To counter last weeks short af chapter, here's a much longer one! Bonding time between our love interests as well as some plot progression and world building. Enjoy!

"Is that really what you saw?" Jasmine's voice comes through the speaker of Layla's pokegear.

It's been a few days since the amazing discovery in Ecruteak, and now that she's processed everything she had to tell Jazz. She didn't leave out any details, not even the embarrassing moments with Morty and the fact they traded numbers. Facts Jasmine really enjoyed, of course.

"I swear," Layla responds while putting dishes away. "Shit was crazy."

"Wow," she breathes. The phone falls silent as she takes in the story. "And you got Morty's number?"

"Jazz!" Layla groans. "That's what you're getting from this?!"

"Well, yeah," she laughs. "I'm kidding. That's amazing and I'm sure Eusine's dreams have come true, mostly anyway. But tell me," Layla rolls her eyes as her best friend moves on fast, " are you and Morty texting?"

Layla bites her lip, setting down a bowl to glance over at the phone on the counter just out of arm's reach. She can see the notification alerting her to a new message. It makes her heart flip thinking it could be him, like she's in high school all over again. It takes all her control to not fly across the room to see if it's him.

"Yes."

"About what?"

"Well, he wanted me to let him know when I got home... I forgot and texted him in the middle of the night."

"He responded, didn't he?"

"Yes!" Layla remembers the shock jolting her out of her grogginess that early morning. He replied pretty quickly, and she sat up in bed, wondering if something bad had happened. "I didn't think he was an insomniac. Eusine talks about how much he sleeps."

"It's less insomnia and more being a Noctowl," her friend muses. "I remember I needed help with something and I emailed him in the middle of the night. I was shocked, and relieved, to find he replied within minutes."

"Still," Layla sighs, returning to her chores. "I just think you guys work hard and need your sleep."

"You're too sweet sometimes."

"Don't tell Eusine."

"Don't distract me from the gossip."

Layla snorts. "We've just been sending random photos from our day. He sends me pics of Nox, and I reply with Pocha or Belle. We are meeting up in Ecruteak this afternoon to show Elm where the Trio was."

"Are you doing anything with him after?"

Layla swears she can see Jasmine leaning forward in her head as she turns to the phone to read the text from Eusine. "He had mentioned something about a show at the dance theater."

"Oh, yeah!" Jasmine snaps her fingers. It sounds like a cap popping off a bottle over the phone. "They do mini shows as a sort of practice. Their real shows are at festivals and certain holidays. It's all still amazing, though."

"I'm excited. I haven't been to a show in years," Layla smiles. "I, obviously, have nothing else to do so I said sure."

"Well, I hope it goes well. I think you two are cute together."

"We're not together," Layla replies, though her face heats up. "We're just friends right now. And remember, Whitney?"

"I doubt that will stop anything. And I'm not trying to put a label on you two, I just think it's nice that two people I know from two different places in my life are hanging out."
"Yeah, yeah," Layla rolls her eyes. Though she's smiling, she doesn't dare let herself imagine any further than today. She still barely knows Morty, and with what's happening in her life now, she doesn't want to complicate anything. "Anyway, Eusine is finally ready, so I gotta go."

"Okay. Love you, bye!"

"Love you too."

They hang up and Layla slips the gear into her pocket just as the front door opens to reveal Eusine bounding in. He looks chipper and full of energy, like a kid in a candy shop. It brings a smile to her face to see her best friend so passionate and alive because of something he loves. In all his years researching legendaries, he's become well known for the field work and mystery solving he's done. He, Elm and Oak have a good relationship, the professors often compensating Eusine for the data he's collected and putting his name on their publications.

While titles don't mean a thing to Eusine, Layla wishes he'll just bite the bullet and get a doctorate already. She understands it's a complicated process, but Elm and Oak could be an immense help, and he could get access to way more databases that way.

"Morning," he beams, gathering her in a hug. "Are you ready to head over?"

"Yeah, let me grab some shoes," she grins, squeezing him back just as tight.

