall on your left." She said simply, waiting for him to leave before completely undressing Jessie and cleaning her up. Putting the dry clothes on her, she waited for James' return.

He walked through the double doors and into the room, admiring the new clothes. His old clothing had consisted of, a simple blue T-shirt and jeans. His shoes and socks now lay on top of the pile of clothing that he held in his hands. Looking over at the bed, he saw Jessie fully dressed and sighed with relief. "Put your wet clothes on the table. I'll wash them and get them back to you tomorrow. Could you please pick her up and follow me into her room?" asked Nurse Joy, looking at him hopefully.

James nodded and put his clothes down. Walking over to the bed, he bent down and gently cradled her in his arms once more. Her breathing was more steady now, he noticed, as was her heart rate. "Please…follow me…" said Nurse Joy, smiling at the two before leading him out into the hallway and to a room around the corner. James followed slowly, so he did not disturb Jessie. Stopping just outside the room he waited for Nurse Joy to open the door.

She opened it and held it for him as he carried Jessie into the room and lay her down on the bed softly. Nurse Joy smiled and left them alone, walking back into the main room and smiling at the waiting children. "She'll be just fine." Said Nurse Joy happily. They all relaxed noticeably and turned to each other with a sigh of relief. "I'm glad…" said Brock happily. Misty nodded in agreement. "That was a close one there." Added Ash.

~*~*~*~

Meowth quietly entered the room, and perched upon the table that rested by the window. Stretching out, he lay down upon it and curled himself into a ball. Closing his eyes he pretended to be asleep.

James stood beside the bed, holding one of Jessie's hands in his own hands. "Oh Jessie…." He whispered, "I'm so glad your going to be ok…." He looked quickly at Meowth to be sure he was asleep before bending over to kiss her lips softly. Lingering for a few seconds before he broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. "I love you….." he whispered, kissing her forehead before he stood and pulled a chair up to the bedside. Sitting down he lay his head on his arms that rested on the edge of the bed. Closing his eyes he slowly fell asleep.

Meowth who had watched the whole thing through one eye, sat up and gazed at the two in aw. "How did I not see dis comin?" he asked himself silently gazing at the pair. They were a cute couple. He had spent enough time with them to know they would be perfect for each other. Especially if either would just admit their feelings to the other…..when they were awake. He shook his head. A small smile spreading across his face as he lay back down, joining them in sleep.

~*~*~*~

The next morning, James awoke to Jessie's soft touch. She was playing with his hair as he slept. Sitting up with a yawn James smiled. "Good morning Jess." He said happy to see her awake. She smiled and touched his cheek lovingly. "Good morning. Uh…" she paused, looking down at her hands. "Did you ….bring me here?" she asked softly. James nodded. "Yeah, I did. Last night sometime…." Jessie smiled. "Wow…thank you…" she said, looking down at herself and realizing, that somewhere along the line, her clothes had been changed. A bright crimson blush dawned her cheeks as she slowly looked back up at him.

"And….uh….my clothes…." She stopped, gaze dropping as her hair fell over her face. A blush appeared on his face as well as he remembered the previous night's events. "Uh….yeah?" he asked slowly, knowing what came next and yet, afraid to answer. She smiled and shook her head. "Never mind." She said, inspecting her fingernails as though she could care less about the clothes. James sighed, relieved he didn't have to tell her what happened. "You went unconscious in the mud last night. Nurse Joy gave us both a change of clothes. And then I carried you in here as she instructed. How do you feel?" he asked, smiling up at her.

She was sitting up now, and she stopped inspecting her nails to look at him. Her James…. " A little achy, but other than that I'm fine." Her eyes widened as she remembered who was waiting for them in the lobby. "Ash, Misty, Brock, and that Pikachu are in the lobby. Are we gonna go for it?" she asked, smiling mischievously, and attempting to get to her feet.

James stood, helping her up. "I'm glad you feel better but, I don't think we should even go for it this time. There's always next time. Plus, your already hurt and we really don't need another shocking activity this week.." he said smiling at her. Jessie returned his smile, and when she was firmly on her feet, she still did not let go of James' hands. "I was so worried about you last night….." she whispered, looking into his emerald green eyes lovingly. He nodded, "And I you Jess." She laughed slightly, glad to hear his voice, and the nickname only he had permission to say. He looked back into her deep azure eyes. Pulling one hand away from hers, he reached out to touch her cheek. "I'm just glad your ok." He said softly. She leaned into his hand, smiling at the touch she had waited so long to feel. "Me too…." She replied softly.

