Race into the Night

[Moonlight]

She was glad to see that her words were taken as she meant them, upon seeing Tyson's small smile. Although it was difficult to see much else considering their surroundings and the time frame, it was clear enough they'd started off on the right foot. Always a nice change, compared to how awkward things usually were when she met someone. Nodding gratefully when he mentioned he was indeed native, and even from Fucisha. That was even better - At least she wouldn't receive only half right directions and get even more lost.

When he confirmed that he'd take her personally, the heat in her face hardly lessened until he mentioned that he also was planning on staying the night. Nodding again, she began tracing more words into his palm that he'd allowed her to hold. "I cannot say I blame you. To me, my companions are like family ... I am sure it would be at least similar," she wrote after a faint pause, noting how his tone seemed slightly ashamed. It did seem like he thought of them very dearly.

Soon adding onto her words, though, before he started off. "I do appreciate it, though. Thank you," she traced into his palm, offering a smile towards the dark haired trainer in silent confirmation. Even if she couldn't speak, she was enjoying the conversation thus far with Tyson and his companion. It was a very pleasant change, really. And Kin knew just how rare it was, being her lifelong companion.

The young woman released the sides of his hand somewhat sheepishly, resisting the urge to mimic his action. They were both a little awkward about her method of communication, but at least it worked. And when they got to an area that was actually lit up, she could write in her notebook instead. It'd save time, and give him his personal space back. It'd at least help keep things neutral, if not better. The prospect of Tyson eventually becoming her friend was enticing. He seemed very nice, and certainly accepting.

Pausing briefly to motion towards Kin and Bane, whom both nodded in acknowledgment. The latter trotted alongside her as she followed Tyson, while Kin chose to levitate. But it was clear that the dark-fire puppy was thoroughly pleased, his stubby tail wagging to and fro constantly. Even though neither were being very talkative now, due to several days' worth of travel starting to get to them, they were obviously satisfied with the arrangement. Shoving her hands in the uppermost pockets of her cargo pants as they walked, her pale gray gaze traveled over the city.

Despite it not being well lit, she could make out classical style architecture and design. The main roads were cement, yes, but the sidewalks were cobble or flagstone. It gave the area a very welcoming feel, to her at least. It would've been a nice place to grow up, even considering its vast size. She listened for any commentary as they walked, though, so she would not have to risk ignoring him. But a large yawn was audible from Bane, despite his upbeat pace. She smiled slightly as he shook his head, the dual type wolf-dog keeping pace with the persian fairly easily. Bane was always eager to prove himself, however weary.

The path was now beginning to wind uphill, the longer they walked. Occasional street lights now cast their pale glow on the road, illuminating the travelers. Giving them their first real glimpse at each other, aside from what they had already discerned in the dark.

[Australian Chaos]

As Hannah once more wrote into his palm, saying her companions were like family, Tyson flashed yet another smile, speaking up during a brief pause in her writing. "They are like family to me...and it's good to know I'm not the only one who sees them that way," he said happily, giving Topaz a brief scratch behind the ears, the Persian's rumbling purr showing she highly approved of his actions.

As she appreciated, and accepted his offer, he did notice she was slightly reluctant in letting go of his hand, so far their only method of communication, as far as Tyson was aware. Ignoring it, though, still too shy to say anything, he finally nodded. "Well...let's go," he said, nodding in the direction he intended to go, before heading off, keeping a casual pace slightly in front of Hannah, Topaz drifting back a little, settling beside the strange, Growlithe-like pokemon he had never seen before, although he could swear he had heard some mention of it once.

As he looked back though, Topaz met his gaze, before flashing him a cheeky smile, her ability to use human facial expressions a defining trait, which Tyson loved and loathed at the same time. He was currently leaning towards the latter, as Topaz was giving him a cheeky grin, clearly teasing him. Tyson, however, could read deeper into the expression, and knew Topaz was teasing him about befriending the first girl he stumbled across upon returning to his home city. Sighing and shaking his head in exasperation, Tyson turned his gaze forward, ignoring his pokemon friend even as he heard a series of amused noises escape from her, clearing in the midst of her own version of a laughing fit.

Forcing himself to find something to distract himself from his companion's teasing, feeling the heat rising to his cheeks, Tyson proceeded to start pointing out some of the sights of the city, along with a few locations he had frequented when he was younger. Topaz, for her part, just continued with her amusement, turning to the Houndour and smiling. "He's so easy to tease," she commented, sidetracking any questions before they could be asked. "All you have to do is say, or even hint at something even slightly embarrassing and he'll go as red as a Charmeleon. But he knows I'm just playing, and I'm sure he'll try to get me back sometime tonight."

