Hi...yes, long time no write eh? Well, I have been involved with many other projects and just haven't had the time or desire to write anything new or interesting. However, my life took a sad turn, but fortunately for me I refound my love of writing and cartoons. One of my other loves in this world is Pokemon and the possible relationship between Team Rocket's own Jessie and James. You can't honestly watch that show and not see that something is brewing between those two and from what I hear about the manga out there it IS true so I thought I'd have a bit of fun with it. Sadly, since my heart has been tortured recently by means of an idiot I have no desire to make this story one of those happy, sappy and playful ones that are no doubt out there about these two or Pokemon for that matter. For now it'll just be a somber tale to reflect my mood, but I promise things will get better. You know my works so you can trust me not to ruin character integrity. I hope you enjoy this one and reviews are always welcome.

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James from Team Rocket lay on his back staring up at the night sky, which was filled with stars. The warmth from his sleeping bag made him relaxed, but not enough to fall into the sleeping state. About three feet away from him was his partner, Jessie, who was dozing quietly within the warmth and comfort of her own sleeping bag. Between them burned a small campfire where his third partner and Pokemon friend, Meowth, lay curled up in a ball catching his own catnap.

James sighed and slowly closed his eyes. He wished he could sleep as well as they were, but his currently mind was weighed down with something that was bothering him for months now. The feelings he began having for Jessie has started quite some time ago, but that was just something he could never act on ever. Quite a few times she gave him some hint or indication that she liked him too, but when he took that bold step forward to see if it were true she'd twap him on the head with a paper fan or some other object she had tucked away in one of her pockets.

Turning over on his side and propping himself up on an elbow, James looked at his sleeping partner and sighed. What he wouldn't give to tell her how he truly felt. He always felt like such a failure around her, never seeming to get any Pokemon stolen for their boss, Giovanni. He often wondered if she thought he was the worst thing to happen to her and if he was the reason they failed so many times. His Pokemon weren't exactly trained at high enough levels to make a difference in what they do, but then again neither were hers. They were always more concerned in catching a certain Pikachu owned by Ash Ketchum as opposed to training their pets to make them worthy opponents.

James continued to watch her sleep, her chest softly rising and falling, her long red hair gently flowing over her shoulders. He reached a gloved hand up to his eyes and rubbed the sleep out of them. He really should get some rest, but he couldn't tear his sight from her, not this time. Pushing back the covering of his sleeping bag, James stood and quietly walked around the campfire and knelt down at Jessie's side. She was so beautiful in this state since she wasn't ranting about yelling about something or kicking him and Meowth up their rears for screwing up an attempted Pokemon stealing or money making scam.

Ever so carefully, James reached forward and touched the side of her face with the very tips of his fingers. She stirred slightly making him quickly pull his hand back as if it were burned. A few painful moments passed before he tried his feather like touch upon her again and this time she didn't move. A small smile tugged at his lips and he wished he didn't have his gloves on so he could truly experience the softness of her skin against his.

"Oh, Jessie," he softly whispered while gliding his fingers boldly down her cheek and along her jaw line. "I only wish things could be different between us right now. If only you'd let me express my real feelings for you. If only you'd show me more care with your heart rather than the bottom of a mallet."

He then closed his green eyes and sighed, feeling more frustrated with himself now that he showed his boldness in a time when it really didn't matter. If she couldn't hear him or see him let alone feel him what was he actually accomplishing? No matter, he thought. She wouldn't accept me as more than a partner in Team Rocket anyway.

Knowing he was probably better at leaving things alone and not subjecting himself to further humiliation by having her wake up and tell him get lost, James pulled his hand away and rested it on his knee. However, he didn't leave. He found it very difficult to break his gaze even though he knew he should in case she'd wake up. The last thing he wanted was a boot in his face, but he didn't want to move.

Still he knew it was best, but before standing back up, James leaned his face closer to hers as if to kiss her. James dearly wished he could stop his heart from beating for he was sure she'd hear it hammering loudly in his chest. He gulped and slowly moved his lips closer to hers until they were almost touching. Almost.

