You wake up after tossing and turning all night. The internal conflict between your long-term dream and your newfound obsession with Layla isn't something you are used to. Also, you can?t fully comprehend why you even consider being a Pokemon. When you consider it rationally, it really makes no sense at all. You still feel an obligation to your water project, and that has been your dream for so long. You are so close to making it a reality too. Why would you even entertain the idea of throwing it all away for Layla? In some weird way, you feel closer to this strange Eevee than you ever felt with any human, almost as if you had some deeper feelings for her.
You get up and sit by the edge of the bed, pressing your hand against your forehead and covering your left eye as you lean on it. You realize how stupid and unreal that sounds - developing feelings for Layla, a Pokemon? Especially after learning how people treat them. Yet it is the only explanation that makes remotely fits why transforming into Umbreon for Layla feels right. All this time you've known you care for this little cute, long-eared, emotionally unstable ball of fluff, but enough to consider changing everything? Then, all of a sudden, horror sets in. Layla can sense your lies, your sincerity - can she also sense your feelings for her? Is that why she got carried away when you asked about the hypothetical transformation? You hope not, that would be embarrassing, but you think she has at least a clue what is up. Well, no matter. You just want to see if Layla has cooled down a bit from last night?s sudden snap. Maybe she'll tell you how foolish your feelings are. Maybe that's exactly what you need to clear your head.
When you arrive at the typical meeting spot at the Oasis, the morning sun casts long shadows down the meadow by the pond, but there isn't a soul in sight. Only the waterfall rushing down, creating ripples on an otherwise calm pond. You sigh, but you know that Layla would come out if she wanted to see you and even if you went looking for her, there would be no way you could find her if she doesn?t want to be found. You sit for about an hour, thoughts racing through your head. What would you even say if she shows up? Do you just play it off? Confess it? Deny it? You for sure will not tell her you are considering becoming an Umbreon. That would just make her tell you that you're a lunatic. Finally, you push yourself up and leave the usual serving of fruit for her. This time not taking the bites, since it apparently doesn?t make a difference anyway. As you head out, you take one last glance over your shoulder, hoping she might show up. But no luck.Your heart sinks a little as you drag your feet through the forest and back to your apartment.
When you arrive at your apartment, you find your door slightly ajar. You see no damage, so you just shrug it off as if maybe you forgot. As you step in, you see all kinds of stuff flying out of your boxes you haven?t unpacked yet and an unmistakable fluffy tail flailing side to side in excitement.
``Layla?! What on earth are you doing here and how did you even find my apartment?'' Your question is more in tone with curiosity than feeling upset about her invading your personal space.
``You stink, that is how. Learn to hide your scent if you don?t want to be found! And I am helping you unpack. I know you?re obsessed with me, but you haven?t even unpacked in all these weeks. Get a grip boy. Set yourself some level of normalcy,'' Layla exclaims right before her head pops out of the box with a playful smirk.
``And you?re here, why again? I thought you hated people,'' you ask with a hint of sarcasm.
``Still do - just not you. And instead of meeting me every day at the pond, I decided to move in here instead. That?s okay with you, lover boy.'' Your instant jaw drop is met by her wicked grin as she knows that comment hit the mark. ``How's that response to your sarcastic remarks, hmm?'' Layla asks with upwards inflection as she rolls out of the box with a giggle.
Your face turns red from embarrassment. ``H-how did you k-know?!'' You stutter.
``I have known for a while,`` Layla starts with a gentle laugh. ``Your heartbeat has been a dead giveaway. I know I said I wasn't going to spell it out for you, but the way your heart comes alive when I appear shows that spending time with me is more than just genuine curiosity. At first, it was subtle, but by now it's obvious. Your heart is like a disco every time I show up - what, you think these sound radars on top of my head are just for show?'' She twitches her ears in several directions. ``Don?t worry, your secret is safe with me.''
Then she suddenly pounces beside you and puts her paws against your legs and extends her claws against your thighs, not deep enough to puncture skin but enough for you to feel. ``It is pretty adorable actually for you to have a crush on me,'' she says, then rolls back to the box and starts digging through it again, leaving you completely stunned and speechless. You step inside, close the door, and crash onto the couch.