His heart was thundering as he slowly leaned toward her, his other hand falling from hers to wrap about her waist as he pulled her closer. Her arms encircled his neck as she moved toward him as well. There lips meeting in a kiss that had been to long in coming. He slowly broke the kiss, leaning forward to whisper, "I love you…" in her ear. She smiled, "I love you too James…" she whispered in reply, pulling him toward her again. There lips met again, but this time the kiss was longer, becoming more involved as they held each other. Tongues massaging each other for what seemed like an hour. To the two, it felt as though time had stopped to let that kiss last forever. They broke once, gasping for air before pulling each other back into the intimate kiss that was long overdue. Tongues reveling in the feeling of each other inside each of their mouths. Lips caressing each other, never parting as the decision came to breathe through their noses.

The hand that rested around her waist, moved up her shirt to massage her back softly as she entwined her fingers in his silken blue hair. The hand that had once rested on her cheek, also wrapped around her waist and was holding her close. Meowth opened his eyes to a sight he had not quite expected. He blinked, making sure he was awake, and shook his head in disbelief. "Whoa...." he mouthed silently, closing his eyes so as not to disturb his friends.

They broke the kiss and just stared into each others eyes for a few minutes. "I've…wanted to…tell you that for so…long…" he gasped, running his fingers through her mane of crimson hair. She smiled, gasping for a complete breath as well. "Me…too…" she said softly, holding him close. She then lay her head down against his chest, and he stroked her hair, resting his own head on hers. After ten minutes had passed by in silence they shared one last swift kiss before Jessie announced they should go out and tell everyone that she was ok. James nodded, and looked over at Meowth. "Meowth?" he said softly, shaking his small feline friend.

Meowth opened his eyes and yawned, stretching before he sat up. "What?" he asked, looking back and forth between the two of them. Jessie looked at James, and he returned her gaze. "Lets go tell everyone she's ok." He said softly, taking Jessie's hand in his own and heading for the door. Meowth nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Alright." He said, jumping off the table and following them on all fours towards the main room.

~*~*~*~

Before entering the lobby, they exchanged a smile and dropped hands. James held the door as Jessie walked by, allowing Meowth to pass before letting it close once more. Ash, Misty, and Brock were sitting on one of the couches in the lobby. Each seat occupied by a trainer readying him or herself for the day's battles. Jessie, James, and Meowth descended the stairs and James sat down beside the three children in the only remaining seat, Jessie sitting on his lap. "Hello." She said softly, smiling slightly as she gripped one of James' hands in her own. James simply nodded at the three.

Brock smiled at them. "Hey! You look a lot better than you did last night. You were all pale, and muddy last night when he carried you in. It was after lights out here, so it was pretty late." Explained Brock. Misty nodded in agreement. "He's right. A hell of a lot better." Ash smiled at her, nodding. "Looks like ya'll got new clothes. Your other ones were soaked. Nurse Joy was washing them this morning for you." He explained, looking up at them. Jessie smiled. "Thank you." She said simply, looking at James, almost wishing that they had not left the room.

James nodded yet again. "Yes, thank you." He said quietly, playing with Jessie's hair as they talked. Misty nodded slowly thinking to herself. "Um…something we've been wondering….." she paused, then continued. "What are your names?" she finished, bracing herself for their answer. They looked so familiar, sounded…so familiar. And the Meowth….she shook her head and awaited the reply.

Jessie and James looked at each other. "Uh….." uttered James, looking to Jessie for help. Jessie looked back at him, racking her brain for an answer. "I'm Jessica and this is Jim." She said, hoping the children wouldn't see through her. The pair braced themselves, awaiting the reaction. Misty smiled and extended her hand. Jessie reached out and shook it, James simply nodding. Brock smiled. "I'm Brock. That's Misty, and that's Ash." He said, nodding to each in turn as he said their names. "It's very nice to meet you."

James smiled, "It's very nice to meet you too." He said, going along with Jessie's plan. However, the fact she had told them her name was Jessica was a miracle. She hated her whole name. He shrugged it off and resumed playing with her hair. Jessie smiled, and leaned into him, a small shiver running over her body as he played with her hair. She loved his touch, and how he always enjoyed playing with her hair and being near her. It made her feel loved. Something completely alien to her now. After her mother's death….she hadn't felt such love. Let alone something perhaps, even stronger.