She steps up to the closet close to the front door and slides it open. Inside sits a full body mirror where she smiles at her white floral shirts and loose off shoulder olive shirt. Morty said the dance theater doesn't have a dress code when it's not a festival show, so anything was fine. Layla, on the other hand, would not show up in ripped skinny jeans and a graphic tee.

Slipping on some olive colored, close toed sandals, Layla grins at Eusine. "I'm ready."

"You're looking fancy, you and Morty going on a date?" he raises a brow.

She rolls her eyes, adjusting her curls out of her face. "No. Morty invited me to a dance show, that's all."

"Oh," he eyes her outfit.

Feeling self conscious, she tugs at the hem of her shorts. "Is this too much?"

"Nah, I just like to make you feel bad."

"Eu-sine!"

He laughs, ushering her out the door, her purse and keys in his hand. "Let's go."

Alakazam gets them to the train station where they board on time to get to Goldenrod. Layla adjusts her outfit on the way over, her mind whirling with all things pokemon and Morty. She's never met Professor Elm or Oak, but has been around when Eusine was on the phone with them. She knows they're kind, and that's about it.

She's been a fan of Elm's since she was younger and he discovered pokemon eggs when they first started appearing randomly. His research in pokemon reproduction, growth, evolution and abilities is unmatched. In school, she had to write an essay after essay on his work, and to say that all of today's excitement is just because of Morty would be a lie. She can't wait to meet Elm, too.

The train trembles as it slows down to enter the station, jolting Layla out of her stupor to see Eusine napping beside her. She nudges him awake, pulling him into the throng of people until they're out in the open of Goldenrod. The last teleportation takes them right to Ecruteak.

Layla's heart swells in her chest as the city appears before her, its style already bringing her a sense of comfort despite the few times she's been here.

"Behave," Eusine nudges her, before turning and calling out, "Professor Elm!"

Layla's breath catches and she turns around to see said professor speaking with a certain gym leader. Her heart does a flip seeing Morty dressed casually in jeans, white t-shirt, and thin charcoal jacket to protect against the slight breeze. His hair is pulled back into a short ponytail, some clips keep his bangs from swinging in front of his eyes. The comfort radiates off him and she's ready to bask in it.

Elm turns at the sound of Eusine's voice and smiles, waving them over. "Eusine, good to see you again."

"Likewise," Eusine grins, taking his outstretched hand. He gestures to Layla. "This is my best friend, Layla."

"I've read almost all of your work," Layla blurts out, shaking his hand excitedly. "I did my last essay on the growth of different species of pokemon in eggs. Super interesting read."

Elm grins, clearly satisfied to know someone else enjoys his work. "Well, thank you, Layla. We've just scratched the surface of eggs, but I'm glad you'll follow along as we pave the way forward.

She beams, letting Eusine take over from there, and turns to Morty with the same smile. "Hi."

"Hi yourself," he smiles, shoving his hands into his pocket and falling into step with her. "You weren't star struck when you met me."

"You weren't paying attention then," she teases, heat rushing to her face to see him flush at her words. "How are you?"

"I'm a little nervous," he admits, his eyes flashing to the two in front of them for a second. "Calling the professors was the right move, but I'm worried people are going to notice Elm and then Oak making a visit here."

"Well, people can speculate, but it doesn't mean they're gonna guess the right answer on the first try," she tries to reason. "I'm sure they think the professors want to do a restoration of the Burned Tower rather than what really happened."

"Yeah... I hope you're right," he shrugs. "Do you still want to see the Kimono Girls?"

"Of course," she smiles. "I haven't been to a show in forever."

"Well, I know you'll want to go to more after this one," he clears his throat.

She glances at him to see his eyes on the ground, but his ears tinged pink. She nudges him with her hip. "Yeah, of course."

He smiles the rest of the way to the Burned Tower, happy to talk about anything with Layla as they approach the steps and Eusine describes what happened. There are some signs up, at Morty's request to the city, to warn about a new collapse on the first floor. A policewoman allows them passage, her face firm and outfit crisp. A guard for the day.

