Welcome!
Author Notes:
All canon characters and places mentioned belong to The Pokémon Company. All the OCs in here belong to chipotlepeppers. Visit chipotlepeppers' profile for more stories like this one and for background info on these OCs. I also might write more fanfictions in the future, but now (December 31, 2017) I only have four other stories posted, this one, All I Want for Christmas is You, Cruise Blues, Playground Crisis, and Z-Charged. You do not need to read all these stories to understand context, though if you want more context, I suggest checking out All I Want for Christmas is You since that fic is the most explanatory.
I am a new fic writer and nonprofessional so please be kind.
This symbol "~" I use the same way writer WindStar27 uses it—to draw out a voice. So instead of writing 'Pikachuuu', I'll put 'Pikachu~'.
If something doesn't make sense or you have questions, leave questions in reviews and I will answer them via guest review asap. Or you can PM me if you have an account.
This fic will be dived into four chapters that are between 3,000-4,000 words each. This story will be about 14,000 words TOTAL.
I would like to get some feedback, so even if you don't like it, leave a review if you have the spare seconds. Remember to word them kindly, especially if you are responding to someone else's review.
*IMPORTANT: Italicized text presents the present and regularly formatted text presents the retelling*
Thank you for clicking!
XO
Jaylie's Future
Story Description: A short story about one of Jay Morgan's many existential crises and a prediction of Jay and Amber's future together.
Glossary of Peeps and Places:
Nolan and Lexi -Annastasia's closest friends and neighbors in Pallet Town.
Tamaki – the son of Richie and Sakura Moto. She is a year older than most of Jay and Amber's friends and less familiar to Jay compared to the others.
Linette- Linette is somewhere between the ages of three and four. She is living with Amber after A's request—long story, not directly relevant to this particular fic.
Harper-Jay's six-year-old nephew. His entry into this fic seems random at first, but it comes together I promise.
Spectrum- in short, it's a shelter for runaway LGBTQ kids. It was made-up by chipotlepeppers but is based on a real place.
XO
It's late and I just got home. Jay's asleep on the couch. I hear someone in the kitchen. Logan comes trotting out with a platter of sandwiches in his mouth. He sticks the plate on the coffee table and then turns to speak to me.
"I made half of these. You're welcome," the Liepard said before helping himself to a tuna sub.
"Who made the other half?" I asked as I picked out my own.
"Jay…then he fell asleep. You know how cooking bores him…but he wanted to do you a favor for doing him a favor. I don't know why he thinks you deserve favors…"
"It's because he loves me. I don't see why he wouldn't come into my house and randomly make a platter of food."
"That wasn't why he came in the first place…he wanted to play with your kid, but she's upstairs sleeping with Jezz."
"She's not my kid so stop saying that. She is going to The Grange as soon as those other tenants move out…we aren't going to adopt her. I don't think we'd even be allowed…we are not qualified at all. I don't want to pretend that she will be here forever when she can be gone tomorrow."
"We'll see about that. Jezz revamped Kanto's foster system, and A owns half this region…Even though we are basically poor now, I bet you can do whatever you want."
"She doesn't own…just stop. I'm not in the mood for you."
"I love you too," Logan grumbled before downing another sub.
Jay woke up and I rubbed his shoulders before he even spoke because he gets sore from squeezing his 6'2" frame onto our crappy red-velvet couch.
"I am surprised you are not upstairs snuggling with Jezz," I remarked as Jay rubbed his sleepy eyes.
"I planned to sleep for ten minutes, but instead spent over an hour," Jay yawned as he looked at his watch. "I was also hoping to finish making lunch…sorry."
"It's fine. You aren't the hired help. Unless you want to be…JK we totally don't have the money"
"I like my real job, but I'll consider the offer," he yawned. "I am going to go home."
"You aren't going to eat with us?"
"Nah., I heard eggplant parmigiana is on the menu at my place…you can come if you want."
"I'll stay here."
"Really?"
"No way, I'm going with you."
XO
The day after Jaylie went back to being Jay, he and I skipped school in order to go to the orchard near my house. Early into our fruit-hunting adventure, we found ourselves free of parents with no one else around…Pip and Togepi were there, but they know better than to tell others about our secret conversations.
I recall putting my bow on a rock and asking Jay if he wanted to talk about the doctor appointment.
"Yeah, I don't mind," he decided as I sat down next to me.
"I bet she said you were normal," I replied.
"She did."
"So, no more 'Jaylie'?"
"For now. I don't know. It seems like I am the only one with these issues…did you ever want to stop being a girl?"
"I never thought about it before. It would be cool I guess to try it out…but you are braver than me."
"How?"
"I think what you did was a big deal. I wouldn't do it, and part of me wanted to convince you to not do it because I was worried."