Misty looked to Brock and Ash, giving them a look that said, `Let's leave them be.' Standing she nodded to them both before walking out the front doors of the Pokemon Center for a breath of air. Brock followed her outside, having understood the look. He stopped beside her, looking back inside at the pair on the couch. "I guess you were right after all. They seem so happy." He said softly. Misty looked at him sympathetically. "I'm sorry Brock. Someone will come along for you. I know it." She said quietly, hoping to reassure him in someway.

Ash took a moment longer to get Misty's meaning, but when he did he stood and walked outside with his friends. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked at the ground. Acting as though there was something of great interest by his feet. Misty looked over at him and smiled crookedly. "What's with you?" she asked, raising an eye brow. Ash simply shrugged. "Nothin…." He said, looking up at her, a fake smile plastered on his face. She narrowed her eyes, not quite believing him, but accepted the smile none the less.

Jessie stared out the window at the three children. "Wonder what got into them." She said softly, turning her head to look at James. "Hmm….I dunno." He said, looking out at the three, then back at Jessie. Meowth, still sitting silently at their feet nodded. "I tink dey were a little over whelmed by all da love in the room." He said simply, smiling crookedly up at them. Jessie scowled, "What are you talking about Meowth?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at the feline. "I mean, I see da way yous look at eachoder. I'm sure dey did too." He said, shrugging and jumping up on the couch beside them.

Jessie's cheeks grew hot as she listened to the words of her friend. "Wha…what?!?" she queried, not completely surprised by his words but, surprised at the same time. Had they really been that obvious? She sighed, "I guess we weren't hiding it to well huh?" she asked, looking back at James, happy to see she was not the only one blushing. Meowth shook his head emphatically. "Not at all." He said, stretching out on the couch beside them. Jessie stood up, and turned to look at James. "I think it's about time we went on our way." She said simply, gaze still averted toward the ground. James stood, touching her cheek lovingly with one hand. "If you think that's best." He said softly, putting his fingers beneath her chin and bringing her gaze to his.

She nodded, looking into his eyes adoringly as she did so. "Let's head back to Headquarters." She said, turning away and heading toward the front counter to collect their belongings from Nurse Joy so they could leave. James followed slowly, Meowth tagging along behind. When she reached the counter, Jessie rang the bell. "Nurse Joy?" she asked, quietly at first, then louder. "Nurse Joy?" James walked up behind her, searching the area behind the counter with his emerald gaze. "Hmm….wonder where she went…" he said questioningly.

Suddenly, Nurse Joy appeared from around the corner, smiling brightly at them. "How are you feeling today Ma'am?" Jessie smiled in return, "Just fine. Thank you. We're here to pick up our clothes, so we can be on our way." She explained to Nurse Joy, who listened intently, her smile beginning to fade. "Oh….very well. I'll….go get your things." She said quietly, turning and walking into some unseen room, emerging a few seconds later with their clothes in hand. "Good luck to you both." She said softly, nodding and forcing a small smile.

Jessie returned the smile, and took James' hand. "Let's go." She said, looking up at him. James nodded and they headed for the front doors. Outside, Misty, Brock, and Ash all turned to see them departing. "Leaving? Already?" asked Brock, looking at them sadly. James nodded. "Yes. I'm afraid that is the decision." Misty sighed, "Well that's too bad. I had hoped we would get to spend more time with you two." She paused, looking back and forth between Jessie and James. "Best of luck to both of you." She added softly, looking at the ground.

Ash smiled at them. "Yeah, what she said. See ya round." Misty glared at him, hitting him over the head with her fist. "You couldn't be a more sensitive guy Ash." She said disgustedly. Brock walked forward, extending his hand. Jessie looked down at it and extended her hand as well, shaking his. "I'm sorry to see you go. Hope to see you again sometime." Brock said softly, offering a smile. Jessie stepped forward, giving him a small hug. "Thank you for being so nice to me. I won't forget it." She said sweetly, giving him a half smile as she backed away.

