It wasn't that Jessie couldn't cook so much as she found the job tedious. That was why she let James do all of the cooking, whether they were on a mission or safely at the base. But desperate times called for desperate measures, and since she was starving and he wasn't awake, she was reduced to cooking for herself.

She moved as silently as she could, prepping the pan and ingredients before throwing the chicken in the pan, smiling as the sizzle reached her ears. It was lucky that Meowth was out with some female meowth, otherwise she'd never hear the end of it. She moved fluidly, her movements coming naturally as she added ingredients and spices. The tiny kitchen soon smelled of sauted chicken and various vegetables, giving the tiny shack they were currently camping in a homey smell.

So involved in her task was she that she didn't notice the small bedroom door creak open and a certain lavender haired man peek out.

James watched in awe as Jessie traipsed around the tiny kitchen, effortlessly throwing together a small meal. It smelled heavenly, and he couldn't stop his mouth from watering. He had no idea she could cook since she never offered to do so whenever it was meal time. She looked almost relaxed, standing by the stove and sliding their small pan across the burner.

Against his will, a vison of her several months pregnant and doing the same filled his mind. They were in their own little house, Meowth curled in a basket near her feet. He snuck up behind her, placing a kiss on her cheek and wrapping his arms around her extended waist. Instead of slapping him as he suspected she would do if he ever actually tried to kiss her, she leaned back into his embrace. The scene changed, this time she was curled against him on the couch in front of a roaring fire, her waist equally as slim as it was in reality.

Several more little daydreams passed through his mind, and he found he liked what they depicted. He sighed, forgetting he was supposed to be spying, wishing that they could be what his mind desired. Jessie froze at the sound, quiet though it was, and turned to find its source. Her eyes narrowed as she saw her partner leaning against the doorframe of their room. James, still lost in his thoughts, didn't realize she had spotted him until their spare frying pan hit him square in the face.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Jessie yelled, grabbing for another item to hurl at the man.

Ducking what he soon discovered was the toaster, James pulled the pan off his face, sighing as he realized it was dented beyond repair.

"Easy Jess, I just woke up to a great smell and wanted to see what it was!" he yelled, ducking the coffee pot.

"Well...at least have the decency to let a girl know you're standing there," she finished, surprised by the compliment.

She turned back to the stove, earlier ease gone, and finished up with the chicken. James nonchalantly crossed the room to stand beside her, looking over her shoulder, impressed with what he saw. Nervous under his gaze but determined not to show it, she scooped her meal out of the pan onto a plate, unable to help the small smile as she watched the steam rise. She sat down, only looking up to glare at her partner.

"Did you want something?" she snapped, no longer nervous but angry at his continuous staring.

"That looks really good, Jess," he said, ignoring her question. "You should cook for me some time."

"I don't cook," she snapped.

James raised an eyebrow.

"Really? Then what's that? Did the chicken hop into the pan and saute itself?"

Her glare hardened but she didn't answer. He continued to stare until she heaved a sigh and slumped in her chair.

"Okay, so I cook a little," she reluctantly admitted.

"Then cook for me. Not now, but some time."

"Why?"

"I cook for you all the time. I think it's time the tables were turned, besides I'm curious. Come on Jessie, please?"

"Oh all right, but no promises on when!" she replied, annoyed with his begging.

"Thanks, Jessie!" James chirped.

"Hurray, now go away so I can eat in peace."

James had the common sense not to say anything when he woke up the next morning to waffles and bacon with fresh orange juice, though he did mention aloud to no one in particular that it was the best meal he'd ever had.