The energy around the tower has a subtle jolt of electricity running through it, it makes Layla's hairs stand on end as she waits by the doorway. Eusine guides Elm in the direction of the hole, pointing out the painting, and then climbing down the ladder to the floor below. Layla leans against a wooden beam, crossing her arms, and sighing as their voices fade below the floorboards. It will be a long time before they re-emerge and she should be more excited. The discovery is amazing, but something like this isn't an adrenaline rush all the time.

She glances over to find Morty watching the two disappear down the hole. His brows furrowed and his eyes clouded. It's understandable he's worried, the rumors of Team Rocket rising, and Layla's own confirmed confrontation with them. This couldn't have come at a worse time. Jasmine mentioned that Gym Leaders aren't just there to battle, but are trusted to help protect the city should a pokemon-related threat arise. While the Trio aren't in the city, it's where they originated and Layla doesn't have to be Morty's best friend of several years for her to know he's going to take responsibility, anyway.

"Hey," she nudges him, offering a small smile. "It'll be okay. You don't have to do anything right now."

He lets out a small sigh, his shoulders drooping a bit before he crosses his arms and faces her. "I know. It's just... There wasn't any training for this. My parents had no idea they were down here, none of the elder's did either."

"How?"

"Well," he starts, his eyes glancing towards the mural. "We've been visiting this tower for a long time. My earliest memories are coming here with my father to pay respects and ensure it isn't about to collapse. We've been down there at least a hundred times."

"So you think they just appeared there?"

"No. I think they were waiting," he states, and it seems like that's the end of the conversation. His eyes lighten up and he turns to her, his smile bright like the sun in the sky above them. "You still want to get some lunch beforehand?"

"Of course," she repeats with the same energy. "Some non traumatic bonding time will be great."

He bursts out laughing at that, clearly not expecting her to say it. "I mean, yeah. That's true."

Layla wants to respond, but a few more people enter the tower behind them. She turns to see some elders dressed in robes heading straight towards Morty. Not wanting to be in the way of official business, she steps to the side to give them their space to talk.

"Are they already below?" the older man at the front regards Morty with a small head bow.

"Yes, they are."

"We have much to record, then," he glances at the other men and gestures for Morty to follow.

"I'll be right behind you," he nods, moving over to Layla. "Do you want to come down?"

"Nah, I'm not really dressed for exploration. And I can't add anything without the physical pokemon," she shrugs. "Go ahead, I'll wait here."

"Are you sure?" he tilts his head, his voice pitches higher, and she smiles more.

"I promise. It's a beautiful day."

He looks hesitant, but finally concedes and follows the elder's to the floor below.

Layla takes a deep breath, getting the Butterfree out of her chest as she turns on her heel and heads to the exit. Part way there, she feels a chill rush up her spine and smiles as Gengar manifests in front of her. The pokemon looks as though it just woke up and she feels her chest warm up at Morty's gesture.

The two of them take a short stroll outside around the side of the tower to stay in the shade of the trees. She takes a seat on the dry grass with Gengar next to her and watches people pass by near and far. Eusine had said Morty wouldn't be needed for the entire search and that he was there to ensure the safety of the group and their privacy.

It doesn't take long for her to doze off on Gengar, her body leaning on his heavily as he tries to stay absolutely still. The pokemon remains so, even as his trainer exits the tower and finds them after a few minutes of searching. Morty spots them and smiles, it's not often Nox is so gentle with people, it's a pleasant change.

He approaches with a soft smile on his face, urging Nox to remain quiet as he reaches out to shake her shoulder. His voice is gentle, hoping to ease her out of sleep. Layla flinches, and all of that goes out the window. In seconds she's sitting up with eyes wide and hands flying up to protect herself.

"It's okay, it's okay," Morty speaks in a calm tone. He holds her wrists with a featherlight touch. Soothing her to relax against Nox again. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize..."

"No, it's okay," she huffs, collapsing on Nox. "Don't worry."

"Have you been sleeping at all lately?" he frowns, twisting his hands around her wrist to pull her to her feet. "We don't have to go to the show."

"I want to go," she says, wiping some grass from her clothes. "I've been sleeping fine. I want to have a normal day today, okay?"

He nods and his smile returns. "Okay, let's go."