As they passed a sction of the Safari Zone itself, hidden behind a high wire security fence, Tyson actually stopped for a brief moment, staring through the mesh wire into the controlled wilderness, a look a nostalgia and longing crossing his features. "I used to practically live in there," he commented distractedly. "I used to help maintain the section devoted to the Dragon-types, which was really nothing more than a secluded lake filled with Dratinis, and maybe a couple of Dragonairs." At this point, he was absent mindedly running a few fingers over the PokeBall containing the resting Ladon, his features saddening as he remembered how he came into possession of the scarred Pokemon.

[Moonlight]

Although Hannah was completely lost as to why Topaz suddenly started a feline-esque snicker, it became clear from her words she'd been poking at Tyson about something. Shaking her head slightly, she turned her attention back to the city itself as they walked. Taking in her surroundings, committing the more interesting designs as well as the actual path to memory. Although the return on her ticket that had gotten her to Kanto was dated two months away, she wanted to explore as much of the region as possible. It was supposed to be a resort, a get away package, but she was far too curious to pass up a nearly free trip to a foreign region.

And it looked like she just may have gotten someone to write to, when it came time to head back home. They'd gotten off to a surprisingly good start, and she was hoping to maintain it. Never really having had a human friend before, having always turned to her pokemon companions. It would be a pleasant change, even if she could understand the latter thanks to Kin.

But she paused upon noticing that Tyson had stopped, the streetlight a few paces away showing the distant longing that crossed his tanned features as he gazed through the tall fence. Explaining his connection to it in a wistful manner, but slipping into an almost saddened expression. Hannah tilted her head slightly, noticing how even his eyes seemed to dampen with the emotion. Hesitantly stepping forward, gently grasping his shoulder. It was meant to be a comforting motion, as she had no words to do so with. She only hoped it would be taken as such.

Bane stopped beside the trio, though, his gaze trailing from the clearly saddened human to his feline companion. "... Is he all right?" the houndour pup queried quietly, his question open to all present except for the one he was asking about.

But Kin gently intervened, touching minds with his companions still. "You know what the sadness of longing is like, Bane ... This is simply a different kind of sadness, just with the same roots," the humanoid psychic said softly, his tone gentle as he noticed the pup's ears and head droop. Understanding it all too well. The pup slowly stepping forward after a moment, hesitating after glancing at Topaz, before gently brushing against Tyson's leg. Nuzzling him almost like a lonely feline, but how closely he was acquainted with that sorrow having struck home.

A small smile touched Hannah's lips at Bane's concern for Tyson, projecting her thoughts to them through Kin. Comforting the pup as well, but perhaps surprising Topaz by 'speaking' through Kin's connection.

[Australian Chaos]

Tyson continued to stare out into the Safari Zone, nostalgia starting to set in as he looked into the place that held so many memories, both good, and more recently bad. He tensed slightly as he felt a hand on his shoulder, but noticed Hannah out of the corner of his eye, and resisted his shyness, and it's demand that he move away from her. Her gentle touch was a gesture of comfort, and Tyson did feel comforted to know that she wanted to help soothe whatever memories he was suffering.

Topaz, meanwhile, turned to Bane as the pup asked her about the condition of her human. Topaz nodded slowly. "He's alright," she answered softly. "Just...this place holds a lot of memories...for both of us." As Topaz spoke, Kin also gave the pup an insight into Tyson's longing mindset, the pup's reaction showing Topaz that the young Houndour knew, to a certain extent, what Tyson was going through.

Tyson was snapped out of his trip through memory lane, giving a startled jump as he felt a soft touch against his leg. Looking down, he saw the Houndour pup nuzzling his leg, seemingly also trying to comfort him. Smiling, and even letting out a weak chuckle, Tyson knelt down beside the pup, giving him a quick scratch on top of his head and behind his ears, before standing up again. He was curious about the creature, having never seen or heard of a Houndour before, but decided his questions could wait, at least until they reached the Pokemon Center, where they could sit back, and with the better light, hopefully be able to communicate a little better.

"Thanks," he said, still looking at Bane, before turning back to Hannah. "Both of you. Now, let's get to the Pokemon Center, I'm sure you're tired." Giving her a sheepish smile as a silent apology for getting sidetracked, he started leading the way, the Pokemon Center actually coming into view not long after, causing Tyson's features to brighten as the prospect of rest, recovery, and maybe even a chance to 'talk' to Hannah some more.

[Moonlight]

Hannah nodded slightly at Topaz's words, finding them understandable. Waving her hand at his apology, though, offering a small smile. It was all right. Everyone got distracted by something, after all. And while they were tired, she didn't intend to sleep anyway until her companions were tended to. The young woman's small smile remained as they continued on their way, noticing that his own darkened demeanor was lightened. As if some sort of load had been lifted off of Tyson's shoulders.