After sitting on the couch for fifteen minutes without a peep, Layla's ears perk up facing you, ``Did I steal your tongue too? Not just your heart?'' she teases.
You glance over before finally breaking your silence. ``You're okay with all this? How? Why? You don't think this is weird?''
Layla giggles gently. ``Okay with it? Why wouldn't I be? I mean, it is completely and utterly messed up - but who am I to tell you what makes you tick. I think it is endearing. And the fact that it bothers you more than it bothers me, makes it even more precious.''
``It doesn't b...bother me. Just didn't even r...realize that until a few hours ago,'' you stutter.
``Wow, you're truly thick headed aren't you. Like, completely clueless. Have you never liked anyone before?'' She walks up to you pouncing on your lap. ``Look, I think you're pretty charming too. At least for a human. Even though I wouldn?t start some intimate relationship with you, that would be just weird, but we can be close friends, no problem. There is no rule against Pokemon and humans living together and liking each other. Even some level of affection can be okay. And if someone has a problem with that, it's their problem.'' She presses her muzzle under your chin and nudges past your right shoulder slowly.
You completely freeze from the sudden show of affection. Then you ease up, your posture relaxes and you rest your chin between Layla's fluffy ears. ``Thank you for your understanding, and I am glad I didn?t chase you away by being awkward.'' You sigh in relief.
Layla pulls away and swipes your nose playfully with her paw, turning her head to the side with her muzzle tilted upward like a diva. ``Ha! And give up my free meals? Preposterous!'' She rolls onto the couch with her paw over her forehead, clearly pretending as if you had insulted her.
``Yeah yeah yeah. Enough with the theatrics. Though, some chow wouldn?t be a bad idea, and I think I have something raw we can both enjoy.'' You get up and head out to the kitchen and return with a plate full of assorted Sashimi, all unseasoned, so basically just raw pieces of fish, but you have soy sauce and wasabi for yourself.
Layla sniffs the air, her eyes lighting up. ``Oh, fresh fish galore! You really know how to treat a girl right, don?t you?'' She looks at the tray with salmon topped with roe, some yellowfin tuna, freshwater eel and halibut, all sliced in bite-sized pieces. ``You didn?t have to cut them into bite size, though. I could have worked through it just fine.''
You stare at her with a blank stare. ``You don?t know what sashimi is? It's a Japanese dish made of high-quality fresh fish, served...'' You pause as you see Layla extend her claws, stab each fish with one, and toss them all in her mouth ''...nevermind. Enjoy the feast!'' You cross your arms and just watch her munch on the assorted `fish galore', as she calls it.
Finally, after about twenty pieces, she slows down. ``You know what? I have had better, but it?s nice not having to deal with the bones sometimes! Also, if I knew you like fish, I would've caught you one from the pond. In fact, next time we're there, the meals on me!''
You rub the back of your head with awkward laughter. ``Eh, heh... no need, I?m good. Thanks though.''
``Oh, I insist!'' Layla exclaims.
``Can I at least cook it please?'' you plead, knowing full well it's a long shot.
Layla's demeanor changes completely as she hisses at you. ``Over my dead body...'' Then she suddenly calms down, curls her tail around herself and adds ``...or I guess that is fine, I suppose there is no reason I shouldn?t allow you to enjoy your meal the way you like. It?s only fair, right?''
You?re completely astonished by Layla's permission. ``Well then, I guess if you want to provide a meal sometime, it?s a date,'' you say jokingly.
Layla glares at you ``Oh please, I don?t do dates. There are no dates with the mates.'' She climbs onto the table with her nose almost touching yours. Then, true to her character, she stops, only to burst into laughter. ``Oh my, your heart is going crazy! I think someone was hoping for a kiss. Sorry, for now, the only mate I'm to you is a roommate.''
``Wow, you?re truly cruel - leading a poor guy on like that,'' you say with disappointment as true to Layla's assessment that is exactly what you were thinking.
