Love Lost and Love Found

Ship: Koko

Summary: Jessie's affair leaves James heartbroken. Little did he know he'd find comfort from an unlikely source.

For Naggin.

A/N: Just a heads up to all of the Jessie fans, you might want to skip this one.

Jessie and James's relationship was common knowledge among Team Rocket. Even those who barely knew them could tell they were made for each other. They were so close, it was practically guaranteed they would end up together.

For James, life was perfect. Sure, Jessie was domineering, but she could also be kind. Besides, the two of them were all the other had. Given the choice between her or Jessiebelle, James would happily choose her.

Today, James felt light as a feather as he walked down the halls of HQ. His and Jessie's anniversary was today, and he had bought a box of chocolates just for her. But as he neared her dorm room, he heard her talking with someone on the phone.

''Hey babe, how's the cafe?"

Babe? He wasn't in the room, and she hadn't spotted him yet. Worried but curious, James put his ear to the door.

"When are you going to quit Team Rocket like I did? I hate all of this sneaking around!"

Cassidy! It'd been a few years, but he'd recognize that voice anywhere. But what was Jessie doing talking to her?

"I know honey, but it'll all be worth it soon! James's folks are bound to croak soon, and then the fortune will be his! And once he meets an "accident", it'll be ours!"

"Oh, you evil mastermind! Such a pity, though, he's a nice guy. If I didn't know any better, I'd have thought you were actually in love with him."

Jessie scoffed, still unaware that James was listening in.

"In love with him? He's nice, sure, but a spineless coward! But he's rich, and I can put up with that for a little while."

James stumbled back in shock. This couldn't be true…could it?

"Well, don't keep me waiting too long!"

"I won't. Love you."

"I love you too."

That was it for James. Quickly, he turned around and fled, Jessie never learning he had heard it all.

James sulked on the side of the road, eating away at the chocolate he had purchased. Meowth, once he had been made aware of James's plight, sat by his side.

"I don't get it, Meowth. I thought Jessie and I were happy, but she was just using me!"

"Cheer up, James! There's plenty of Magikarp in the sea."

"Yes, and the minute I catch one she'll turn into a Gyarados and tear my face off!"

"Yeah, that does seem to be your pattern, doesn't it?"

James sighed, and continued to scratch Meowth's head.

"Well, at least I have you, old chum."

"James? Is that you?"

James looked up to see an old face staring back at him.

"Butch? What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing. I thought you were with Team Rocket?"

"It's a long story…"

"Come on, we can talk at my place."

Butch led him to his bakery, where James explained his whole story.

"Ouch," Butch sympathized. "I knew Cassidy was a bitch, but I thought Jessie had more tact than that."

"That makes two of us," James sighed. "I was so upset I quit Team Rocket then and there! Except…now I have no job, and no money…"

"Why don't you work here?" Butch offered.

"Are you sure? I mean, we never got along…''

"Ancient history, I'm happy to help you out! Besides, look at Meowth over there."

James glanced over to their Pokemon. Sure enough, Meowth was cuddled up with Butch's, both purring contently.

"Well, I guess it couldn't hurt."

Months went by, and James and Meowth soon fell into their new routine. He had to admit, it felt nice not being a criminal anymore, having to worry about getting caught by the police. And for two former enemies, he and Butch became fast friends.

"I can't believe we ever hated each other,'' James said as they drank coffee one morning.

''To be honest, I think it was mainly just Cassidy and Jessie going at it,'' Butch added. ''I didn't really think much of you either way, but like heck I was going to get on the wrong side of her!''

''Agreed," James laughed, but his smile soon dropped into a frown, something that didn't go unnoticed by his companion.

''Aw, sorry pal, I didn't mean to bring up old wounds.''

James just shrugged.

''It's alright, ignoring it won't make it go away.''

"You think you'll ever get back into the dating scene?''

James sighed.

''Honestly, I think I'm giving up on love. Every woman I meet either breaks my bones or breaks my heart, so what's the use?"

''Well…what if you dated a man?''

This got James's attention, and he shot up.

''Say that again!''

"Eh, forget it, it was just a thought."

"No, maybe that's it! Maybe women aren't for me, maybe I should try dating men.''

"Well…in that case, why not go on a date with me?"

James thought for a minute, before nodding.

"Sure, why not?"

That evening, they closed the bakery early and went out to a nice restaurant nearby. James had to admit, despite his initial reservations, he was having a good time. And deep in his gut, he couldn't help but feel a longing for something more…

"Butch?" He asked on their way home that night.

"Yeah."

"I had a good time tonight, and I was wondering if…maybe we could…do this more often?"

"You mean…become boyfriends?"

"...Yes. I had a great time, and I feel like maybe we could become something more…if you want to, that is."

Butch smiled, and kissed James on the lips.

"I'd like that."

Time passed, and their relationship grew. A few years later, they got married, and adopted a baby boy. Meowth and his mate were happy as well, and in time gave birth to a liter of Meowth kittens.

"Bye dad, bye Papa!"

"Goodbye, Jerry! Do you have your starter?"

Jerry smiled, and scooped up his Meowth that had been given to him.

"Right here! Meowth and I will conquer the Kanto region in no time!"

"Good luck, and remember to call!"

"I will! Meowth and I will make you proud!"

Butch chuckled.

"You already do."

With that, the two men watched their son head off into the world with a proud smile. For James, life was

perfect.