Umbrella

James ran outside into the gloomy city, turning left and ignoring the few passersby. He went into the first alley he saw, though it was more like a dead-end gap between two houses, filled with trash and very dark. He blinked the tears out of his eyes as well as he could to check for any dangerous Pokémon before settling on the ground. The clattering of rain was so loud that nobody could hear his sobbing.

'Let me guess, that electric rat send you flying again?'

Butch' words were still ringing in his head. He had sounded so arrogant, trying to lecture him about what to do with his life. He had even dared to suggest that James should quit Team Rocket and find another job. For him to say that in front of their partners was one thing, but now he realized Butch was serious.

James belonged in Team Rocket! His teammates were his best friends and it gave him a purpose in life. Why didn't Butch understand that? Why did he still look down on him?

The level-B Rocket member shook with frustration, letting the rainfall soak and chill him. He heard boots splashing in the deserted mainstreet and tensed up immediately. He made himself as small as possible and listened as the splashing passed him by. He knew it was Butch, looking for him. James wouldn't go back to his team in the wrecked state he was in.

Suddenly something wet and hairy rubbed against his side and James yelped in surprise. Mightyena licked his face, but the young man gently pushed him away. It didn't take long for the footsteps to return and come into his dark pathway. The rain ceased to fall on his head but he still didn't look up. It seemed Butch had brought an umbrella.

"You're sitting in a puddle. Aren't you afraid you'll get sick?" James heard a gravelly voice ask.

"No."

"Well I am. Let's go back."

"No."

Butch sighed and walked around James, sitting down in front of him. He could hardly see his face, since there was no light coming from the dead-end side.

"What will make you come back?"

James sniffed angrily. "You made it clear what you think of me, Butch. You think I'm too stupid for Team Rocket. I'll just stay here in the trash where I belong." He turned his head away dramatically.

Butch shook his head and simpered. "I don't think you're stupid, doll. I just don't think you're cut out for Team Rocket."

James bit his lip self-consciously when he heard the nickname, but frowned nonetheless. "Well, you're wrong. I love Team Rocket and I won't quit."

Butch took James' gloved hand in his free one, feeling triumphant when the blue-haired boy looked at him with puppy eyes.

"If you say so. Let's go back inside, yeah?" He said in his sultriest voice.

James smirked and held onto Butch' hand. "Okay, on one condition."

Butch looked at him questioningly, watching as James took the umbrella and threw it behind him. James pointed and laughed when the older boy shuddered under the cold shower. In no time Butch was completely soaked. He smiled at his lover's simple mirth and ran his fingers through blue hair. James leaned into the touch.

"I bet you made this fuss just to get a corny kiss in the rain." Butch mumbled, after which he kissed James thoroughly, taking his breath away. A few minutes later, the younger man pulled back and grinned.

"That would've been slightly more romantic if I wasn't lying on a garbage bag."