Layla rolls her eyes at you. ``Fine!'' She gives you a quick lick on the cheek. ``Happy now?'' But to your surprise, it kind of looks like it was exactly what she wanted to do.
``Yeah, totally happy now, but would have been happy without too... And roommate, does that mean you'll split the rent?'' you ask with a smug grin.
``Pfff... no? I don?t have money!'' Layla rolls over laughing. ``I will just be your emotional support Pokemon, how about it?''
``But of course. I wouldn?t allow you to pay rent even if you wanted to. Money isn't an obstacle,'' you say, waving dismissively in her direction.
Layla tilts her head, curious. ``What do you mean it's not an issue? I mean, money is stupid, sure, but people value it. I doubt you're that rich.''
``I have two hundred fifty million USD stashed aw...'' you start, before Layla interrupts you.
``Two hundred fifty million? What the heck! You rob a bank? Running a Pokemon smuggling ring? Or is your water purification business taking off?'' Layla asks in shock.
``No, none of those... Well, technically I stole it, but I don?t think stealing from criminals counts as theft,'' you explain.
``Stolen from criminals? Kuro, who did you double-cross?'' Layla approaches you with sudden concern.
``I helped Interpol to hack and drain some Team Rocket acco...'' you start to explain, but stop as you see real horror on Layla?s face. Something you have never seen her show before.
``You what?! You idiot! Do you have a damn death wish?!'' Layla starts snarling at you angrily.
``Calm down, Layla... they have no clue...'' you try to continue, before she interrupts you again.
``No fricking way will I calm down! Do you have any idea what these people are capable of? Because I do - I've seen the horrors. The disregard for life they have. They stop for nothing, so don't you tell me to just calm down!'' Layla growls at you as she finishes her concerned plea.
``Do you want to tell me more about that, Layla?'' You?re curious why this has made her so worked up.
``No, not really... it's not important what I've seen, just that I do, and I can't... `` She pauses for a second ``... I can't go through it again.'' She finishes, as her eyes water up a little and her tail curls around herself.
``Fair enough, I won?t press. But I was going to say they have no idea who I am or that I have any of the money, nor does Interpol. We covered our tracks.''
``You better hope they never find out... You get yourself killed, and I will have to bring you back from the dead, just so I can kill you myself, you dimwit,'' she says, calming down a bit before running across the table and bonking you hard in the head with a paw.
``Ouch! I guess you do care.'' You pick on her for her reaction as you rub your forehead.
``Damn right I care. Those asshats cannot take away the only decent human I know - maybe even a potenti...'' She doesn't finish her sentence as she notices your increased heart rate. She looks over with seductive half eyes. ``Aww, I'm sorry, did I pull your heartstrings again? Really turned on the disco again, didn't I,'' she patronizes you.
``You really think me feeling like this is the funniest thing ever, don't you,'' you say with a sigh.
Layla sees you getting upset so she steps down on your lap.
``Kuro, honestly...'' she starts with a gentle voice, wrapping her tail around your arm, ``these few weeks have been the happiest I have been in a long time. Knowing you actually care means a lot to me. And I am genuinely worried about you and this Team Rocket business.'' She rests her head against you. ``Truth is, I am not sure what I would do if something happened to you, and knowing what Team Rocket is capable of, I know it is a real threat. Kuro, please don?t do something so stupid again. Money isn?t worth it...'' her yellow eyes sparkle as she looks up to you.
``Layla, as you're the one asking. I won?t do it again... Also, are you okay if I give you a hug?'' you ask nervously.
Layla rolls her eyes at you. ``Human antics... I'm not big on hugs, but if that makes you happy, I guess I will endure it.''
You gently pull Layla close and hold her for a while. She wraps her tail tightly around you, her breath calm as she rests her head against your chest while you stroke her fluffy fur. You sit there for a long time without saying anything, just sharing a moment. You both know how strange this relationship feels, yet you find comfort around one another. Eventually you let her go with a deep sigh.
