Spark woke once more at about 4 am, shivering and moaning in pain. Noire administered one more dose of morphine and lay beside him, running her fingers through his hair until he quieted and fell back asleep. She didn't mean to fall asleep next to him again- she had already let this go too far. But feeling his warmth beside her and listening to him breathe had lulled her to sleep, and before she knew it, she was blinking awake as golden light peered through the shades on her window. She sat up, rubbing the grogginess from her eyes, and glanced back at Spark. Still sleeping. Thank god.
She slipped quietly out of bed, glancing at the clock on her bedside table. Almost noon?! FUCK! I don't think I've ever slept this late in my life. She watched Spark sleeping, and decided to just let him rest as long as he needed. His body needed to heal. There was no way they'd make it another day without Blanche or Willow realizing he was missing. That meant he needed to be rested enough to travel. He would most likely be leaving soon.
Noire swallowed the lump in her throat, and went about quietly making coffee. Normally she'd have been up hours ago, and would already be down at the training facilities with Amelie and her Pokemon. But it appeared Sabrina had ordered that she not be disturbed for the time being. She wondered what Amelie was up to. She picked up her phone and texted You awake? and hit send. She had just finished setting the coffee pot to brew when her phone dinged, and she jumped, covering the sound with her hand. She glanced back into the bedroom to find Spark still sleeping soundly. She lifted her phone and opened Amelie's reply. Duh it read. Smartass.
Spark's still sleeping. Want some coffee?
Duh.
Stop saying that.
She grinned and placed her phone on the counter, pouring herself a cup of black coffee. She heard her front door unlock (Amelie had always had a key), and Amelie slipped quietly into the kitchen. She wore a black tank top and a pair of black short-shorts with the word ROCKET on the butt in big red letters. Her hair was a mess of red and she wore no shoes, revealing hot pink painted toenails.
"Really?" Noire asked, one eyebrow raised.
"Shut up. I never get to sleep in. I was enjoying it," Amelie said as she scooped two heaping spoonfuls of sugar into her mug.
"You want some coffee with that?" Noire asked sarcastically, and Amelie flipped her off. They both giggled, and Noire held her finger up to her lips. For some reason, not being able to giggle loudly only made the urge to do so worse. Noire held her rib cage and covered her mouth as she tried not to laugh. Amelie mouthed "Shhhh," followed by her own silent laughter. Noire couldn't help but realize how pretty Amelie was when she laughed. The thought struck her that this whole ordeal had brought them closer. Maybe... maybe after this was all over they could be not just associates but... friends?
"If you think girly giggles won't wake me, you forget I live with Candela," came Spark's voice from the other room. Both girls erupted with laughter, and they could hear Spark laughing too. Noire carried her mug out into the bedroom, and her voice caught as she saw him perched up on his elbows, shirtless. This was the first time he wasn't covered in blood or curled up in agony, so she could actually appreciate what she saw. Of course his abdomen and wrists were still wrapped with bandages, but there was just enough of him exposed that it made her warm. His chest was not overly muscular, but lightly chiseled. And damn, did he have some arms. He'd probably have no problem holding me up WHOA WHAT THE FUCK STOP THAT.
She cleared her throat awkwardly and looked down at her coffee, trying to hide the redness in her cheeks. "You want some coffee?" she asked.
"Duh," he replied, followed by a snort from Amelie in the kitchen. Noire walked quickly into the kitchen and punched Amelie in the arm, earning her more giggles. "How do you like it?" Noire called out to Spark as she pulled another mug from the cabinet.
"Rough, girl-on-top."
Both girls froze and stared at each other.
"Oh you meant the coffee," he called, the devilish smile evident in his voice.
Oh. Arceus.
Noire felt her cheeks turning a ridiculously hot shade of red, and glanced over at Amelie, whose expression was wide-eyed but highly amused. Amelie poked Noire in the rib cage, to which Noire responded with an elbow to the boob. Amelie pretended to be holding something between her hands, and started pumping her hips, giving the invisible object, Noire understanding to be an imaginary ass, a spank. Fucking shit stop that I don't need this from you too!
Spark cleared his throat in the doorway, and Noire jumped, spinning around to face him and shoving Amelie up against the cabinetry. Oh god what did he see?! Amelie seemed endlessly amused by Noire's look of sheer panic.
"Um, Amelie, weren't you just going to sit down at the table," Noire snarled. "Yep," Amelie replied, pursing her lips together to keep from laughing. She stuck her nose in her mug and scuttled past Spark. He watched her go, his eyes lingering on the Rocket booty shorts for a little longer than was probably proper.