"It went well though…minus the fact that I am almost one-hundred percent sure that I am not a girl. I guess it was all a waste."
"Are you glad you did it?"
"Yeah."
"Then it wasn't a waste."
"Hm. I guesso."
"I didn't say this before, but being a girl sucks sometimes. People expect you to look nice, to not spit in public, to comb your hair, to wear a dress. And when I get older, I might have a baby. That sounds really painful. Men don't ever have to do any work."
"Yeah…but I like all the stuff you just said except for the baby thing."
"I told you that you are weird. Maybe when we go on our first Pokémon journey together, we can meet more weird kids."
"I hope that happens. As long as they are not weird and mean at the same time. Or mean at all."
"Agreed. What else are you thinking about? You told me you talked to your parents."
"My parents said that I should probably tell our other friends that I am gay, before they hear all the rumors that are exaggerations and stuff."
"You already told Takeshi…indirectly making it really clear."
"I am hoping he forgot about that."
"Soledad probably knows. She is your next-door neighbor and you literally see her every day. If she knows, then she probably also told June, since they are close friends. And June probably told Takeshi, since she's got a crush on him. And Takeshi probably told Tamaki, because he's his only normal guy friend, and Lily and Logan probably told all the adults already, and A probably told Nolan and Lexi, if they didn't figure it out on their own."
"I guesso. Amb, why do I have to be the weird one?"
"Everyone needs to have at least one weird friend. Your weird friend can be me, and my weird friend can be you. That's why you are the weird one; we were made for each other."
"That makes sense."
"Can I go back to shooting my arrows at fruit now?"
"Yeah, totally. I want to watch!"
We had fun the rest of the day and the rest of the week. We went to the water park—and I did my best to not get mad at him when he refused to go on any of the big slides. We also went to Dave and Buster's, and two days it rained so we went to do laser tag and the movies. Rumika took us to the aquarium, where we got to see real fish—not just Pokémon. It was so cool. We saw a flounder for the first time in our lives. Jay took a lot of pictures.
Jay switched schools again after he went back and nothing changed on the bullying front. There still wasn't room for him in my enormous public school on the other side of the Viridian forest, and there was no way my parents were paying for that private school Jay ended up in for his final year of studies—minus all the tutoring he needed after we left for our first Pokémon journey through Kanto.
He stopped wearing girl clothes to school as a way of starting fresh. More blue and black, less pink. He didn't talk about Jaylie ever again, so I didn't either.
Then about two and a half months after that existential crisis, he was in my room, sobbing once more. I understood at least half of what he said, not because he was making sense, but because I was used to it.
"…and decided that I am going to tell our other friends that I am gay," was literally the only clear sentence.
"Why are you crying about it?" I asked, genuinely not understanding the purpose for the tears.
"I think Soledad is the only one who will be nice about it. Takeshi will probably ignore me for now on, worried that I will creep on him or something."
"All Takeshi thinks about is your big sister. He's too busy being in love-love with her to even hear what you say sometimes."
"Yeah…I just think that sometimes…you know…"
"June will be nice. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body."
"I don't know her that well…your parents are better friends with Iris and Cilan than my parents are…they think Cilan is weird, which is true sometimes I guess…"
"Do you need a wing-girl?"
"I don't know what that is."
"I'll prep them. I think I know what I can say. Then we can talk about it, then you can say what you need to say."
"Okay. I'll do it."
XO
I acted as Jay's wing-girl the night of his family's annual New Year's Eve party, aka the day before his tenth birthday. Jay decided that this would be a perfect time, figuring that no one would be mean to him the day before his birthday.
Jay, June Gaulle, Soledad Oak, Takeshi Harrison, Tamaki Moto, and I were playing poker in my basement with Annastasia and her three closest friends Nolan, Lexi, and Rita. I told A my plan, but no one else other than me, Pip, Jay, and Togekiss knew. We waited until we were almost finished the game, and Lexi and Nolan got up to get us sodas (after A thankfully asked them to) but Rita was still there, which made Jay nervous. We didn't know her well yet, but A had told us that she is chill and knows a lot of gay kids…for reasons I didn't understand at the time.
June and Soledad had already asked Jay if I was okay twice, but Takeshi brought it up again.
"Jay, you look kinda upset for someone who turns double-digits in three hours," he started.
"I can tell when there is something wrong. I've known you for a long time," said Soledad. "Tell us, we won't bite."
"I don't like how your mind seems far away," June said as she touched Jay's hand. "You always acted so cheerfully in the past. Are you upset about growing up?"
"No, I am upset because I want to tell you something, but I am not sure how to say it. I feel like it's stupid," Jay replied.
"It's not stupid," Annastasia said as she looked to all the other kids.
