Okay, I am finished with writing this. Just have to edit so it should be smooth sailing from here on out. Thanks for your patience and sticking with me! We're diving right into action with this one and I felt it would be nice to have consequences to the power/magic system in the story. Let me know what you think.

"Nox, put that down!"

The sternness in Morty's voice forces Layla to twist around from her spot on the living room floor to see the ghost type trying to pick up her suitcase over his head. He stares at Morty for a long time, the blonde standing in the kitchen making tea (as usual) with wide eyes. It's a comical sight and Layla can't get over how opposite the two can be.

"Careful, Sugar," Layla calls to him, marveling when he flushes at the nickname. "That voice stirs some things around inside me."

"Layla, please," he groans, gesturing to Nox. "I'm trying to keep him in line, I can't do that and you too." Her jaw drops at how his words can be twisted and he flushes even more. "You know what I mean!"

Laughter bubbles up then, tears springing to her eyes at his blabbering to save himself.

It's been three weeks since her run in with Whitney and things have calmed down more with Morty. Considering she stood up to her with no coaching from him, he seems to see she's as serious about this as he is, hence the need to start using nicknames on him. The thing stopping her from being normal about it are his blushes and embarrassed sighs when she says something ridiculous.

Though 'Sugar' is the most tame and normal nickname she's used so far. She thinks his embarrassment was preemptive.

"Nox, where's Belle?" she raises a brow at the ghost type and watches as he disappears to find her pokemon. "I'm glad someone's having fun."

"He's always having fun," Morty sighs, coming over with a piping hot mug. "You're mostly packed, I'm impressed."

"Hey," she glares at him, accepting the mug to hold close to her. It's sweet, fruity smell eases the tension in her shoulders as she rechecks her packing list. "I can get stuff done."

"After putting it off for a few days," he mumbles into his drink.

She glares at him. "Sugar Prince, that's not very kind."

"Well, er- Pumpkin, the truth isn't always kind," he flushes again.

His attempt at a pet name makes her giggle. "I just started yesterday, so I can't blame you."

"Is Jasmine elated you're moving in?" he raises a brow, settling at the coffee table across from her. "Are you paying her rent?"

"We're still figuring the details out," she shrugs. "Since you guys get paid really well she doesn't need the extra cash. Plus, if I can handle all the cooking, she won't need monetary rent."

He laughs. "Ah, yes. She can eat a lot, it's impressive."

"I'll say," she smiles. She chances a sip and flinches at the heat, she sets the mug on the table and reaches across to squeeze Morty's hand. "Are you elated I'll be closer?"

"Of course," he squeezes her hand back, setting his own mug aside. The smile on his face makes Layla's skin warm, like the sun shining on a hot day, it spreads across her body. "I won't have to wait until just the weekend to see you."

"And the gym ladies will be so happy to see me so often," she smiles, watching as he clears his throat. "They're so adorable, Morty."

"That's a way to describe them," he mutters. After a short pause, he lifts her hand to his chest, his body feels warm against the back of her palm, making her swallow the excitement building in her stomach. "I really am excited though."

"I know," she hums, resisting the urge to lean in and kiss him. "It'll be fun."

They sit like that for a moment more, Morty running his thumb over her hand and Layla smiling at him like a fool. There are intense moments like these pretty often with him, where Layla wants to be physically affectionate, but has to refrain. It's not the biggest issue, considering he must consent for her to actually do anything, it's just frustrating.

He's so damn cute!

Like right now, his purple eyes are bright and innocent as he talks about how excited he is to spend time with her. It makes her heart soar every damn time and she feels like a teenager.

"Layla?" he waves a hand in front of her face.

She blinks. "What?"

"I said, are you sure about moving away from Eusine?" he raises an eyebrow. "What's on your mind?"

"Yes, he practically lives in Johto anyway. We talked about it extensively… and I was thinking about you," she grins.

Telling the truth always catches them both off guard, but it's worth it to see Morty yet again flush. "O-oh..." She lets it fall silent and awkward between them, knowing it helps him become more comfortable with her.

He breaks it. "You're not worried about being in the same region as Whitney?"

"No, are you worried about that?"

He shifts on his legs, letting go of her hand to sip at his tea some more. "Yes. I just don't want the drama of it to pile on top of what you'll be doing."

"Morty, stop it," she shakes her head, taking a drink of her own tea. "I will worry about what I can and can't handle and let you know."