It was then that a sleepy, but stern sounding voice came from the side where he was kneeling. "Hey, James, whaddya t'ink you're doin' over dere?" questioned Meowth followed by a yawn. What a horrible bit of timing for him to open his big mouth right when James was practically on top of Jessie!

The blue haired boy just about lurched forward and fell on his partner, but thankfully he was able to stop himself before that happened. Feeling his cheeks burning from embarrassment, James hurriedly sat back on his haunches and put a finger to his lips hoping to shush the big-mouthed cat before he woke Jessie up. "Shhhh!" he hissed. "Keep your voice down."

Meowth sat up and scratched behind his left ear before squinting in the firelight at James. "Whaddya up ta over dere? You tryin' ta steal one of Jessie's Pokeballs?"

James groaned and stood without answering. He was mortified and now with this idiot's big mouth Jessie was certain to awaken. Almost as if reading his mind, Jessie's blue eyes opened and in an instant her eyebrows lowered and a scowl appeared on her face. "What's with all this racket? Can't a girl get any peace and quiet around here? What are you looking at, James? Get lost on the way to the bathroom?"

"Why...ummm...n-no! I was just ummm...just...OW!" Jessie whacked him in the head with a boot and then turned her wrath on a giggling Meowth. The small cat Pokemon cowered and hid his head behind his paws hoping she'd take pity on him. James, however, wasn't going to give either of them the chance to humiliate him any more than they all ready have.

Stepping back away from Jessie's sleeping area while rubbing the side of his head that got hit with the boot, James quietly slipped off into the darkness needing time to collect his thoughts and ponder about what just happened. As he slipped away he heard Jessie calling back for him and then a sudden yowl from Meowth signaling he finally got that boot to his head as well.

"What was I thinking?" James mumbled to himself as he walked in the darkness. "How could I have been so stupid? Hell, how could I possibly be attracted to someone so mean and violent like that? I don't even know why I bother. Maybe I should just get my things and make her drop me off back at my parents' mansion in the morning. I don't need to torture myself anymore."

James wasn't sure how long he walked, but when he turned to look back from where he came from, the campfire was just a glimmer in the distance. He knew Jessie was going to be furious with him leaving like this, but he didn't care. He wasn't sure if he even cared about staying in Team Rocket anymore and pursuing Pokemon in such a dishonest way. It wasn't that hard to catch the creatures, but since he and Jessie were in a situation where they were forced to steal other peoples Pokemons they always ended up failing.

When he finally began to blindly grope his way in the dark, James knew it was time to stop and sit down to think. Maybe with some luck Jessie would fall back asleep and forget about him and what that stupid Meowth did to ruin everything. Ruin what, though? Was James honestly willing to kiss her or tell her his feelings? It was doubtful, but he was so confused and frustrated right now he didn't care.

Bending down to see what kind of ground was underfoot, James was satisfied that it was free of rocks or other sharp things and he plunked himself down crossing his legs and rested his elbows on his knees. Slowly he closed his burning eyes and winced as a stab of pain went through the side of his head where Jessie's boot hit him. He hoped he wasn't going to have a bruise come morning, but it wouldn't matter. It was his own fault anyway. In fact, all the poundings he got from her were always his own fault in some form or another.

James soon felt his eyes moisten with the tears he's held back since that stupid Meowth managed to wake Jessie up. How could that big-mouthed cat be so cruel and obnoxious in a case like this? James wasn't doing anything wrong or harmful, but thanks to Meowth things went sour. He also had no real way to explain things to Jessie without it sounding like a lie. No matter what he'd say to her wouldn't be taken seriously.

Before James could continue to wallow more in his self-pity he saw a faint light piercing the darkness he sat in. Turning slightly around he noticed a small beacon of light coming from an approaching flashlight. He sighed, so much for his solitude.