Fuck, he needs to put a shirt on. Wait I ripped his shirt. Shit he's coming closer. Be cool.
"Thanks," he said, taking the mug from her and reaching around her to the coffee pot. He's so close. All that skin and muscles FUCK STOP.
"You okay to be up and moving around?" she asked, impressed with herself that she had managed to maneuver all the sexual innuendo without making an ass of herself. He leaned back, sipping his coffee and wincing as the hot liquid touched the split in his lip. He took in a tentative deep breath, wincing in pain. She straightened, ready to help in any way she could. "No I'm okay I think," he said, holding out a hand in front of her. He leaned back against the kitchen counter and went to rearrange his coffee mug in his hand. His hand jerked as his wrist spasmed, and he dropped the mug, the ceramic shattering when it hit the ground, spraying black coffee all over the floor. Noire paid no attention to the mess, as her attention went straight to his hand grasping his wrist. He whimpered and held his wrist against his chest. "Shit I'm sorry," he muttered. "It's okay, really. Are you okay?" she asked as Amelie appeared in the kitchen door, looking worried. Noire motioned to the roll of paper towels on the counter, and Amelie snatched them up, laying several down on the floor.
"Um, Noire," Amelie said, and Noire glanced down to see Amelie pointing at her ankle, which was bleeding. The shattered ceramic must've cut her. Funny she didn't feel it, she was so concerned for Spark.
"Oh man, I am so sorry," he said through gritted teeth as he held his spasming wrist.
"You should be. We may have to amputate my foot," Noire said, and he stopped, a grin spreading across his lips. She smiled at her own joke, before stepping forward and wrapping a hand around his arm. "Come on and sit down at the table. I'll have a look at your wrist. Bandages probably need to be changed."
She led him into the main room, which contained her couch, bed, and table. She helped him into a chair and sat across the table from him, offering her hands. He placed the offending wrist in her hand, and she looked over the bandages. The outer layer was still white, but she could see most of the layers underneath were stained red.
"Noire, aren't you going to do something about your ankle? You're bleeding on the carpet," he said as she began unwrapping his bandages. "That's Amelie's job," she said with another grin, hearing a whispered "Fuck" from the kitchen before Amelie appeared, kneeling and dabbing the blood away as Noire kept her focus on Spark.
She unraveled the gauze bandages, and the closer she got to his skin, the more he winced. She finally got to the bottom layer, which was stained a very dark red. He whimpered as she tugged the gauze, finding it stuck to the dried blood and clinging to the wound. "Come with me to the bathroom, let's rinse this with soap and water," she said and he nodded, gathering up the gauze and following her. She clicked on the light to her bathroom and immediately had a heart attack. A boy is seeing your bathroom and it's disgusting.
She stopped in the doorway, blocking him from coming in. "One second," she said hurriedly, kicking the door closed between her and Spark. There was lotion and hair products and hair brushes and ew hair. So much hair. She pulled her shower curtain to the side and swiped everything from the counter onto the floor of her shower with a loud crash. She pulled the shower curtain closed and looked back at the bathroom. Slightly less disgusting. Mission accomplished.
She opened the bathroom door to find Spark leaning against the door frame, an eyebrow raised and a smirk on his lips. "Wipe that smirk off your face before I slap it off." She meant for that sentiment to stay in her head, but it slipped out aloud.
"I like it when you talk dirty," he said, and her mouth hung open as he stepped around her, that maddening smirk still on his face. Everything I throw at him, he's throwing right back. Does he drive Blanche crazy like this?
She turned back and helped him hold his wrist under the warm water. His hand shook as her fingers worked at loosening the bandage from his frayed skin. She could tell it hurt like hell but he was trying to look tough. She pulled the gauze free and motioned to his other wrist, which he held out for her to unwrap. She went to take the bandage off his finger, but he pulled it away. "Hey Noire, check it out," he said, holding his bandaged finger up. Oh I get it. It's your middle finger and it's bandaged straight so it looks like you're flipping me off. Classic.
She stood flat-faced (as much as it took not to laugh), and crossed her arms. "You are a child."
"Oh, I'm so sorry I thought you knew," he said, feigning seriousness.
"Hey when you two are done flirting I could use some help out here," Amelie barked, and Noire froze. Spark looked up at her, his eyes suddenly very serious. She cleared her throat and went about unraveling the bandages. She felt the urge to cry.
"Don't be so jealous, Amelie. I'll get around to flirting with you, too," Spark said, and Noire grinned. His affinity for avoiding any serious situation was astounding. She looked up at him and his smile was so genuine she felt her heart drop. Oh god. I don't know if I can do this. Let him go...