"I just..."

"Morty," she repeats, setting down her mug. "Please, it'll be okay."

He keeps silent, his eyes staring into hers, purple lost in a deep, green forest until her phone rings. It snaps them out of their trance and Layla glances down to see Eusine's name flash across the screen. She rolls her eyes, even when he's not physically present, he still manages to cut into a moment between them.

"What's up, Houdini?"

"Layla, stay calm," Eusine's labored breath hisses over the phone.

The world stops around her hearing the pain in his voice. Her heart drops as all the blood in her face drains.

"I need help. I'm outside Mt. Mortar, in the forest! I got caught in a trap, ah! I think my arm's -Ow!- broken."

"Call the authorities," she gets up, gesturing for Morty to come closer. "Why are you calling me?"

"S-suicune's here... Something's chasing it..." His words are separated by painful groans, each one like a stab to her heart. Tears build up in her eyes as the image of him, vulnerable on the ground, flashes through her mind. She leans into Morty for strength, taking in his warmth as Eusine's labored breath comes through the phone. "I sent Hugo to you, it's faster."

She chokes out a goodbye, waiting for him to hang up, unable to do herself. He promises it will be okay and the dial tone sends shivers down her spine. In the emptiness between, her body trembles with anxiety and fear.

What if something happened right after that? In the time she and Morty have been packing and laughing, he's been in trouble and hurt. Her thoughts tear at her insides, begging her to crumple under the pressure, but she surges towards her room.

She chants the steps she needs to do in her head to keep calm, the faster she gets ready the faster she'll get to Eusine.

"Layla, what's happening?" Morty repeats his question, knowing she didn't hear him the first time.

"Eusine is hurt," she heaves, falling to her knees to grab a first aid kit from under her bed. "He's outside Mt. Mortar with Suicune. He said someone was after it and I think it's Team Rocket. I don't know, his arm is broken and he can't think!"

The panic in her voice hits him hard. He takes a second to pull her close, the smell of her floods his senses as he squeezes her tight. Willing to set aside some of his own fear for Eusine to comfort her. "It's going to be okay, we'll get there."

He cups her face, taking her through some deep breaths before turning to call out, "Nox! Belle!"

The ghost types arrive just as Hugo steps into her bedroom with a panicked expression. The trainers return their pokemon and prepare for the journey across the regions to Eusine. It takes a couple of jumps to get there, Hugo needing a short break to gather himself before reaching their destination.

Layla clutches Morty's hand as the world spins and disappears with each jump, her stomach leaping with each leg of travel. Bedroom melts into the outside, fresh air and tall trees in a matter of seconds only to repeat again. It takes them a moment to adjust each time, the stark contrast causing their minds to stall and the world to spin.

She's the first to break away, not caring about the danger of stepping away from a teleporting pokemon with Eusine's life in danger. Her feet stomp the grass as she sprints forward in the direction Hugo leads. She's not sure what she's looking for but thankfully, a big legendary pokemon and a person dressed in purple and white isn't hard to see. She changes direction so fast Morty nearly collides with her, his grip never loosening on hers as she comes to a halt with the two in question floating in the air.

"Eusine!" she cries, glancing at the strange electric field they're trapped in. "What do we do?"

There's a hum in the air from the machinery keeping them elevated. It doesn't look as though it's hurting them, thankfully, but she can tell it's been a rough event for the two of them. Suicune struggles against its restraints, constantly ramming its body into the side of the sphere with pained grunts as electricity lashes back with just as much force.

"Look," Morty tugs on her hand, he points to four strange spheres buried in the ground.

Their metal exteriors shine in the sunlight, clearly giving away their position as they emit a thick string of lightning in the air. It keeps Eusine and Suicune suspended, but cramped in a nearly clear bubble. A thin film of energy keeps them mushed together, the sun's light casts a purple glow over the surface.

Without much of a plan, Layla calls on Pocha to attempt to do something. The dual type ruffles out his feathers and glances around, easily catching up on the events, and nods at his trainer.

Having him out gives her a moment to breathe and really think on what to do next. The metal contraptions catch her eye and she decides to go for it.

"Pocha! Metal Claw!" Layla shouts with no hesitation.

Nox joins in as Morty takes Hugo to stand under the two, the psychic type uses his powers to hold the two inside as one by one, the devices go down. Pocha senses his trainer's anxiety and hits each machine with as much force as possible, careful to mind the sparks flying from each hit.