``That was nice...I feel so relaxed now,'' but there is no response. As you look down you notice Layla had fallen asleep on your lap, her tail still curled around you tightly. You smile and just keep sitting there, allowing her to get some rest on your lap. The late-August sun shines through the window, casting reddish hues that paint the room in the colour of the newly kindled feelings between you. Your body is very relaxed, but your mind - your mind is more torn than it has ever been.
As the summer turns to fall, the leaves change color, the weather gets colder, and the days become gloomier. Yet even as the world is preparing for winter, your relationship with Layla blooms like a field of tulips in the Bollenstreek, Netherlands. You decided to decorate the office with lots of plants and cozy spots for Layla to rest. You two spend evenings and weekends walking the parks and forest. Layla even catches you the fish she promised, and allows you not only to cook it but even season it. She even tries a bite, mimicking the face you made when eating the raw tauros meat. You have also taken her to see Professor Zoran, though most of that encounter Layla spent hissing at the prototype of the water-purifier as it was having a pressure leak. You even install a paw scanner to open the apartment door so Layla can come and go as she pleases. You spend nights star gazing, with her laying on your lap. And every bedtime, she curls up next to you with her tail curling around you as tight as she can. Yet, the more time you two spend together, the less certain you feel about the water-purification dream and more about how happy Layla makes you. One day you jokingly ask Zoran what would happen to the water project, if one day, you suddenly turned into a Pokemon. His response was that as long as you kept your wits, he would still work with you. You are not sure how truthful he was about it, but it didn't really steer you away from the looming thought of making the ultimate sacrifice for Layla.
Finally, after almost three months of work, the city of Lumiose greenlights the pilot program for your water-purification prototype. If successful, they have promised to help fund the streamlining of the production. You rush to the apartment to tell the news to Layla. As you get to the apartment, Layla is laying on the couch and seemingly surprised to see you home in the middle of the day.
``Layla! They finally greenlit our program! The water-purification trial run is a go! Isn't this exciting?'' you exclaim as you spread your arms as you couldn't be happier.
In Layla's typical manner, she just smiles at you. ``About time... I started feeling like they were going to string you on for years.'' She jumps off the couch, runs to you and wraps her tail around your legs. ``I am happy for you, lover boy! It's finally happening.'' As you crouch down, Layla puts her paws on your knee and gives you a quick lick in sign of affection. ``I'm proud of you, Kuro. I know this is what you always wanted.''
``I know, right? This requires celebration! How about we meet at the oasis around four p.m., so about four hours from now? Can you please meet me over there around that time?" you ask her excitedly.
Layla giggles at your silly frantic request. ``Sure, whatever. Where are you going to be for four hours?''
``I have one more appointment left before the end of the day, but I will be there!'' you shout as you head out the door.
It's late October, and the sun is quite low as Layla waits at the oasis. You watch from a distance - she has no idea what to expect. Then, as you emerge from the depths of the forest, she jumps, ears pulled halfway back. Her fur shoots up, making her look twice as big. She exposes her teeth and... then, sniffs... Suddenly her demeanor shifts; her ears flatten against her skull as confusion over something familiar sets in. Then, as she finally comes to terms that it's really you, her expression goes from fierce to puzzled.
``Kuro?! Wha... how? Why? You're an Umbreon!'' She is clearly baffled, not knowing what to say.
You smile gently. ``Yes Layla. For months I have wanted to do it. I have just been too scared, not knowing what would happen to my water project, where we would live, or if you even want to spend time with me. I always knew our relationship would not get past deep friendship, without me taking a leap of faith. So, I arranged for our landlord to accept a ten year rent up front. I told city hall and Zoran what I was going to do and that I am still going to help them. Even though they thought it was crazy, they still allowed it. The paw scanner we installed on the door; that was just as much for me as it was for you. I knew that it would take a lot to keep this as a secret from you, but I think I did pretty good. Well, what do you think? Your very own Umbreon eh?'' you end your rambling with a slight grin.