She turned and placed her hands on the counter, trying to contain the emotional implosion that was building. Hold it in. Keep it in.
Spark took a step forward and placed a hand gently on the side of her neck, pulling her against his chest. He kissed her hair and whispered "It's okay."
He didn't let her process what had just happened. He simply cleared his throat and exited the bathroom, leaving a cold void where there had been warmth. Noire reached out and closed the bathroom door, turning and sitting on the lid of the toilet. She tore a few pieces of toilet paper from the roll and held them against her face as she tried to stave off the tears. Pull yourself together. Seriously. That's enough.
She steeled herself and tossed the few pieces of toilet paper in the trash. She took another deep breath, fetching her hair brush from the shower floor and brushing through her long silver locks. She snatched up two hair ties and put in her signature pigtails. There. Noire. Team Rocket. Me.
She stepped out of the bathroom with a vacant expression on her face. Spark's shoulders visibly sank when he saw her with her hair done properly. Like he knew she was back to being the old Noire. Amelie stood behind him, her arms clutching the coffee and blood-soaked paper towels. She mouthed I'm sorry. Noire nodded, and sat down at the table. "Let's get these wrapped back up. You should eat. I'll make food," she said, her voice flat. Amelie slumped away, throwing the towels in the trash and leaving the apartment quietly.
The silence that followed was deafening.
"Noire..." Spark started, and she knew he was going to address the flirting.
"Don't," she barked, her voice harsh. He watched her wrap his wrists and finger, and folded his hands in his lap quietly. She didn't let him say anything before she got up and retreated to the kitchen, fetching some eggs and bread from the fridge. She pulled out a frying pan and slipped two pieces of toast in the toaster. She was about to crack an egg on the pan when a hand wrapped around her upper arm and spun her around, slamming her back against the refrigerator. She didn't even have time to gasp before his lips were against hers. He stepped closer, his hands easing her arms up over her head and pinning her wrists above her as he pressed his body against her. Push him away. Slap him. Do something!
She moaned into his kiss, parting her lips so his tongue could dance with hers. She moved her leg between his and bent her knee, easing her leg up so her thigh rubbed against his crotch. He whined, his breath shaky as he sighed into her mouth. He pushed suddenly away, turning away from her and running his hands through his hair as he whispered "fuck." He was starting to shake. This time it wasn't from pain. She remained leaning against the fridge, terrified of what had just happened. She brought her hand down to wipe her mouth and fidgeted nervously. Shit. I felt like I was back to my old self for a split second and then he does that.
Spark let out a deep sigh, his body trembling. "You love her," Noire finally spoke. He sucked in a gasp, his hand instinctively reaching for his side. "Yeah," he whispered, and she could tell he was holding back tears.
"Yeah, I do. God I fucked up," he said, turning back to her, his blue eyes glistening. "I fucked up so bad. I shouldn't have done that. It's not fair to her. It's not fair to you god what am I doing..." he said, his breaths coming faster. He clutched his side and leaned back on the cabinet, slamming his head back against the wood, as if to punish himself. Noire stood frozen, only now realizing she was trembling too. She took a deep breath and smoothed her PJs where he had ruffled them. Put an end to this.
"Spark," she said as she stepped forward, taking his hand in hers. He looked down at her, still clearly upset. "It's okay. I know you love her. I'm sure she knows it too. You saw some things in me that reminded you of her, that's all. This would never work out anyway. It's... you. And it's me," she said, shaking her head. "We'd drive each other crazy if we spent any more time together. Trust me. I push everyone away eventually," she said, looking down at the ground. Spark stayed quiet for a moment. He pushed himself away from the cabinet, her hand still in his.
"Listen, Noire. I know you push everyone away. I saw firsthand the aftermath of when you did it to Blanche. And for the longest time I hated you for it," he said, and she winced. She wondered why he had used the past tense. Hated. Meaning he doesn't anymore. Why?
"But... you can't do that to everyone. Sooner or later, there's gonna be someone who sticks around, no matter how annoying and cold you get," he said, and she smiled, though it wasn't out of amusement as much as realization that Amelie already was that person.