The last one dies out and Layla rushes to the center as Morty eases Eusine to the ground. She tries to help him, but Eusine urges her to check Suicune, the water type panting heavily as its legs give out and it crashes to the ground. The pressure in the area rises and the wind picks up now that Suicune's been released but still under stress.

"Hey, hey," Layla whispers, approaching slowly with her hands out much like she did with Raikou. "I'm here to help you."

The pokemon grumbles, the pressure gathering more intensely around them as its red eyes pierce hers. It feels as though time stands still as the pokemon weighs its options before them. Should it trust them? Or should it take its chances?

Layla tries to express safety and healing while keeping its gaze with just as much intensity. After a moment, it huffs, twisting its head to show her an entry wound, small and swollen. The source of a trickle of blood spidering down its furry neck.

Training kicks in and Layla comes back to reality with the weight of the bag on her shoulder. She drops it to the ground to gather her supplies, her trembling hands dropping tools every now and then. While moving, her eyes catch on a small shining object on the ground, her head whips around to see a dart broken in a puddle of some liquid.

Immediately, she grabs a baggy and some gloves to collect the soil, dart and glass for a sample. Will it help? Lance or her mother will let her know. For now, she must collect all that she can to fight against Team Rocket.

With the bag stowed away, Layla pulls her hair up into a bun and centers herself with a breath before turning to engage with Suicune.

It still feels strange to work on a legendary pokemon, their size is massive compared to her and the way they look her in the eye... It's different from a regular pokemon. Their years of living have given them wisdom, sights and experiences she can't even imagine having. Raikou and Suicune come from the same legend, yet their energies are different.

She slips on some gloves and gently presses around the site, careful to mind Suicune's head as the pokemon flinches under her touch. The skin looks irritated and swollen, but she can see a chunk of silver in it; the end of the needle. Looking back at the dart in its bag, she notices a good sized piece of the end missing and takes a deep breath.

"Okay, I have to dig out the needle tip," she says out loud. Does Suicune understand? Hopefully. There aren't enough emotions to explain how sorry she is for what she's about to put it through.

She grabs a bottle of diluted chlorohex and douses the site with it. In the kit, she pulls out forceps and braces as the pokemon struggles to remain under control. Her initial touch makes it snarl, but it doesn't pull away. "I'm sorry!"

Suicune grunts. Its paws dig into the ground as she pulls out the bloody needle and sets it aside. The pokemon huffs, looking as though nothing happened, and watches as she cleans the wound and rubs a salve on it to encourage the healing process. Its red eye as far back as it can go to ensure she doesn't pull any swift moves.

"Layla," Eusine hisses as Morty uses his scarf to wrap his arm up in a sloppy, makeshift sling. "They're coming."

"Team Rocket?" she asks, digging for some berries for the pokemon to eat.

She holds her hands up for Suicune to eat and turns her head to see him nod wearily. "The machines sent out a flare, they're close and I don't know how close."

"What do we do?" Morty glances between them, his eyes staying on Suicune longer as it finishes the food.

Layla watches Suicune stand on its feet and stretch out, only wincing when twisting its neck from side to side. She gazes at its thin fur, rippling like little waves of water beneath its mane. The pokemon is astounding, the embodiment of wind and water despite its singular legendary connection to wind.

She takes a deep breath. "I'll create a distraction."

"How?" Morty frowns, then he remembers what she can do. "Well, still, how?"

"I've seen Suicune," she gestures to the pokemon, tearing off her gloves and tossing them into the field kit. She scrambles to fluff the grass and make it seem as though they weren't there. Shouldering the bag and she urges the boys to hide. "I can't get the details right, but enough to confuse them."

Layla stands up and settles herself before turning back to the pokemon. "You have to run, and run far."

There's a whirring sound in the air, like the beating of helicopter blades, each beat matches the blood pumping in Layla's body. The realization her life is in immediate danger once again threatens to take over and force the air out of her lungs. It's foreboding and Layla's heart begins to pound harder in her chest as she gestures wildly for Suicune to leave.

Suicune resists her gestures, grunting and stepping around her as if to argue without really arguing. It wants to fight? Who knows. Layla doesn't back down, getting over her aversion to touching the legendary, she presses her body against it.

"Please, you'll only get recaptured," she begs.

She's not sure what changes its mind, but she nearly topples over as Suicune takes a step away and, after one last look, leaps away and into the forest.