Relief floods Layla as he leads the way, Nox back in his ball, and the minor incident long forgotten.

They get lunch at a popular sandwich place in town, many of the staff and customers greeting Morty with sparkling eyes towards Layla. Either he ignores their stares or doesn't notice as they take a seat outside to enjoy their meal. Just as she wanted, Morty keeps conversation to non-traumatic topics.

He catches her up on what Elm was doing on the basement floor, taking foot casts and measurements. Some techs will be by later to search for any hints of DNA while the Elders make a record of everything they're doing. It's definitely something for the history books and it's exciting to know she was a part of that discovery.

Once they finish their lunch, Morty goes from table to table as each person beckons him to ask how things are and how the gym is running. Layla politely waits behind him, her face set with a faint smile as she eyes the cafe and their lingering glances their way. It's like they're all waiting for an announcement or they want to ask something, but they want to respect Morty's space.

It's hilarious.

She laughs quietly to herself as they leave the building and head towards the dance theater.

"What?" he glances at her.

"They were so ready to ask questions about me, but they love you too much," she explains with a snort.

"What?" he repeats, still confused.

She waves him off. "Don't worry about it. So, you were talking about the other festivals that happen here?"

He easily takes the bait, diving into descriptions of the busy summers in and around Ecruteak. It sounds magical the way he describes how the whole town goes all out for everything. Traditional clothing, food stalls in the center of town, taiko drums, and stalls selling trinkets. She can hear the pride in his voice as he explains it all, his eyes looking far away from here, as though he wishes it were happening now.

"Oh," he states as they come to a stop at the theater. "I get excited talking about it."

"Good," she says quickly, leaving no room for his apology. "I want to go to the festivals, they sound amazing."

He smiles, nodding happily. "Of course. I'll text you the dates and times."

"Perfect."

With that said, they enter the theater, and Layla feels as though they've left the present and gone to the past. Wooden beams hold up the building, tall windows line the walls up to the stage, the slats open to let the spring breeze in. The stone floor disappears below a wooden top where several tables lay spread along the length of the stage with mats for sitting.

The entryway plays soft music as each person shows their ticket to the front desk person. One of the Kimono Girls stands in the doorway to welcome people, her face and hair done up in simple makeup and the robes of her kimono slung over her petite body.

"Ah, Morty," she smiles at him, reaching out to take his hand. "Glad you could make it."

"Thanks, Zuki," he greets her with a small hug. He gestures to Layla. "This is Layla, Eusine's other best friend he talks about."

"Oh!" she gasps, turning her attention to the brunette. "So, you are real."

Layla beams at her, taken aback by her beauty and elegance. "Yes, I am. It's so nice to meet you."

"Likewise, Layla. I hope you enjoy the show."

Morty guides her to a table towards the front. Layla ignores the whispers and stares and looks in awe of the interior of the building. The smell of tea hangs in the air with the gentle scent of cherry blossom from candles on each table. Layla had assumed it would be crowded given the seating arrangements, but it's quite spacious and she doesn't feel weird when she takes a seat at the table.

"Doing okay?" Morty checks in, sliding a mug her way as another Kimono Girl comes up with a teakettle.

"Yeah, it's beautiful in here," she glances around at the stage drowning in light as the Eeveelutions sit patiently waiting for their trainers.

"Thank you, Layla," the woman smiles, pouring them tea.

"Naoko," Morty greets with a smile.

She bows her head slightly and moves on to the next table.

Layla glances in the cup to see the green liquid inside and shifts on the mat. "Are they all really sisters?"

"Yes," he nods, gesturing to her cup. "It's matcha. I think you'll like it."

"I'm assuming you grew up with them?"

"With the younger ones, yes. My parents took me here a lot too," he answers and takes a sip. "I'm also a regular here."

Layla eyes him and then the women floating about the theater filling mugs of tea warily. They're beautiful and they all look so young, it's hard to tell who's younger than who in this lighting and their makeup done. She doesn't know why it bugs her so much, so she tries to drop it in favor of trying the tea.

"Careful," Morty urges, sitting up. "It's hot."

She blows on the steaming liquid and takes a small sip to test it. "Oh... yum."