Layla still watches you in shock. ``Kuro? You did this for me? Not because I asked, but because you wanted to be with me? I really appreciate the gesture, but... you should change back...I would be lying if I said I haven't dreamed of this, but I cannot let you sacrifice yourself for me.''
Your heart skips a beat. ``You're not serious, right? Because...'' you look away from her in discomfort, before looking back with unsure expression, ''...well, there is no reversal. The way the transformation works is that they use your genetic material to create a Pokemon that has to be smaller than you, and the excess material can't be saved. So, I am an Umbreon now, for good. If that is unacceptable then...'' You appear visibly nervous as you confess the nature of your transformation.
Layla looks at you with wide open eyes, then her posture relaxes a bit. ``Well, I guess what is done is done then, no point for me trying to argue with you how stupid this was.'' She walks up to you and nuzzles her face against yours. ``You always were an idiot...'' she pauses before continuing ``... but I guess you're my idiot. And I admit this is partly my fault for saying you would make a cute Umbreon and oh, I was so right. Just adorable, perfect fit for you really.''
``So, you're not mad? Upset? Can you accept me like this?'' you ramble again.
``Yes, you stupid Umbreon. I'll accept you as you are. Not that it would make a difference if I didn't,`` she mutters through her teeth. ''Nothing changes about who you are because of your appearance, except that...'' she visibly blushes a bit. ``Damn you're hot!'' she says as she nips at your ear playfully.
``Ouch, that hurt'', you cry.
``Deal with it, because that is not all that is going to happen tonight.'' Her voice goes from raspy to lusty in mid sentence.
Your heart starts to race as Layla's presence turns very inviting - as if she's seeing something she has dreamed of for a long time. She pounces on you, pinning you down as she nuzzles your face roughly and gives you a couple of licks on the bite mark she just made.
All of a sudden, the first rays of the moon hit your golden rings, illuminating the edge of the water. Layla watches with sparkling yellow eyes as you glow as Umbreon for the first time under the full moon. Then, something unexpected happens. The yellow rings start to fade, first into white, and then start pulsating a blue glow. Layla takes a few steps back in awe. ``Oh for the love of Arceus - shiny Umbreon? Of course you are a shiny Umbreon! Come `ere!'' She grabs you from a scruff like if you were a helpless kitten and drags you in the cave behind the waterfall. The night passes, but for you two, it is a night to be remembered forever.
You wake up when the first rays of sunshine enter the cave entrance. Your body aches from the wild primal experience with Layla last night, your body covered in scratches and a few small bite marks on your black velvet fur. You look at Layla whose tail is still wrapped around you tightly. Then without a warning she opens her eyes and nips your ear hard enough to draw blood.
``That means MINE,'' she declares as loud yelp escapes from your muzzle.`` And don?t you forget it!''
``I won?t, ok? No need to bite my ear every few hours, I get it. I?m yours, and I don?t mind it. You?re the whole reason I am like this now,'' you snarl quietly as a few drops of blood dribble on your shoulder.
``Oh, come on, glowbutt, don?t be a poor sport. You got to learn the Pokemon ways; might as well start now.'' Layla lies right by you leaning on your side and her claws slightly digging in your scratched up body from last night?s ordeal. ``Unless, instead of learning how to be a Pokemon you want to go again,'' she teases, pressing down with her claws just shy from breaking skin.
``I think five times is enough, or was it six? Anyway, I don?t think my body has any more canvas left for those claws to paint on,'' you say sarcastically.
``Nonsense, I can find a spot I am sure, let me look,'' Layla says, as she climbs on you playfully looking through your scruffed and abused fur coating. ``Wow I guess you?re right, you are completely and utterly filled, how about second coat of paint,'' she says with a quiet whisper that cause your fur to fluff as she trails her claw down your rear leg, leaving down faint red marks on your skin that immediately get covered by the soft black fur.
``Wow, someone has been in need for a long time, you horny little Eevee,'' you say as you get up, almost losing balance right away, partly due last night and partly for being new to this Umbreon thing.
``Can?t blame the girl for trying, now can you?'' she says as she walks by flapping her fluffy tail across your face.