Layla exhales in relief and herds the boys to some thick brush around the edge of their little clearing. Eusine has sprawled on the ground, head resting on Morty's legs as he tries to breathe through his pain. She settles next to him, leaning into the bush to see into the clearing as inconspicuous as possible. Her heart pounds as the aircraft comes into view, its hulking black body threatening to crash on them.

"Shh!" she demands and claps her hands though she can't hear them over the roar of the engine and rotors.

Adrenaline pumping through her veins helps her create an illusion. Picturing the scene she saw when they arrived, she blends it into the space before her, recreating it near perfectly. Minus Eusine, Morty watches as the illusion Suicune struggles in the bubble, looking as realistic as possible. She replays the moment over and over, the twitch of Suicune's body, the blood on the side of its neck and its constant struggle against the restraints.

The three lower to the ground, using the brush as cover while the craft lowers and touches down on the other side of the small clearing. Metal clanks and whirs as the doors open and two people step out with sneers on their faces. Layla forces herself to keep her eyes on her work, the side of her head pressed to Morty's arm as they're squished together in an awkward pose.

There's talking and laughing as the men approach the machines and Layla realizes she doesn't understand how they work and has to come up with a new plan and fast.

Before one of the men can reach a device, Layla pictures Suicune using an attack and breaking through the barrier. The only attack coming to mind is hydro pump and she goes with it. She tries to make it seem realistic, Suicune rears its head up and lets loose a powerful blast, an attack fueled by rage ought to mean something to them. The men shout at each other as the bubble breaks into a cloud of black smoke and 'Suicune' slips out.

She makes it stumble on the grass before it dashes off into the woods, opposite to the real Suicune's direction.

Without paying attention to the remaining devices essentially melting away, the men make a run for the aircraft and take off with a huge gust of wind.

Layla grunts as a tingling sensation pulses at the back of her head, a warning she pushed herself too hard and she knows it. She keeps her grip on Morty's arm tight as her vision begins to blur.

Sabrina won't be happy to hear about this.

"We have to get to a hospital," she states, turning her head to where she feels Eusine's head against her side. "Morty, you gotta call Lance."

It's strange to exist without sight as Hugo teleports them to Mahogany Town's hospital. Morty doesn't find it strange Layla clings to him as they check Eusine in, though Eusine has caught on to what's happening and helps her take a seat as Morty steps away to make a call.

He pats her arm. "I'm sorry you had to do that."

"Don't do that ever again," she pinches him, tears coming to her eyes. "It's fine, I'll be able to see by tomorrow morning. If not, the afternoon."

"Still," he nudges her. "I'm sorry."

"Anything for you," she pats his face, trying to make light with a show of finding his face. "I'm glad you're okay, Houdini. I was terrified."

"I know, I know."

They settle into silence then.

Eusine's gloved hand, on his not broken arm, finds Layla's and he holds it while Morty talks to Lance. A few minutes later, his name gets called and he urges her to stay in the waiting room, telling Hugo to watch over her as he follows the nurse back. Layla retreats into her seat, pulling her legs in under her and placing her hands in her lap as she looks down. Hugo takes to floating in the air and humming softly to himself, centering his energy after a hectic day.

Moments later, Morty joins her, plopping down on her left and taking one of her hands in his. The motion feels so natural between them, their lips raise into a smile at the same time.

"Morty," she starts, moving her head to try and look at his face.

He glances back and notices her staring past him and frowns. "What are you looking at?"

"I'm trying to look at you," she snickers. "So, I overdid the illusion and the negative side effect is blindness."

She feels him flinch at her words. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Yeah, it's not painful," she shrugs. "I should be fine by tomorrow."

"And if not?"

The worry in his voice makes her smile more and she squeezes his hand. "Would you stop dating me if I was blind?"

"Of course not," he grunts. "This is a lot to take in. A lot happened today."

"It did," she sighs. "I'll get my sight back tomorrow, this isn't the first time this has happened. It's my fault for not practicing much, Sabrina will be mad."

"You seem to know a lot of people," he comments, settling in to trace a pattern on the back of her hand.

"Yeah, I get around."

He grunts at that, pulling her hand into his lap as they wait in silence for news from Eusine's doctor. She leans her head on his shoulder, marveling at the warmth shared between them, and closes her eyes. It'll be awhile before Lance comes, and longer yet when Eusine can come out, and she has to pack still.

