Hɪsᴛᴏʀʏ {A James X Reader}

5

...And you had thought you were good at passive lies.

James was definitely much more worried about you than usual. He'd always make sure you were alright, but today especially... You felt bad. He was going through extra trouble for you because you were lying to him.

Even worse, your facade didn't work with him. His over-attentiveness wasn't because he believed your lie. It was because he didn't. It felt as if you were exploiting his love for you.

Regardless, you promised yourself not to tell anyone, at least until you were done with the mission. You didn't want to be the cause of anyone's death. Still, you had the option to break the promise and...

This was so much pressure, but who else would do it?

"Sweetheart, are you sure everything is fine?" James asked for what must have been the hundredth time.

You sighed. Obviously a half-hearted "yes" wasn't convincing.

"....No." was all you said.

"What's the matter? I'm here for you." James put a hand on your shoulder.

"I....." You choked back tears.

"If you don't want to talk about it, it's fine. I just don't want you to be feeling down." James whispered.

"T-thank you for trying. I love you." You cracked a smile.

James kissed your cheek. "I love you too."

Your worries eased, at least a bit. Maybe you could do this.

......As the night fell, your team prepared for bed. You laid down, hiding your nervousness. You were waiting for everyone to sleep so you could go. About 20 minutes after everyone settled, you got up, careful not to wake James beside you.

You swallowed as you picked up your bag you'd packed secretly. What would they think when you were gone? Jessie would be saddened that her only female companion in the team was gone. Meowth would be disappointed that the only member of the team who treated him well all the time left. And most of all, who knew how James would react- despite his efforts, he was powerless to you leaving for a mission. He didn't know where you were going. For all he knew, you were unhappy with the team. You wished you could have at least told him you were happy there, but it was too late.

You summoned Draca and used Fly to get to HQ.

------

You and Draca landed. Draca returned as you walked in.

"Here to see Gio." you said to the guards who had been posted because of the recent suspicion.

The guards moved out of your way. Despite your short time with Team Rocket, you were already a well-recognized and respected member.

Giovanni sat on his chair. Persian slept next to him.

"You've arrived, (Y/N). That's good. Are you ready to get more detail for your mission?"

"Yes, sir." you said.

"Okay. You'll be heading to the Whirl Islands- namely, the island with the Pokemon Lugia. I've marked it for you. You do have a Lapras who knows Surf, correct?" Giovanni asked.

"Yes, I do have a Lapras. She knows Surf." you informed.

"Good, you will not need a boat. Using a boat draws suspicion anyway. Additionally, I must remind you that not all evil teams have morals like Team Rocket. You may be attacked by trained Pokemon yourself. There are trainers out there who are so desperate for inside info on Lugia, they will attempt to take another person's life so they don't get the information. Those trainers are disgusting. Do not succumb to them." Giovanni announced to you.

"Yes, I understand. Scum like that don't deserve info." you agreed. "Anything else?"

"No, you may begin." Giovanni sent you off.

You got outside. "Fly, Draca! To Cianwood City!" you called.

You took off into the sky. It was a beautiful view from up there, but it didn't take your mind off James. You wished he could be here with you.

Draca landed in front of the Cianwood Pokemon Center. It was dark and the center was locked. It might have been a good idea to camp somewhere, but you didn't want to make Draca fly all over the place. Nevertheless, you had a plan...

You knocked on the doors to the center. No response. You knocked again, a little harder. You heard confused murmuring of someone. You were right- Nurse Joys did live in Pokémon Centers. Finally, you began to fake-cry, knocking again more frantically. The door opened.

"Are you okay?!" Joy asked.

"I don't know..." you whimpered. "My Pokemon are fine, but I..."

She held out a hand. "Let me get you and your Pokemon some food."

"Are you sure?" you asked.

"Of course! I may be a Pokémon nurse, but I care for all living things!" Joy exclaimed.

You smiled. "Thank you." It was a genuine smile. What started as a deceptive way to get some shelter turned into you getting too much sympathy.

The Joy gave you and your Pokemon food, and even offered you a place to sleep. In the morning you said goodbye to the nurse you had already come to care about and set off.

Before your voyage, you checked your phone. Hate to miss an update from Gio.

...All you had was worried teammates. They'd been calling you all morning. It hit you like a train- how would you do this without them?