"Jay is really stressed out. He gets made fun of a lot at school, and lately things have been harder than usual," I told them.
"That is so sad," said June. "I wish my school was closer to yours. I would never be mean to you."
"I know you get bullied and I feel bad that I could never help," said Soledad. "I thought things were getting better—not worst. Does this have to do with Jaylie?"
"Not particularly," Jay murmured.
"Kids are still bullying you, after all this time? Dude, I thought that was like, a one-time thing," said Tamaki.
"It still happens," Jay quietly replied.
"We are all your friends. Maybe we should all hang out together more often," Takeshi suggested. "Our dads are best friends."
"I know," Jay gulped.
"Jay gets nervous and stressed sometimes because he thinks that you all will treat him like the kids at school do," Annastasia told the group.
"The kids at school either beat him, mock him, or ignore him," I said. "Jay wants you to have open minds…A and I told him that you do."
"We do," said June.
The others repeated her words. Jay trembled a bit and eyed Rita. Of all A's friends, Rita is the most elusive. She isn't a neighbor, but a co-worker, and she didn't spend much time with our friend group or Jay's family until Jezz came along, and that wouldn't be for another fourteen months. She is only one who didn't say anything. She doesn't look like the judgmental type, and A told us she wasn't, and she never made fun of him before, but Jay was still timid around her for some reason. I suppose it was her mysteriousness that threw him off. I took one of his hands in mine and gave it a firm squeeze. I then cupped my hands around Jay's ear and leaned in to whisper:
"Just say what is on your mind. I already told them that you had an important announcement. They are ready."
"People make fun of me because I am gay," Jay blurted. "Um, please don't get mad."
"I am mad. People shouldn't make fun of you for any reason, especially over something that you can't control," Soledad responded matter-of-factly.
"I am confused," Tamaki admitted.
"What did you do to make us mad?" Takeshi asked.
"I agree with Soledad," said June, ignoring Takeshi for the first time in forever. "I too am upset that people are mean to you."
"Still confused…" said Tamaki.
"He's coming out to you ya morons," Logan told everyone as he and Lily entered the scene.
"That makes you and I Fearrow of a feather," Tamaki said as he wrapped an arm around Jay's shoulder. "I am gay too…except for Rita and those hot girls they put on the covers of magazines."
I internally gagged while Rita made a grossed-out face. Takeshi's obsession with Annastasia is milder than Tamaki's apparent obsession with Rita. At least they both eventually grew out of it.
"I was worried that everyone here would make fun of me too," said Jay.
"If I am going to make fun of you, it's going to be about your stupid hair," Soledad remarked. "Not because you like boys."
"Ha-ha, same," Tamaki laughed.
"You should dye it blue so that it matches your eyes," Soledad suggested.
"Your hair is cute," June said as she gently elbowed Soledad. "I like that color on you. You should feel good about whatever you are. Gay, naturally purple—whatever."
"I am totally relieved now," Jay breathed as I gave him the rest of my water. "You all are the best."
"We know," Logan and Lily said together.
Takeshi nodded then breathed in sharply as he recalled a memory.
"So, that one time when you…you know, were flirting with me…"
"Ummmm Takeshi, ummm you're not my type," Jay said as he turned beet-red. "I ummm I was young and stupid back then…I-I am totally not into you anymore—ever—I am not creepy I promise!"
"It's okay," Takeshi told him. "Though I am somewhat offended that I am not your 'type'."
"Uhh."
"He's joking," I told Jay.
"This means a lot to me you guys," Jay said as he began to dramatically choke up.
"There, there, Jay, it's alright," Annastasia told Jay in that mom's voice she sometimes uses.
"You got it off your chest, and the world didn't fall apart," I remarked. "Not so bad. Another existential crisis beat down."
Nolan and Lexi came back and witnessed Jay's sniffling. June explained what happened and they seemed to understand. Later, Annastasia wanted to talk to me and Jay alone, and Rita came along.
"Do you remember that place called Spectrum we used to go and hang out at sometimes?" A asked us.
"Yes," said Jay.
"I never went before," I reminded them.
Annastasia explained the details of that place. I had no idea at the time, but once upon a time it was the home of Jezz.
"You know I work there, right?" Rita asked Jay. "I'm a volunteer mentor. Whenever I am not doing something fun or for Team Rocket, I am there."
"Umm okay…" said Jay.
"Many of the kids there are also gay, and so they can understand some of what you are feeling," said Rita. "They aren't mean; I have met a lot of nice kids there over the last few years. And I think it's time for a re-visit."
"The only reason I didn't want to take you there more often is because most of the kids are only there for a month or two, then they get adopted or fostered by a family that accepts them. Many of those families live far away. I didn't want you to get attached to someone only to have them leave you," A explained. "But, if you need someone to talk to other than family members, Dr. Liz, and Amber, there are other people available, and you should know that."