It's going to be a long couple of days.

OoO

"Why is it always you?" Lance's voice startles Layla from her dozing.

She jumps, flinching hard when she realizes she still can't see and doesn't quite know what's happening. Morty's hand in hers grounds her and she heaves a simple breath to steady her heart. A smile forms as she turns towards Lance's voice with a raised brow.

"Did you miss me?" she teases.

"Are you blind?" he asks, incredulous.

There's the distinct shuffle of his sleeve and she knows he's waving a hand in front of her face. "Yes, I am. Stop that."

"Did Team Rocket do this?" he growls, his voice deep and cold.

She shivers, leaning more towards Morty who responds with a gentle tug. "No, well, kind of. I pushed it with my powers to protect us."

"Your mother's on her way," he replies, she feels his hand on her shoulder offering a gentle pat. "I'm glad you're all safe. When your mother gets here, I'm gonna steal Morty to check out the scene."

"Thanks," she smiles and gestures to the bag in front of her chair. "I have a soil sample. They shot Suicune with something, but the dart broke so most of the chemical got dumped. Do you think it's still good to look at?"

"Only one way to know," he replies and she hears him unzip the bag. "I'm sure the nerds will be elated to know you're so thorough. They're still raving about the blood sample you got."

"Aww, I can't disappoint them now."

Lance laughs and makes a few more calls as they wait for Juniper and Eusine. It's just a minute later that Layla whips her head in Morty's direction and tugs on his hand.

"What?" he sits up, alert for any danger.

"My mom is coming," she replies. "Are you going to be okay with that?"

"Well, I'm not going to stop her from seeing her daughter that over exerted herself," he says, shrugging back. "No lie, I'm nervous as hell, but I'm not leaving you or Eusine."

She smiles and lifts his hand to her lips to place a gentle kiss. "I appreciate you."

It's gentle, but his breath catches watching and feeling her lips press against his skin. The place they touched feels warm and electric, a shiver runs down his spine and he flushes. For days, he's been wondering what her lips would feel like and he wants more...

The thought feels wrong in the situation and just the novelty of it makes him squirm a bit.

Thankfully, his reprieve comes from Juniper bursting into the waiting area, bearing a striking resemblance to Layla. Same light brown skin, same hair color and most facial features as well.

Her face lights up at the sight of her daughter and only dims a little at the realization that Layla cannot see her back. She rushes over, taking a seat at Layla's side and touching her face.

"Layla, oh my god," she breathes, pulling her in for a hug. "Are you okay, mama?"

Morty tries to pull away, but Layla tugs his hand closer. "Yes, I am. Eusine has a broken arm and we got away."

"Good, good," her mother sighs, leaning away.

Her eyes raise to meet Morty's and Layla feels him stiffen a little bit. "Mom, this is Morty. Morty, this is my mom, Juniper."

Juniper stands up and holds out her hand for Morty to take hold of, and she pulls him to his feet in an easy movement. He makes a startled sound, but covers it up with the usual niceties of an introduction. They're trying to be so normal during a weird time, Layla takes a moment to bask in the feeling.

Eventually, it sounds too awkward and so, Layla clears her throat to break the tension before Lance has to take Morty away. "Be nice, Mom."

"It's hard not to," she snickers. "He's so cute!"

It takes Morty aback when her hands come up to his face and she goes off on a Spanish rant about his cuteness and Layla laughs. "Okay, be gentle!"

"Sorry to break this up," Lance steps into the picture with a gesture to Morty. "I have to steal the man of the hour to check out the scene."

"Bye my Little-Love-Snuggle-Baby-Bug," Layla stands up and holds her arms out for a hug.

Morty steps into it with a flushed grumble. "Stop it."

"What?" she says innocently, squeezing him and then patting his back. "Be careful out there, you two."

Lance takes a flushing Morty out of the hospital with Hugo so the pokemon can take them back to the scene, leaving Layla to the mercy of her mother as Juniper smacks her daughter's arm.

"You should not have overdone it!" she hisses, though there's love in her voice. "You're coming home with me."

"Oh, please no," she grimaces. "Dad will have me up every hour to monitor my blindness."

"Well, it's the consequence to your dumb action."
"I'll stay with Jasmine, I want to stick around Johto," Layla shakes her head, she's not sure where she's looking so she sticks to her lap. "If Team Rocket is going after legendary pokemon, I want to be able to help them."

