I don't want her to know.... but at the same time I want her to know. What is going on with me? It's just another woman.... who is extremely attractive-- Oh, for the love of Arceus! Do you even hear yourself? Why did you have to turn soft now? You're powerful. You're strong, and you don't give in to cowards like the others. You can overcome anything if you put your mind to it. Congratulations, Lysandre. You've lived another day. 

          My life has turned into a living nightmare. Right now, I want that 25-year-old dream to end, but it looks like it's not going to happen any time soon, unless..... No, I wouldn't do that. Anyway, back to the point. I have to give myself a daily pep talk to get myself going, which I think is pretty sad. Believe it or not, to me, death doesn't seem that frightening after all. I was just about to be done with this hellhole and end everything, until I met her. 

         Those brown eyes, honey blonde hair.... I love everything about her. And she shows up daily! If I can get her to at least talk with me, I could have something to actually live for.... but I don't think that'll happen. Not to be a wet blanket, but as demonstrated yesterday, all I'm capable of doing around her is speaking nonsense. I've got to keep myself together.... but how will I? 

       On my way to work, I stop by the Hotel Ricchissime to give the abandoned Skiddo some food. I wonder if their trainers will ever come back for them... I wonder why anyone would abandon Pokémon like these.... they really are sweet. 

       I won't bother including my work day. It really was boring, it always is. But I did stop by the Café again just to see her. If I continue this without telling her, she might get freaked out.... I don't want to do that. I decided that I'd have my Pyroar represent me. After all, it is my pride and joy, and we do look somewhat alike. It was only a few years ago when I figured out why my middle school name was "Lion". 

        I walk in the café with my Pyroar trotting closely behind, whining about how he didn't get his normal post-work treat. It can be annoying sometimes, but I absolutely love the old fellow. 

       I greet her with a friendly "H-hi". I'm not exactly familiar with that word, and plus the fact that I'm so nervous I'm almost shaking. The Lion's whining gradually increased into yelling. I just threw it a small pastry that seemed to shut it up. So this is what happens if you get a bit distracted from normal schedule when your partner strictly follows it. 

       "Uh, I... never really caught your name." Right now I'm not so good at talking. I can feel my face turning red hot, and she looks at me funny. She must have picked up on what I'm feeling right now.

      "Isabella's my name, but if you'd like, you can call me Isa." Isa... beautiful. There's so much more I want to ask her, but I don't want her to feel overasked. 

     "I-I haven't seen you around here before... where did you come from?" Oh crap. What if she was in Kalos the whole time?? Oh no! The worst thing I had to say! If she was here the whole time, she could be EXTREMELY offended! Great job! But, to my relief, she replied with:

     "I haven't been here very long, only a couple of years. I only started to come to the Café this January. I came from Hoenn. I still have my Blaziken, it's such a sweetie. You really have to meet it sometime."

        Wow. That was close. If she were offended, I would've hit the friend zone... before our first date! And she's right. I should meet that sweetheart Blaziken sometime. Hoenn. I could have sworn that in the news, I saw that Maxie and Archie adopted a little girl. Maybe it was her? All right. Deep breaths. Ask her. You'll do good, I'm sure. What if you fail? She won't want to go anywhere near you. GET OUT OF MY HEAD! Aaaand I'm talking to myself. Maybe I really am lonely. 

      "Ah. How do I put it. You are unbelieveably beautiful, and well... (my lord Arceus) Will you.. go out with me?" She stared at me for a moment. Oh no. Too sudden. Being short and to the point is good, but not this on point! God. She then looked down, started blushing, and told me in a whisper..... "yes." Yes. Never in my life has that word felt so good to hear.