"James, is that you?" Jessie asked as the light shown on the back of James' white Team Rocket uniform. Of course it's him you moron, she thought crossly. Who else in these woods would have blue hair? Grumbling to herself she stomped forward, but ever mindful not to trip and fall. "James, come on, this isn't a place for you to be. Come back to camp and get some sleep before some wild Pokemon comes and carries you off someplace."

Not wanting her to see his tears, James wiped his eyes with the back of his hand before quickly standing up and turning to face her, his head down in defeat. "Yes, I suppose you're right."

He spoke no more, but instead walked briskly by her not wanting any more conflict or discussion. However, Jessie was not one for letting things go. Instead, when he walked by her she grabbed his arm and pulled him back around to look at her. "What has gotten into you? First you and Meowth wake me up for some stupid reason and now you go stomping off into the woods like this. Honestly, James, you're going to be the death of me!"

James almost felt like replying to that Good then I won't have to worry about telling you how I feel and finding out if it's mutual! But he held his tongue and kept his gaze on the ground. He felt Jessie's fingers painfully tighten on his arm almost demanding an answer from him. Inhaling deeply he knew he had to think of something and fast, even if it was a lame lie. "I-I just wanted to figure out some way I could make you happy and impress you!" he blurted before clamping his free hand over his mouth realizing what it was he said.

Jessie's blue eyes widened and she blinked at him a few times, shocked by what came out of her partner's mouth. At first she was flattered and began to loosen her grip on his arm, but then her mood quickly changed as usual and she tightened the grip instead and scowled at him. "Are you trying to be funny? UGH! How dare you say something like that? Get back to the camp before I really lose my temper and whack you with this flashlight!"

Wrenching his arm from her painful grip, James turned and headed back to the camp in silence with Jessie trailing him as if she were a warden that recaptured an escaped prisoner. Being angry with her was not what he wanted to be; instead he focused his thoughts on that stupid Meowth for talking so loudly and waking her up. If Jessie didn't beat the poor creature to a pulp James planned on booting the cat-creature hard in the rear soon as he got back.

Jessie, on the other hand, was completely taken aback by what James had said. No denying it she was completely flattered, but then again she did like him as well. However, they were not exactly the good guys around here. She also didn't wish to tarnish her bad girl reputation by having a sap like James as her boyfriend. Still, it was quite nice to hear that maybe he did want to do something for her regardless if he meant it or not.

Swallowing her obnoxious pride, she softly muttered, "Well, if you must know, I really would be happy if I could have my own Pikachu and it doesn't even have to be the little twerp's rat that we've been after for like forever."

Choosing to ignore her comment instead of turning around and putting her in a tight embrace to thank her for not only answering, but also admitting to what would truly make her happy, James continued walking ahead of his partner in forced silence. It would figure, she'd ask for a damn Pikachu of all things.

As the pair emerged from the forest and back into camp, James spotted Meowth who was perched on Jessie's backpack looking smug. "'bout time youse guys got back! I was starting ta wonder what could be takin' so long. I can see you still got your head, James."

"No thanks to you, you miserable feline!" James growled and made a threatening move towards the cat who quickly jumped from the pack and hid behind it. James glared at him for a few moments before going back to his own sleeping back and fluffed the covers before flopping on it, turning his back towards the fire and Jessie. He wanted no more of either of them tonight and hopefully he could fall asleep quickly and stay asleep until morning.

Jessie, on the other hand, was completely puzzled by this entire evening, but didn't wish to dwell on it. Getting woke up by Meowth was normal half the time anyway, but to have James hovering over her sleeping area was something totally out of the ordinary. He wasn't dishonest with her about anything nor was he a sneak thief or a pervert so she had no idea what he was trying to do. No matter, she didn't care. Right now all she wanted was some peace and quiet to get the tiring and unproductive day of stealing Pokemon and James acting stranger than normal put behind her. Jessie settled back down inside her sleeping bag, shoved Meowth away from her backpack and pulled the covers over her head in hopes of preventing any more interruptions.

