Author's note: Oh hi, subscribers, be you to this story or just me. Though I wish I could keep cross-posting, I've moved to AO3 due to the many issues on this site, but wanted to be sure anyone interested was notified that there's now a fully completed sequel to this story up on AO3, titled Bonds of Freedom.
I'm VoyagerWisp there too, or go here:
archiveofourown,org/works/60055522 (replace comma)
A preview of it to stay within ffnet guidelines:
Jessie awoke curled up right next to James. The dorm they'd managed to claim at Team Rocket's HQ after arriving late at the day was small, a single twin bed with a chest of drawers smashed behind it and hardly any space between the furniture and the wall. Even so, it was heaven as compared to before. The creepy mission to the remote area in Kalos where they'd had to deal with the damn sword-like ghost types had been trying. The trip back had been long and uncomfortable with interrupted sleep. Therefore, as there was nothing demanded of them for once, they may as well keep sleeping.
James was certainly still soundly enjoying his rest. Jessie took the time to observe his relaxed face and feel the steady, resting rhythm of his breathing while still right up against him. She took his hand which had been right next to hers and ran her thumb across his index finger. He didn't stir, but his peaceful face seemed to morph into a subtle smile. Or could that have just been her imagination? Jessie gave a low, brief giggle as she continued to observe his face. Even though perhaps she ought to get up and start getting ready for the day, she decided to stay a moment longer. He really was still with her.
She'd honestly thought she might have lost him.
After all - what had happened in Kalos had been bad. James's hurt expression had burned into her mind. Just the thought of when he'd left her without a word after their decidedly final encounter with that giant can-opener still made her sick. But as much as she wanted to critique him for that, she'd hurt him worse, hadn't she? It didn't seem like he should have been affected at all, but he was - deeply so. She'd thought about why. Before they'd found James again, Meowth had said it should be "obvious", and maybe it really should have been. But with as unclear as everything had been there were still a lot of questions left in the air.
But was there really anything left to ask? James had said he loved her in various passionate declarations. Jessie at some point realized she'd never said as much to him, and offered it to him just before they'd come back. She'd been somewhat casual in her confession, but he'd still embraced her. Couldn't it just end there?
No. There really seemed to be a lot left unsaid. Even having tried to ignore that before, after a full sleep that fact rang out even clearer than before. Maybe what exactly needed to be broached couldn't really be grasped, but the need to address things could be felt.
Even so, wouldn't it be much more fun to just lay around and enjoy being with him? He was still asleep, so waking him up would make even the best of conversations less pleasant. Still laying right next to him, Jessie adjusted slightly, getting closer and enjoying his warmth. She cupped his hand, running her own down before reaching his slightly chilled fingertips, then gripped them to keep him cozy. His presence was enjoyed, even in this slumberous silence. He was such a treasure in this moment and many others... How could she ever have considered a life without him?
A thud sounded outside, one of the neighboring rooms slamming a door. James made a subtle sound without waking. There were reasons for those previous thoughts, certainly. Everything might be difficult to discuss but maybe when he woke up rested that might be the perfect time to say a few things. But what would happen from there? James's currently peaceful, handsome face might again be awash in anguish. But maybe not. They didn't need to say too much, anyway. Jessie could just... quickly clarify things? Or maybe ask him to.
The exact words to be said didn't come to mind as James stirred, the pace of his breathing increasing. Jessie lightly squeezed his hand and he slowly opened his eyes, observing the plain, slightly dirty walls lit only by the little light seeping in through the blinds before meeting Jessie's gaze again. Him even briefly acknowledging her in the silence with that contented, peaceful expression was enough to cause some kind of buzzing in her chest. Jessie gripped his hand tighter and leaned toward him.
"Jessie," James said quietly, increasing his own grip. He then moved his hand, breaking the link, but it was only to stroke the back of her head. He breathed a quiet sigh as they lay together.
Even just that brief moment of affection was valuable, especially after the previous suspicions that he might not want to have her back... Or even want her at all. "James..." Jessie began, pushing away those heavy feelings.
"Hm?" James's gaze shifted and their eyes again met.
"Ah-" Jessie's heart rate increased as they stared at each other. She couldn't quite pinpoint why - was it because she didn't just love but was in love with James? Or was it more anticipation for what she'd been thinking about talking about? Jessie inadvertently tensed, steeling herself to continue. "Maybe we should - I don't know, talk or something."
"About what?" a voice chimed in front behind Jessie. "I hope it's a tasty topic! Should somebody go pick up the coffee and donuts first?"
Jessie let out a sound of surprise. She turned around, seeing Meowth curled up on her hair that had spilled over the side of the bed and onto the floor. Jessie immediately lost both the lull she'd been in along with that apprehension and sat up, yanking all of her long hair up on the bed. Meowth cried out and flipped after the rug of sorts had been pulled out from under it. "What were you doing there?!" Jessie demanded. "Just because you're a cat doesn't mean you can eavesdrop!"
"Ahh..." Meowth moaned with exaggeration. "Where else was I supposed to be?"
"How about somewhere that's not on my hair!" Jessie demanded.
Meowth sat up, briefly licking its fur before glaring at Jessie. "It was so soft and nice. There's no room on that little bed for me-owth too, so..."
"And now I bet your mangy fur is all over my beautiful hair!" Jessie growled and glared at Meowth, who looked just as annoyed as her.
"You'd be lucky to get decorated with my fur!"
"You-" Jessie stopped as she suddenly noticed James stepping over Meowth and opened the drawer where he'd left his uniform the previous night. She smoothed her hair over and quieted, attention grabbed and other brief conflict forgotten. James put on his pants before pulling his overshirt over his head, looking at the mirror on the wall to check his appearance. Jessie blushed. When had they gotten so comfortable being in a state of undress around each other, anyway? It seemed like forever ago. James had become a constant along with being someone she could trust.
"James," Jessie began, standing up herself and accidentally bumping Meowth in the tiny space. She ignored the pokemon, reaching for her brush. "James, where are you off to so quickly?"
James was already maneuvering around Meowth who sat rubbing its charm. He turned back as he reached the door, stopping to get on his boots and gloves. "I wanted to take our pokemon in for care now that we're here. And then there's Mime Jr. It must have been lonely here without even the others for company." James met her gaze again and smiled before he left, apparently no thought to Jessie's previous request to talk.
End preview, go to AO3 to see all 10 chapters/43k!
