Pokemon are this perfect mix of FIERCE BATTLING MONSTER and snuggly pet-friend.

I gifted Ivan with this plush Gengar. He attacks with it, but it is also sleeping under his new, minions quilt with him.
He potty trained Gengar yesterday and taught it how to put on daytime clothes.
Then he had it fight with an imaginary Pikachu in an epic battle royale.

I think Ivan is this same mix of fierce and cuddlesome. Perhaps, this is one piece of why Pokemon speak to him so.