"But right now... I have to go. I can't stay here," he said, and she got the distinct impression it was because he wanted to avoid doing something he'd regret. He dropped her hand and took her face between his hands. "Listen to me. Okay? I want you to hear this loud and clear because this may be my one chance to say it. It's not too late. Not yet. She loves you, and she misses you. If you are lost forever, it will break her. And I... I can't let that happen. I know you won't change anything right now. Rocket is all you've ever known. And truth be told, it fits you. The attitude. The style. But not the isolation. You need her, and she needs you. I want to see her happy, and I've tried to be that person to make her happy. God I've tried. But something tells me that won't ever truly happen until..." his voice trailed off. His bottom lip was quivering, and he couldn't finish his sentence. Until I return to her.
Noire sucked in a gasp, her chin quivering. "She's really lucky to have you," she said, tears streaming down her face.
Spark blinked tears away and pulled her into a hug, and they stood together in her kitchen, just holding each other. Noire wasn't sure what the hell had been going on the last 24 hours, how she had been acting, or even what was supposed to happen next. All she knew was she was really glad Spark was in her life, and Blanche's. He was so kind. So pure. He loved freely and cared endlessly. How could one person be filled with so much love?
Noire's attention was pulled away from Spark as she realized that Eevee had jumped up on the counter and snatched a piece of toast right out of the toaster. "You little rat!" she yelped, swiping after the nimble Pokemon as it jumped off the counter and took its piece of toast under the bed.
"You better not leave any crumbs under there!" she yelled, to which Eevee replied "Vee!"
Spark laughed, and turned his gaze back to Noire. His voice was quiet when he spoke. "Do you want to call Blanche or should I have Sabrina call Willow?"
Noire thought about it. I don't want to have to talk to Blanche, she thought. Don't be a coward.
"I'll call her," she said. "Just... sit down. I'll make us some breakfast. But first I... need to talk to Amelie," she said, walking briskly out of the apartment and knocking on Amelie's door. Amelie cracked the door open, clutching her Vulpix to her chest. Her one good eye was red as if she'd been crying. "Can I come in?" Noire asked, and Amelie nodded, opening the door and turning, sniffing once. "Noire I'm sorry about what I said," she blurted, and Noire kept her gaze focused elsewhere and her back to Amelie. She wasn't sure she could meet her eyes right now.
"I know it was really bad timing. Whatever's... going on between you and Spark..." she stuttered, before Noire turned abruptly and pulled her into a hug, smooshing her Vulpix between them. The Pokemon squirmed and pushed out of Amelie's grasp, placing a paw angrily on Noire's cheek as it jumped down. Noire giggled and held on to Amelie tightly. "Nothing's going on. Just both of us being stupid," she mumbled, and she could feel Amelie frozen in place, confused about the hug. She knew what to say but couldn't spit it out.
"Thank you for being my friend," she finally whispered, and Amelie wrapped her arms around her, a gasp escaping her lips.
Noire stepped back, and pushed Amelie's hair behind her ear. "I'm making breakfast. Then he's leaving. Will you join us?" Amelie wiped a single tear from her cheek and nodded. Noire smiled at her, and together they walked back into Noire's apartment to find Spark feeding Eevee the other piece of toast.
"People food! Not Pokemon food!" Noire fussed, but not before Spark handed the remainder of the piece of toast for Eevee to bolt back under the bed with. Amelie giggled, and they both hustled around the kitchen making eggs, bacon, toast, and some more coffee. They sat around the table, eating happily and yelling at Spark as he threw bits of food to Eevee.
"Oh hey Amelie, you weren't here when I was talking to Sabrina," Noire said, knowing that she shouldn't gossip in front of Spark, but what the hell. Maybe it'd be fun. Amelie raised her eyebrows questioningly.
"She admitted... outright... that she and Willow were lovers," Noire said, and Spark spit out his coffee. He choked once on it and clutched his ribs. Noire instantly felt bad for not warning him. He seemed completely unfazed by the pain, however, as he shouted "What?!"
Noire grinned and nodded. Spark blinked and smiled as the information sank in. "All right! Get some, Professor!" he said, and Noire punched him in the arm. He winced, and she apologized, followed by giggles.
"How did that topic come up?" Amelie asked, and Noire stopped. Shit.
"You were thinking dirty thoughts around her again, weren't you," Amelie prodded, much to Spark's delight.
"AgainHow uh... how often do you think these things, Noire?" he asked suggestively. Noire covered her face with her hands with an exasperated "Uggghh."
Amelie and Spark shared a smile, before Amelie stood and collected the dishes. Spark planted Noire's phone on the table in front of her, and her smile faded.
"Call her," he said, and she glanced up at him. But that means you're leaving and this is over...
She sighed and nodded, picking up the phone and hitting the first speed dial. She listened to it ring.
And ring.
And ring.
She won't pick up.
"Noire?"