He smiles. "I was hoping so."

She tries not to smile under his gaze as everyone settles in and a gentle melody plays and the sisters migrate to the stage. They give their kettles to staff that disappear down a side hallway.

Layla leans on the table as the sisters take their spots with their pokemon while one comes to the front to speak. She addresses the crowd in a firm voice, her smile and eyes seeming to reach everyone in the building, to welcome everyone. Once she's finished, the music changes to something more orchestral, and the show begins.

It's like magic, if Layla were to describe the way they move. Their pokemon enhance the show with moves, or even participate with almost as much elegance as their owners. The music swells as they twirl around the stage, their arms moving in matching patterns and their faces set in a serene expression.

Layla is captivated by it all, oblivious to the glances her way from the man beside her.

It feels like a game to Morty. How many times can he glance her way and back to the stage before she sees him? Each glance raises his heart rate. Her green eyes shine in the reflection of the lights hitting the stage. Her curls, tossed over her shoulder, frame her face and look so soft. Her mouth widens occasionally as the show continues, a bubble floats overhead or a few stars from swift dance around the stage. He doesn't need to watch the show to know what's going on.

As it draws to a close, Morty claps alongside the rest of the audience as the girls take their bows. The stage lights turn down and the house lights brighten as more upbeat music plays from the speakers above.

Layla stretches out and shakes her hair out with a heavy breath. "Wow. That was amazing."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," he grins, putting their mugs together and blowing out the candle on the table.

"It barely feels like two hours," she balks at her phone. "Feels like we just sat down."

"That's the best part," he grins, standing up and offering a hand to her. He pulls her up and loses his train of thought as a wave of her fruity hair product washes over him. Her hand squeezes his, and it's like all the air in his lungs disappeared.

"You okay?" she frowns at him.

Get a grip.

He shakes his head and steps back. "Yeah. I was just thinking about what Elm might be doing now."

"Oh," she falters a bit. "Were you worried about that during the entire show?"

"No, no," he shakes his head. "I'm sorry. It was the mention of time."

This seems to satisfy her as she nods and follows him with the crowd back to the entrance. In the throng of people, Layla feels a bit suffocated as they squeeze together to greet the sisters flanking the door. One of them calls out Morty's name and she tries not to grimace as the gym leader changes course to cut through the crowd to see her.

"Sayo," Morty smiles, hugging the shorter sister easily. "Good job out there."

"Oh, you were watching us?" she giggles with a wink, keeping an arm around his middle as Layla saunters up. "You must be Layla!"

"Uh, yeah," she grins, ignoring how close they are. "The show was amazing."

"Thank you," Sayo pulls away from Morty to grasp Layla's hands. "It's nice to see someone that actually enjoyed it."

"Um, what?"

"Sayo, I think Miki is calling you," Morty coughs, gesturing to another sister across the way.

Sayo winks at Layla. "It was great to meet you, hun. Come back soon!"

Morty takes this as his chance to pull Layla from the theater before there are any other comments from the sisters.

"What was that about?" Layla keeps up with his long strides easily.

"Nothing, the downside of growing up with them is they truly act like sisters."

She chuckles. "Ah, I get it."

It falls silent as they head back to the tower. The trek across the city takes its normal time as people call out to Morty along the way. When they turn on the street to the tower, Morty clears his throat, shoving his hands deeper in his pocket.

"So, have you decided anything with the daycare?"

Layla grimaces. "Not yet. I enjoy having a decent paycheck, but if trouble is picking up. I'm going to be traveling, anyway."

"That almost sounds like an answer?" he raises a brow, glancing over and down at her.

"I mean, I guess," she shrugs, avoiding his gaze. "It's just a lot of change at once and it makes me anxious."

"I understand how you're seeing that," he starts, looking forward as Eusine steps into view. "However, I think you have a wonderful support system. Eusine alone wouldn't let you fail in your next step. I doubt your parents or Jasmine would, either. And, if it came to it," he stutters a bit at this part and Layla turns to him, "you could always stay at my place too."