Lights soon stretched through rounded glass doors as they reached the top of the hill, a cool breeze blowing past the loosely populated area. The violet tressed trainer shivered, rubbing her hands against her arms. Seemed winter hadn't quite left yet, still teasing the spring grounds. At least they'd be out of the night soon. But she had to admit, the way that Fucisha loosely built their city around the area gave it a very serene feel - Natural, instead of truly like a suburb. The only thing that gave way was the roads, linking the 'major' sections together. But it vaguely reminded her of Florama, to some extent. It was nice, calming.

A slight beep could be heard as the doors slid open for the small group, Bane's claws clicking on the tile floor with each step. Once they were inside the somewhat warmer Center, Hannah pulled her backpack off and unzipped it, briefly digging through. It wasn't long before she pulled out a jigglypuff-decorated notebook and pen, clearly flustered at the heart designs on it, but she couldn't complain about a free one. She went through far too many.

After setting the notebook - with the covers folded inside - against her leg and scribbling the pen in the corner to make sure it was still working, she rezipped her backpack and instead withdrew two empty pokeballs from the uppermost zipper pocket of her pants. Kin returned himself, knowing it was time to heal. They'd come back out when Hannah had secured a room. Gently scratching behind Bane's ear, smile broadening a bit as one hind leg began lightly thumping against the floor, unable to hold it in any longer after receiving it three times in one evening. But seeing as he knew she wouldn't understand him without Kin out, Bane stood with his front paws on her knee and licked her hand in thanks. Then nudging the button on his storage sphere with his nose, vanishing in the red light.

Taking all four pokeballs into one hand and holding the notebook in the other, she moved up to the front desk as Tyson followed. Quickly writing across the last blank spot on that page, before turning it so that the Joyce on duty could read it. "May I have my pokemon healed, please? We'll also need a room to rest in tonight, if there are any free ones with two beds," she'd written, handwriting clearly readable and somewhat curvy. As the healer tilted her head slightly, Hannah inwardly sighed, before touching a hand to her throat and then shaking her head.

"Oh ... All right, then. May I see your trainer's license?" Joyce queried as she accepted the four storage spheres, turning to set them on the nearest open machine. Knowing it would take about ten minutes for the standard process to be completed, Hannah simply nodded as she pulled a card from the same pocket she'd kept the pokeballs in. Upon setting it on the counter, it was clear in the light that her picture was next to her full name. Her trainer number, place of origin, and other basic statics and earned badges all pulling up on the screen when Joyce slid it through the top of her computer monitor. Nodding in satisfaction, she handed the card back to Hannah. "Everything is in order, then. Room 10 should still be open. I'd imagine you're all quite tired, being from Sinnoh," the redhead added with a smile, considering the timezone difference. "I hope that you enjoy your stay here."

Offering a small smile to the nurse in thanks, she moved back to sit where Tyson had gone, flipping pages on her notebook so they could start a fresh conversation. Applying the pen to the pages again, quickly carving out a message on the faintly lined pages. "Thank you for taking me here. We all appreciate it," she wrote, before handing the notebook to him.

[Australian Chaos]

Tyson sighed as he entered the Pokemon Center, taking in the highly familiar surroundings...every Pokemon Center was highly similar in layout, and despite loving the adventure being a Pokemon Trainer provided, the relative normality of these healing centers was a nice, slower change of pace. Gave him something that he could be certain about on any adventure.

Tyson simply observed in casual silence as Kin and Bane entered their PokeBalls, smiling as he turned to Topaz, deciding now might be a nice time to get back at her for her teasing look. "See, Topaz? It's not so bad, is it? Why can't you just let the nurse tend to you the traditional way?" Topaz responded by giving him a very obvious pout, even growling lightly, the message obvious; she was not entering a PokeBall willingly.

Sighing, Tyson turned his attention back to Hannah, he paused for a moment when he noticed her request for a room with two beds, but simply passed it off as her sharing with her pokemon, and let her continue her silent communication with Joyce uninterrupted, moving off to a waiting area while he waited his turn, sighing and fingering Ladon's PokeBall nervously, knowing he'd have to prepare for another argument, and tongue-lashing, from the nurse...again.

But before then, Hannah returned to his side, flipping her notebook and quickly writing out a message, before handing the notebook to him. Reading the brief message, he nodded and smiled, looking back up at her. "It's no problem at all, really," he said, smiling as he handed the notebook back. "I know what it's like to be stuck in a strange town, with no-one willing to help you." He fingered his bright yellow jumper. "I think my sense of style sends them away a bit," he added, light humour in his voice. "Besides, just because we're fellow trainers, doesn't mean every meeting has to be a fight...although I seem to be one of the only ones that thinks like that."

