It was a slow afternoon at the Pokémon Center, the sky outside turning a gentle shade of orange. You had just finished your rounds as an officer, stretching tiredly as you walked toward the exit. Waiting for you near the steps was Jessie—bold, beautiful, and utterly impossible to miss.

She stood with her arms crossed, foot tapping impatiently, her long, vibrant red hair catching the sunlight. Her sharp eyes caught you instantly, and before you could even say a word, she was storming toward you with that trademark fire in her steps.

"Took you long enough!" Jessie huffed, tossing her hair dramatically over one shoulder. "You have no idea how many stares I got standing out here!"

Before you could even apologize, she threw her arms around you, pulling you in close. Her long, slender fingers gently but firmly guided your head down against her chest, where she hugged you tight. Her heartbeat was quick—whether from irritation or affection, you couldn't tell.

"Honestly..." she grumbled, but the words were soft now, as she nuzzled your hair. "I hate waiting... but I love you too much to stay mad."

You could feel the faintest laugh rumble from her chest as she stroked the back of your head lovingly, her long nails gliding lightly against your scalp. She smelled like faint perfume and the wild air, a scent that was so Jessie.

After a moment, she leaned down, her lips brushing against your ear, voice dropping into a mischievous whisper.

"You're lucky you're cute, officer. Otherwise, I’d be giving you a real talking to."

Her embrace tightened, squeezing you possessively like she didn’t care about anyone else in the world watching.

Even when her temper flared, even when she acted spoiled or dramatic, you knew Jessie loved you deeper than she ever let most people see.

And right now, with your head nestled against her, you knew she wouldn't trade you for anything.