``I guess not. But maybe next time should be after I get a grip on this body. The first step I took, I almost pulled a muscle as I was stepping with the heel of the paw,'' you explain with embarrassment clearly visible on your face.
Layla puts a paw in front of her muzzle, covering her laughter. ``You what?! Even a newborn kit wouldn?t try something that stupid. Wow, I guess I've got a lot to work with. Let me show you three things that you need to learn. First...'' she launches and nips your ear again. ``Mine!''
``Ouch! Yeah I know that one. Cut it out!'' You swipe at her, but she just rolls dodging it and then taps your nose hard with her ear.
``This means listen or focus or pay attention. The hardness matters, the harder the tap, the more urgent it is,'' she exclaims.
Finally she raises her tail up. Then points at you with the tip and then flaps it on her side. ``This means you,'' she repeats, pointing again. ``Come here,'' she taps again next to her. ``And it applies to everything the tail points at. Well, Glowbutt, aren't you going to listen to the tail?''
You walk over and sit next to her. ``Why do you keep calling me Glowbutt?''
``Because you have a butt that glows in the moonlight, you silly. You better get used to it because that one is not going anywhere. Also...'' Without a warning, she sinks her canines deep into your shoulder, creating a deep enough puncture wound that will likely scar. You jump away in shock.
``Layla! ouch!!! What the hell!'' you cry in pain as blood gushes out of your shoulder. Layla just smiles gently, licking the wound to help it stop bleeding.
``That one is a bonus lesson. It will help you remember. When I touch it one day with my claw, your memory will likely come back to this moment. So, you got all of this?''
``Sure, let me try,'' you say, tracing a claw on a scar on the back of her neck between her shoulder blades, but before you have a chance to ask what it is from. Layla jumps away with a terrified look on her face.
``Did I do something wrong? I was just going to ask...'' you start.
``Kuro, no! You do not get to ask that. How dare you! I've killed for less.'' Layla growls, not even a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
``Okay, I'm sorry I was just trying to...'' you try again.
``Kuro! I am serious - drop the subject, or I swear I will end you where you stand.'' Layla snarls, small sparks escaping her fur as she digs her claws into the ground, ready to attack.
``Layla I am just...'' you try for a third time, but she launches at you, pinning you down with her teeth around your neck.
``Last warning, Kuro!'' Her jaws are pressing tight against your neck, as her canines almost penetrate your skin.
``Okay Layla... okay, I understand. You need space.'' Her grip loosens a little, making it easier to talk. ``I won?t press it. You tell me when you're ready. And won?t if you never will be. I am sorry.'' You drop your ears down in sign of surrender, you actually don't even notice doing it, it just comes naturally.
Layla's complexion softens, her rage-filled eyes regaining their normal shine. ``Oh, what am I... I'm sorry, Kuro...'' She backs off of you, looking shocked by her rage filled response. ''Just not ready for that, not yet... not sure if ever.''
``It's okay, Layla.'' You flick your ear against her nose - a clumsy, but gentle gesture, still not used to having ears. ``I'm here for you if you do, and I am here for you if you don't.'' You pause as you lean into her. ``That is what mates are for, right?''
Layla's eyes tear up ``I could have killed you...''
``But you didn't, and if you had, it probably would have hurt you more than it did me.'' You say as you curl your tail around her.
She curls her tail around you as well. ``Don't push your luck, Glowbutt, because I don't ever want to find out what life is without you.'' You spend a while longer leaning on one another as the sun fully rises, before heading back to the apartment.
For the next few days, Layla shows you how to control your body and how certain movements tell your moods and intentions. You're picking most of it pretty quick, though ear control is still not the most fluent for you. On the morning of the fourth day after your transformation - the beginning of November - you approach Layla's room.
You find her facing back towards the door, ears shooting straight up, her fur fluffed and stiff.
``Hey Layla, what's got you so...'' You stop mid-sentence as the answer reveals itself, and you freeze. In the middle of the room, there are not just one or two, but four eggs.
``Kuro... We are going to be parents.'' Layla says in shock.