"Will you be more careful?"

Layla sighs, feeling like a kid again. "Yes, Mom. Morty won't let me do anything dumb."

"He's adorable, Layla," she chuckles. "Much cuter than in the photos."

"Thanks," she rolls her eyes, then her fatigue catches up with her and she leans on her mother. "This is all so crazy."

"I know, mija."

Juniper wraps an arm around her daughter as they fall silent waiting for Eusine. He does come out eventually, sitting in a wheelchair and looking much calmer than when he went in. Juniper leaves Layla with her Medicham to check Eusine out at the desk and speak with the nurse about his condition.

It feels strange for hearing to be her main sense for gathering info from the outside world, if a little unnerving too. Medicham stands close, nearly touching Layla, giving her comfort and the sense of safety. Sabrina's phone number is looking better and better to delay the onset of her blindness.

Juniper returns with Eusine. "So, I've already called his mother and she's away on business."

"I'll stay with Morty," he mumbles, his head lolling to one side. "He's got good bedside manner, you know what I mean, right?"

Juniper glances between the two, waiting for Eusine to remember that the look he's giving Layla means nothing to her. The silence drags on before he smacks her and repeats the joke.

Layla flushes and glares in his direction. "Mom, I don't know what he's talking about."

"Hmm, I'll have to consult your father," she jokes right back.

"Oooh, you're in trouble!" Eusine laughs.

Layla grumbles as her mother trades pokemon, hers for the league one, and hoists Eusine out of the wheelchair. The teleport to Jasmine's house goes quick and Juniper lets him flop on the couch for Jasmine to dote on while Layla stands stock still at the entrance of the room. There's a smile on her face hearing Jasmine soothe Eusine as he tells the tale with more dramatics.

"Let me make dinner and then I'll leave," Juniper heads over to her daughter and pulls her to the kitchen.

Much like her daughter's cooking, Juniper's cooking fills the house with an amazing aroma that draws Eusine and Jasmine to the kitchen as well. That's when Jasmine realizes Layla's blindness and it's another freakout all over again. Layla relays the info she's been saying to her best friend, receiving her hug with a laugh.

The tension in the air changes to a lull as they eat and wait for the men to come back, though Layla wonders if they're safe. The thought of Team Rocket realizing she tricked them and coming after her makes her nervous. Attila and Hun surely noticed Suicune disappeared and went back to the scene to check their machinery and found it destroyed. It would raise questions and they would take those questions to Archer, she is sure of it.

"So, weird thing," Eusine starts after a few bites of food. "Suicune spoke to me."

"Are you still high?" Layla laughs as the front door opens.

"I'm serious," he grumbles, turning to greet Morty and Lance coming in. "Did you find it?"

Layla holds out her arms, hoping Morty will see and go to her, happy to know he made it back without any trouble. Thankfully, he spots her nearly immediately and, under Juniper's gaze, he crosses the room and melts into her embrace. She breathes in his sweet scent and squeezes him tight.

"We found the space, Team Rocket beat us there, though, and took the machinery," Lance states, keeping towards the door.

Juniper regards him with a frown. "You better take those shoes off and come eat."

"How're you feeling?" Morty mutters to Layla, pulling away to hold her hands in his.

"I'm fine," she smiles. "Eusine is high."

"I'm not!"

Lance snickers at the dynamic of the group and concedes to Juniper's demand. He slides into a seat at Jasmine's side, offering her a friendly smile and nod. A plate slides in front of him, looking much like Layla's work and his stomach rumbles in response. "There's evidence of something happening but it's hard to tell what. Which is good, but also bad. If those machines can catch and hold Suicune, we're in trouble."
"Yes," Eusine interrupts as Morty sits on his other side. "Suicune showed me Entei's in trouble."

That gets everybody's attention, all eyes turn to him, Lance leaning back, Jasmine leaning forward around Layla, Juniper standing across from them finishing serving Morty, Layla looking in his general direction and Morty staring incredulously.

Eusine looks triumphant to have the attention on himself, he sits up straighter and clears his throat. "The Great Suicune deemed me worthy enough to pass on this message. How exciting is that? All these years spent tracing its path in history, trying to locate the place it decided to slumber. I mean how-"

"Eusine," Juniper interrupts with a smile. "Please get to the message."