Hours slowly passed and Jessie and Meowth were both in a deep sleep, but James on the other hand was still awake and staring into nowhere. The thoughts about that Pikachu Jessie asked for was keeping him busy now. They were out in the woods and Team Rocket's hot air balloon was tethered in a grassy field and both of those places were usually prime Pikachu habitats. He hasn't see any since they stopped here for rest early in the morning, but that didn't mean that the creatures weren't about.

All though he wasn't too thrilled about this, he decided to get up before dawn and set off on his own to find Jessie that damn electric mouse and be done with it. He also felt it was as good a time as any to leave Team Rocket. He'll catch her creature and wipe his hands of the entire operation. He was growing quickly tired of living out of a literal suitcase day after day and he was tired of not even knowing where his next meal was going to come from. He tired of being broke all the time when his heritage proved he came from wealth. He was sick of being blown up, shocked, smacked, hit, punched and lord only knows what else by countless Pokemon and worst yet by Jessie.

Jessie was going to be the death of him and no doubt mainly by the cause of a broken heart. All the years they've known each other they've been very close friends and have been through thick and thin, but he was too afraid to bring his new found feelings for her in the open. He was timid by nature, a trait he wished he didn't have and he knew being intimidated by her didn't help the situation.

Now he doubted it would matter anymore if he stood up to her or not and if he'd share his feelings. He was just going to get her a captured Pokemon and leave the team and not look back. If he left now at least he'd have his dignity. It wasn't going to be easy crawling back to his mom and dad's home, but what other choice did he have? The other thing he was also tired of was living in that stupid hot air balloon. So with a heavy sigh, James made up his mind that this was going to be it with everything.

He tried closing his eyes to get much needed rest, but it was useless. Instead, he just stared up at the blackness of the sky until the streaks of orange and pink began showing that morning was approaching. Then with a heavy heart, James stood and quietly rolled up his sleeping bag. He lifted it up on his shoulder and carefully stepped away from the camp and hiked toward the hot air balloon that was tethered close by. There was no use in delaying this any longer and he had to leave before his partners joined the waking world.

James took his sleeping bag and dumped it into the balloon's basket with a heavy thunk and climbed in after it. He riffled around the small bags scattered on the floor looking for his collection of always empty Pokeballs. He found the one containing his Weezing and he shoved it into his pocket wondering why it wasn't there in the first place. A good trainer was never without one of his Pokemon, but he didn't consider himself a good trainer in the first place. It also didn't surprise him that he found about ten empty Pokeballs, but he only needed one.

After putting the ball away inside his other pocket he found a brush and tried to tidy up his messed up blue hair. James figured even though he felt awful didn't mean he had to look that way. When he put the brush back in the bag his shoulders slumped. He was starting to have second thoughts about all of this, but he knew he had to continue forward and not look back. He only hoped that Jessie wouldn't make a big deal about his decision and would just let him go in peace. This was going to be hard enough and he didn't need her pretend tears and sob story changing his mind.

He then sat down trying to make a plan on how he was actually going to discover any wild Pikachus. Getting an idea, James dug around in a small picnic basket that was off to the side of the empty black bags they had for whatever creature they might have attempted to steal. He found a few apples and jelly doughnuts much to his delight. He shoved two of the apples in a bag and tossed in a small container of water. His stomach growled so he plucked a doughnut from the box and bit down into it as he gathered up his things to begin his quest.

Suddenly a small pang of guilt hit him for leaving without so much of a good-bye or a note. Not being one to write things down in case it could be used against him, James instead opted to just leave behind a single red rose as his calling card to inform Jessie that he was fine, but just needed to do something on his own with the promise to return when he was done. He reached back inside the basket where the food was and yanked out one of his many roses and placed a small kiss upon it before setting it down on top of the basket where it could be found.

Making sure the coast was clear, James climbed out of the balloon's basket and bolted out of the field and into the wooded area on the opposite side where he and Jessie had made camp. In one hand he clutched the black bag containing the apples and in the other he tightly held the doughnut that he hoped wasn't going to be his last meal. When he reached the edge of the field, James glanced back one more time to where he knew Jessie was still slumbering and then with a heavy heart he vanished into the woods for his hunt.

To be continued...