"Our man saw his future drip-dripping down the drain…" Jessie turned the volume down on her Google Home as the storm started. She would much rather listen to that right now than the Hamilton soundtrack for the millionth time. She was so glad she had gotten over her childhood fear of storms…she realized how peaceful they actually are when you are in a cozy cabin with a mug of your favorite tea. She moved from her desk, closing her laptop, towards her bay window seat: her most sacred and favorite place in the cabin. She adjusted the pillows leaning against the wall and curled up under a blanket, silently sipping her tea. It was an overcast morning until the storm clouds rolled in. Now it almost felt like nighttime again. Jessie reflected as she felt the nirvana take over her soul for a moment. This time away from work had been so rejuvenating for her. She spent time meditating, reading, and spending time with James and the Pokemon. They all had been bingeing Black Mirror on Netflix, cooking delicious meals, having lots of snacks, and doing chores around the cabin. As Jessie sipped her tea, she couldn't help the warm fuzzy feeling that welled up in her stomach as her thoughts danced back to the night before.
It felt like a dream, even though she knew full well its reality. Last night the Pokemon were all feeling quite needy, and all insisted on being out of their poke balls and on the couch with their humans. A pile of Jessie, James, Meowth, Wobbuffet, Chimeco, Seviper, and thankfully not Cacnea, was a bit of a tight squeeze. "Here…I know what we can do" James had said, playing real life Tetris with all of them. Eventually, they were all able to find a space on the couch. The space for Jessie, however, was quite up close and personal to James. "Sorry Jess um…I hope this isn't uncomfortable for you." James motioned to the space between his knees. There was just enough room for Jessie to squeeze her tiny frame in between his legs, her back to his chest. She felt her cheeks burning already…she was glad the lights had been turned off. "No no its fine James" she smiled as she got herself situated. In reality she wanted to squeal with glee at getting to sit so intimately close to him. He smelled so good and was so solid and muscular. He made her feel so tiny and safe. The two of them shared an awkward laugh as they tried to figure out where to put their arms. Jessie awkwardly placed hers in her lap as James clapped his hands on his knees. Jessie realized how sore her back was about to get from sitting up straight like this through the movie. "Umm…James? Would you be ok with…could I…umm…I…I don't want to hurt my back so could I lean back on you?" She finally spit out the words. James smiled his sweet smile and let out a breathy laugh. "Of course you can, Jess."
Jessie let out a sigh of relief and a nervous giggle as she leaned back and rested her upper body onto James. "Thanks…this is much better" she said as Meowth pushed play on the remote control. The movie began and the Rocket family was all settled in. Eventually, as they always do, the Pokemon began to fall asleep. One by one, their little bodies began to rise and fall in unison, deep in a peaceful sleep. Jessie and James quietly returned them to their poke balls…save for Meowth who had already wandered into his cat bed and was lightly snoring. The two of them returned their poke ball belts to the coffee table and resumed their sitting position.
James took a deep breath, nerves almost paralyzing him. "Jess…would it be ok if I put my arms here?" He asked as he brought his arms down to her waist and wrapped them around her like a shawl. Jessie took in a sharp intake of breath as James quickly moved his arms away. "No no…its fine!" Jessie reassured James as his anxiety began to spiral. Jessie turned so she could look him in the eyes. "Its just…I am not used to anyone touching me there. The last person who did…" she shook her head. "Hurt me deeply…but its ok for you to do it." She gave him a small smile and felt quite embarrassed. James felt such compassion for his friend as he pulled her close and gave her a squeeze as she settled back against him.
The movie played on as Jessie and James watched and remained cuddled up on the couch. When it was over, neither one of them made much effort to move. Jessie reached for the blanket that had sprawled to the floor and pulled it up over the two of them. James adjusted so that Jessie could lay back completely on his chest. As she did, she turned to the side so that they were lying chest to chest, but with her head on his. James felt his face burn. He hoped to god that his body wouldn't betray him with Jessie laying literally in the danger zone. He decided talking might help. "Jess, you never told me about that" he said as he began to regain his composure. "Who was it that hurt you?" Jessie sighed and brought her hand up to his chest. "It was my last serious relationship. I thought that he was going to make it big and we would live the high life. Instead, he ended up being an alcoholic who wouldn't take no for an answer." Her response made James's stomach drop…he sat up bringing her with him as he did. He suddenly lost all fear as he gently grabbed both sides of her face. "Jessie…were you assaulted?" Jessie couldn't help the single tear that escaped from her left eye. As it did, James began to silently cry himself.
"Jessie…" he whispered reverently as he pulled her into his lap and into a hug. Jessie wrapped her arms around his back as she buried her face in his shoulder. They remained this way for awhile, not speaking, but silently communicating in the way that only they could. Finally, James found his words. "Jessie I am so sorry. I didn't mean to bring up any past trauma. I will NEVER hurt you like that. I am so sorry…I just thought-" "James, James, please!" She exclaimed, placing both hands on his arms and looking him in the eye."Its not your fault. You don't need to apologize. You didn't do anything to me and I know you never will. I trust you with my life…I know you'll never hurt me." Jessie looked up at him lovingly as his face began to relax. "In fact…I really enjoyed tonight" Jessie smiled. "I felt very safe and protected knowing your arms were around me." She blushed at the cliche, but it was the truth. James felt his heart skip a beat. He smiled and held the side of her face gently. "I quite enjoyed this too" he smiled and averted his eyes as he blushed. "You think you know everything about the person you've spent most of your life running around with…and then she goes and surprises you again." They locked eyes for a moment and both looked away with an awkward laugh. "Well I guess we should be getting to bed" Jessie said nervously to break the silence. "Oh um…yeah its getting late" James replied, thankful that she spoke first. They crossed the living room to their separate bedrooms. Before entering, however, they both stopped and turned to one another. "Good night, Jessie…sweet dreams" James said melodically. Jessie felt like her knees were going to give out. She mustered enough control to return the "good night," before quickly entering her room, closing the door, and flying over and into her bed, heart and mind racing.