Layla gasps a bit. "Aww, Morty. You're so sweet. I really appreciate that, though. It's a pleasant change of pace, but... I'm just struggling to handle it."

"Take your time then," he grins.

She wants to say more, but Eusine's incessant whoops and hollers reach them and they turn to see Eusine waving vigorously as they approach. His sea colored eyes shining with excitement. It brings a smile to both their faces to see him so animated as they approach.

"Their paws are so big you guys, and given the indentation in the dirt we can estimate a weight range! You'll never believe it!"

Eusine rambles on and on as the Elders meet with Elm to finalize the details from today's work. Layla and Morty listen as best they can with Eusine's ramblings, their eyes meeting once to share in their love for their friend and his passion. By the time he finally comes down from his high, Elm has already said his goodbyes and the Elder's have pulled Morty aside to update him on the next move.

"So, it went well?" Layla snickers, leafing through the pile of papers he handed her.

"Yes! Exceptionally so!" he exclaims, breathless from his tangent. He takes a moment to gather himself before grinning down at her. "How was the show? Or did you make out during the whole thing?"

"Eusine!" she gasps, smacking his arm. "Stop it. The show was amazing, and it's not a movie theater."

"Oh, right," he concedes with a shrug. "The girls really know how to put on a show though."

"They do, and I didn't realize you talked about me to them too?" she raises a brow, a smile on her face.

He frowns. "I've met them a total of three times. If I did mention something it wasn't much?"

"Oh," she starts, it's her turn to frown. "They acted as though they heard of me before."

Eusine grins. "Well, I don't know if you're aware, but they train with Morty every so often."

"Do they really?"

Not only are they beautiful, talented and in a stable job, but they're powerful trainers too? Pocha isn't a pushover, but Layla couldn't get many badges given her pokémon's current state. They wouldn't stand a chance against him.

"What's wrong?" his smile falters.

"Nothing," she shakes her head. "I just can't believe they can do everything."

"I wouldn't say that," he snorts, reaching up to ruffle her curls. He sees her glare and decides to punch her shoulder half way through. "Battling isn't everything, Lay."

"Right," she sighs, only to perk up when Morty returns.

"Okay, Oak should be able to make it by the end of the week to do his own investigating," he states. "It's gonna be a crazy time for a while."

"Good, it's about time something exciting started happening," Eusine scoffs. "So, I'm hungry, what are we eating?"

Morty grimaces. "I can't, I still have a few battles this afternoon."

"More for me then," Eusine wraps an arm around Layla's shoulder, pulling her close. "We will remember you fondly, sir."

"Rude."

"What if we put a picture of you at the table? Will that help?"

Layla lets them banter until Morty calls it quits and it's their time to go. He waves as they teleport to the train station, his eyes glittering at Layla. She allows herself to smile once the view of Goldenrod stretches before them.

On the ride back, Eusine reviews his notes with utmost care, marking down some more observations as the scenery blows by. Layla remains quiet too, staring at her reflection in the window across from her and thinking about the day. The dance theater was amazing, even with the strange exchanges with the girls. It felt nice to be able to relax around Morty since it's just been the tower discovery hovering over them for a few days.

Despite him bringing up the daycare, his reassurance repeats itself in her head and she follows each option, knowing the outcome would be the same either way. Nursing is a passion, a fire that wouldn't burnout if she got rejected from the Joy in Olivine. She has options to go anywhere. She just has to take the first step.

The train rolls to a stop and the last teleport puts them at their apartment complex and, after some work, at Layla's dinner table.

"Oak is going to be astounded by what he sees..." Eusine babbles on during dinner.

Layla listens until she hears her phone chime and she pulls out her phone to see a text from Morty. Her heart does a flip as she opens it to see a bit of text in the purple bubble.

'Hey, I had a good time today and I hope you did too. I hope I didn't stir up more anxiety about the daycare situation. I just want you to make choices that are best for you. Anyway, here are the dates of the festivals and stuff. Let me know what ones you want to attend...'

Layla fights back her smile as she writes a reply and forces herself to pay attention to Eusine. The comfort from Morty's words carries well into the evening as she prepares for bed, a ridiculous smile on her face the entire time as well.