"I'll think about it," Jay decided.
"Awesome, now go have fun," Annastasia demanded. "You are going to be a ten-year-old soon; your life is just getting started."
"Thanks for helping me. I owe you," Jay said as he bowed to Rita and A.
"You keep making my green tea every morning, and we'll call it even," Annastasia responded.
"And you can make my night by cheering up," said Rita.
Jay looked to me, those brilliant eyes beaming. In that moment, I recall thinking that there could never be a more perfect human. Jay, Jaylie, or perhaps some other identity in the future, I don't care. Those eyes will always be the same…even with the color contacts.
XO
Last night I slept with Jay on the pullout couch in our crowded living room. Halfway through the night, a third person joined us, the Little Bird who is obsessed with my family. She sang in her squeaky three-year-old voice until we both acknowledged her. As usual, Jay skipped right to the squeezing her and telling her how cute she is.
"Amb, don't you want her forever? She even looks like you!" Jay said as he nearly choked the child. "And Linette Ketchum is a name that flows."
"So, does Linette Morgan, or literally any other family name…" I tried, thinking of alternative adoptees.
"No, not true."
"Why would I want a child when I already have you and Logan?"
"Because…"
Linette climbed onto my shoulders and started playing with my knotted tresses. I was like that once, climbing all over people and tugging at their hair. Jay scooped up Linette and carried her to the kitchen. He strapped her down in the booster seat he bought her and gave her water and formula. She wouldn't drink until I sat next to her.
"I feel like we are in the best part of our lives so far," Jay said as he handed Linette a bowl of cereal, which she began eating ravenously with her hands. "The perfect comma. The perfect opportunity…the best—"
Someone began pounding on our door. This is not unusual for 10:00 am in this house. It was Harper. He barged right in and took the other seat next to Linette. Linette began telling Harper about her morning, but he stared at her blankly then looked to me and Jay for help.
"She's too young to understand that you can't hear," Jay signed. "But you've done a good job teaching her so far."
Linette knows six words in JSL: her name, Harper's name, my name, Jay's name, Jezz's name, and 'hello'. Normally something like this would piss Harper off—little shit has an attitude—but he has a soft spot for Linette. Jay ships them.
"Why are you here?" I asked Harper.
"For her," he answered, making Jay smile with excitement. "And because Jay needs to do my hair."
There is nothing Jay seems to like more than having people come to him for help on how to look 'nice'. Harper's a fashionista just like him—calls himself 'half-girl', which makes Jay very proud. Jay ran to his bag and pulled out accessories, scissors, and a teasing comb while Harper ate some of Jezz's pears.
"I was so much like you when I was younger," Jay said aloud, then paused. "Amb, translate for me so that I can do Harper's hair and have a convo at the same time."
"It's not like I have anything better to do," I said as I stood across from Harper.
"You were like me? Oh god," Harper signed after I repeated Jay's message.
"That's a good thing," Jay said defensively. "I looooved getting my hair done up. Your mom used to do it for me when I was really little, then when I got a bit older, I got to do her makeup and hair."
"It's because Jay is a half-girl too," I told Harper.
"I don't think I am like Jay. Jay is too nice," Harper responded. "And he is too emotional."
"Was that a compliment?" Jay asked.
"Not really," Harper responded. "And I don't want to marry another boy and own a salon when I grow up. I want to be a Trial Captain on Mai Island. I want to be president of that whole place."
"Mai Island is part of Alola, and so there is no president," I pointed out. "Jezz runs that one island…but he's not a president. Sorry to ruin your life."
"Everything will change when I grow up," Harper retorted. "I bet the Kapule Klan will rise again, but next time it won't be an evil gang. That's because I will be in charge."
I continued to translate words for Linette and Jay as they threw various messages at Harper and he answered back in that confident, snarky, and idealistic manner of his. I didn't realize the time until almost too long had passed. I have a meeting and Jay's entry to finish up.
"I've been working on that Jaylie story. I bet you should tell Harper about it…leave out all the times you cried though," I told Jay.
"What is 'Jaylie'?" Harper queried.
"Jay's alter ego. She only appears in drag and Jay's childhood," I answered.
"Cool. I want you to tell me more," said Harper.
Jay had no comment as he did the last of Harper's cornrows. Harper kept asking questions until Jay gave in. I left to get ready for my meeting, leaving the boys to Jay's past.
XO
Notes:
+ I edited chapter one by adding some more context. If you were a bit confused by it I recommend re-reading it. If you are still confused, let me know.
+ Thanks everyone for your lovely reviews.
+ One more chapter to go: the conclusion. I will put it up ASAP.