"Right," he adjusts himself, wincing at the reminder of his cast. "When I was tracking Suicune, I fell out of the tree nearby and got pulled into the bubble with it. As I did, the pokemon showed me they placed more traps in an area Entei was last seen, south Kanto."

Lance pulls out his gear and types vigorously. "Why did it show you that?"

"Well, if Suicune got caught, I'm sure they'd still take Entei," Eusine poses with a shrug. "This is interesting, the three are aware of where the other is. I wonder if it's a defensive mechanism... Anyways, it seems Entei isn't aware it's being hunted... meaning they don't communicate with each other this way..."
Juniper smiles watching him delve into his crazed mumbling, his free hand looking for a pen on instinct. She faces the others. "Lance and I will investigate a 'south Kanto' trap. I want the rest of you to relax. Jasmine, you have my permission to barricade them in the house."

"Yes, ma'am," the steel type gym leader grins.

"Mom," Layla puts up a small fight. "Is there anything you know that can narrow the search radius, Houdini?"

"Hmmm... Due to the range of environments, I would say near Fuschia City is your best bet."

Lance continues to type fast, his gaze hardening. "Good to know."

"Finish your food," Juniper states, watching Lance half rise from his chair. She raises her brow, daring him to run, then smiles when he sinks back down to eat. "There's no use working on an empty stomach."

"Right," he mumbles, slipping his gear away and finishing his food. "I would have taken the plate with me."

"While you guys relax," Juniper continues, glancing down the line of the bar. "Lance and I, with the G-men, will investigate this lead. I don't want you guys getting into trouble that could be avoided."

Layla sighs. "That's fair. At least until my sight comes back."

"Layla."
"I'm kidding," she laughs at her mother. "The trouble usually finds me."

"It's true," Morty nods.

Juniper accepts that and urges everyone to eat and finish up while she does her dishes. She hands Morty the pain meds the doctor prescribed for Eusine at the hospital, and kisses Layla's forehead. Lance follows soon after, cleaning his own dish, joining Juniper in teleporting back to the league. Jasmine offers for the men to stay the night considering the time, and goes to prep the spare rooms for them. Eusine joins her, offering to help with Hugo right behind him.

"Hey," Morty greets, coming to sit by Layla on the couch. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay," she sighs, leaning on him. "It's strange being unable to see, though. I feel like a mess and not really sure where I am."

"Want to go to your apartment? Or mine?" he offers with an arm around her shoulder, his fingers sliding up and down her upper arm. "I could stay with you there."

"Oooh, Morty," she sings, grinning and reaching up to grip his hand. "So soon?"

He clears his throat. "Layla, please."

"I'm sorry," she replies. She lets go and puts her hands in her lap. "I don't mean it in a way to push you for physical affection. I'm just trying to normalize it, I guess."

"I know," he breathes, using the hand not on her shoulder to take hers and hold it tight. "I still like you, you know."

"I'm not worried about that," she laughs, replacing her head on his shoulder. "It'll happen naturally and you just have to let it, okay?"

He makes a sound of agreement, squeezing her against him and flipping on the TV to something Layla knows well. Jasmine joins them sometime later, letting them know Eusine passed out on the bed almost immediately. They watch the show until Jasmine retires and Layla asks Morty to walk her to her room.

"Is this a trap?" he asks, helping her up.

"Ooh am I going to seduce you?" she runs her fingers up his arm. "Maybe it is. I will need help changing into pajamas? Showering?"

He flushes imagining Layla bare before him, wanting his touch and pulling him into her, and coughs. "I'll get Jasmine now."

"I'm kidding," she laughs, pulling him back to her side as they stop at her door. "If I promise to be on my best behavior, will you spend the night with me?"

"Best behavior?"

"Like a virgin before marriage," she teases.

He rolls his eyes. "Okay."

Layla smiles, unable to control her excitement as they enter the room and change into the various spare clothes Jasmine gave them. To his credit, Morty didn't watch her change, instead opting to brush his teeth in the connecting bathroom while she changed with one ear towards the bedroom in case she falls.

Just like the time they fell asleep next to each other in the Bellchime Trail, Morty finds himself excited and nervous. Layla finishes her night routine and joins him in bed, her body fitting perfectly against his as her arms wrap around him. Warmth floods his body, his spine tingling as she breathes against his neck.

"Good night, Love Muffin," she whispers and giggles when he sighs loudly.

"Sleep well, my Dreamy Sugarpop."