Misty tilted her head slightly, still looking at them intently. "You know….you two seem so familiar. I thought I had met you somewhere before, but you are so much nicer than the people I was thinking of. I'm glad to have met you." She said, hugging Jessie lightly. James shook Brocks hand as the girls exchanged good byes. "Take good care of her." Said Brock seriously. James smiled and nodded. "I will. I promise." He stated, looking over at her, love in his eyes. Brock nodded in return and headed inside. Wrapping his arm around Misty's shaking shoulders, and taking her with him.

James turned to Jessie, sighing as he gazed at her. "Are you sure your ready to go back today?" he asked, wanting to be sure she was ready to make the journey. She nodded reassuringly, "Yes. I'm fine! Really…." She said softly. He reached out, pulling her into his embrace. She lay her head against his chest, breathing in his sweet scent as she did so. He lay his head atop of hers, holding her tightly. "You shouldn't push yourself so hard." He whispered into her ear. She sighed, pulling away slightly. "I'm fine. Besides, we really do need to start heading back. Our report is due in two days." His eyes widened as he stared down at her. "I had completely forgotten about that. But still, if your not ready to make the journey back yet, I'm sure the report could be a day or so late." He stated, worry for her well-being lining his face.

"James, I'm fine. Really, I am. Now can we please start heading back?" she pleaded, gazing up at him. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright, if that's really what you want Jess." He said quietly, turning in the direction that they were headed. Jessie smiled, "Thank you…" she said softly, slipping her hand into his and walking down the road with him at her side, and Meowth behind them, tagging along slowly.

From the window of the Pokemon Center, Brock, Misty, Ash, and Nurse Joy watched them go. "Wonder where their goin…." Said Ash questioningly. Misty shook her head as she watched them go, tears welling up in her eyes. "I dunno, but they are such a cute couple. Did you see the way they were looking at each other? Holding each other? It was so adorable." She said, voice fading as she spoke. Brock wrapped his arm around her shoulders, comforting her. "I hope everything goes well for them. Maybe one day, they'll get married." He said quietly, as he watched them fade into the distance. "Maybe…." Whispered Nurse Joy. "Maybe….."

~*~*~*~

They stopped late that night, having made it about half way to their destination. Jessie was on James' back when they stopped. They had ended up in the woods somewhere, a familiar scenario. Having stopped to pick up their uniforms from the hiding spot they had left them in, on their way out of town. James let Jessie slowly slide from his back to the ground. She smiled, "See, now we're almost half way there and everything is perfectly fine." He returned her smile weakly. "Yeah, at least we'll be sleeping in our bed again by tomorrow night." He said softly, plopping down on the lush, soft grass of the clearing.

Jessie looked around. They were surrounded by trees. A full moon loomed above their heads, along with a sky full of stars. "It's so beautiful….." she whispered, looking up at the sky. James followed her gaze, staring up at the stars now himself. "Yeah….I guess I kinda missed staring up at the night sky every night…." He stated quietly, laying back in the grass. Jessie lay down beside him, resting her head upon his chest, her left arm wrapped about his upper torso.

He wrapped his arms about her, holding her close. They lay there in silence, staring up at the night sky for quite sometime. Meowth emerged from the trees a few moments later, gasping for breath. "Yous coulda waited up fer me!" he exclaimed, collapsing next to them on the ground. James looked over at him, blinking a couple of times before responding. "Sorry Meowth. I guess I thought you were right behind me…." He said slowly, blushing slightly out of embarrassment. Jessie laughed slightly. "Sorry Meowth." She added, nuzzling closer to James. Meowth rolled his eyes, and curled into a tight ball. He was asleep within seconds.

James massaged Jessie's back with one hand as he stared up at the sky. "James? When we get home…" she paused. "Yeah?" he queried. "Can we stay there for a while?" she finished, looking over at him. He turned his head, staring at her quietly. "Sure…." He answered, smiling happily. "I'd love to." She returned the smile and lay her head back down. "Jess?" he asked, a few moments later. "Hmm?" she queried, looking up at him.

He smiled and leaned forward, catching her lips with his own in another intimate kiss. This one lasted but a couple minutes. Pulling away slightly, he smiled and kissed her lips tenderly once more. "I love you….so much…." He whispered, kissing her forehead before laying his own head back down against the ground. She smiled happily, burying her nose in his shirt. "I love you too…" she whispered in return, eyelids slowly beginning to droop.

"Go to sleep sweetie…" he whispered in her ear as she slipped into the realms of sleep. He kissed the top of her head softly before he closed his own eyes and quickly joined her.