After that rather bitter statement, he focused his gaze on Hannah a little more intently. "Thank you, too, Hannah, for listening, and not walking off, like others would have done...myself included." Now that he was aquainted with Hannah, he was not afraid to admit he was notoriously shy. It must have been blatantly obvious when they first met that he was awkward around strangers.

But before he could do much else, Joyce soon asked if he wanted anything as well, and with a reluctant sigh, got up, taking both his occupied PokeBalls into his hands as he made his way to the desk Joyce was waiting behind. "Hi. Err...I'd like to have my pokemon tended to, and a room for the night as well, if I may?" The nurse nodded, and provided the same request for his license as she had done with Hannah. Complying readily, Joyce read over his details, noting with soem fascination that he had yet to earn a single badge, despite being a Trainer for some months. Skipping over it, though, she was about to offer him a free room when Tyson spoke up once more.

"I, uhh...have a couple of small requests," he said in a wary voice, getting a nod from Joyce. First, he gestured to Topaz. "My Persian here has an aversion to PokeBalls, would it be alright if she could get treated without me forcing her into one?" He smiled slightly at Joyce's nod, as Topaz pranced over towards the door she had now become very familiar with, leading to the place where pokemon like her got general check-ups without entering their storage spheres.

Fidgeting with one of his PokeBalls slightly, as he placed the other one down for the standard healing procedure, Tyson continued rather reluctantly, knowing what was coming. "Also, uhh...this one needs some extra attention as well..." he mentioned nervously, before enlarging the ball and opening it, revealing a young, but rapidly-growing, Dratini...called Ladon. For the most part, the Dragon-type was fine, having sustained only a couple of bruises from a wild Pokemon attack earlier that day...but what caused the nurse to gasp was the large scar, stretching from the cheek diagonally down across the snake-like body...obviously an old, but very serious wound.

Tyson almost had to resist the urge to roll his eyes in annoyed exasperation as the nurse glared at him severely. "What have you done to this one?" she demanded harshly, Tyson actually cringing a little a the harshness of her loud tone. None of the others had been quite so upset, and she was already starting to make a scene of it.

"No, you don't understand, I did not cause that," he said, as calmly as he could, while Topaz glared at the nurse, not happy with her harsh treatment. Falling back on his usual method of convincing others he was not the one to cause such harm to the Dratini, he reached out to it, and it happily nuzzled his hand, practically cuddling him and cooing happily, wrapping its long body around him. "See, if I had caused that injury, do you really think he would be like this around me?" he asked, again fighting to stop any anger from seeping into his voice...he'd dealt with this many times before...he'd do so again, without causing any more of a scene.

[Moonlight]

The violet tressed trainer nodded at his words, understanding them to be true. Taking the notebook back as he passed it to her, clicking the head of her pen open again. The faint scratching of her pen against the paper was audible over the faint humming sound of the machine in the background, although laughing silently at his comment on his jumper, amused in a friendly manner. "We both know that all too well, apparently. It's a shame that so few people think that you can't become friends as trainers without battling, or being identical in someways," she adds, before pausing.

Starting to hand him the notebook again, until he started speaking. Smiling slightly at his words, before moving down a line to start a new paragraph. "We all have our faults. Some we can help, some we can't. I don't mind yours," Hannah wrote, adding a little smiley face next to her sentence.

But she rested the notebook on her lap when he stood, deciding to allow it to wait until he got back. More than likely tending to the pokemon he'd mentioned earlier. She leaned back on the chair after a moment, stretching her arms above her head. Weary muscles complaining briefly, stifling a yawn with the back of her hand as they came back down. But upon glancing at the clock hanging above the double door entrance, she knew why she was tired - 11pm. And it was 1am in Sinnoh. No wonder she and her companions were exhausted. Combing her fingers through her short violet tresses, ruffling them slightly underneath, she leaned forward; stretching her back muscles as she listened to Tyson and the nurse converse.

With the kinks out, but still in need of a shower - at least to her - she straightened as her pale gray gaze moved back to her acquaintance. She noticed Topaz trotting towards the open door that led towards a physical checkup area, which wasn't really surprising. She stood after a moment, slinging her backpack across her shoulders again as the notebook went under her arm. Starting to head up the stairs when she received her pokemon that led to the upper rooms, until Joyce suddenly burst out. Pausing midmotion, although glancing back to see a young dratini nuzzling against Tyson's arm. Clearly affectionate, yet the nurse was still aghast - Obviously from the scar that lanced across it's snakelike body.

Despite not knowing the dratini, though, she could easily tell it thought the world of Tyson. So the continued scene only made the mute shake her head, before dredging up her only 'vocal' method of communication. Broadcasting her thoughts to both of them, but at a price. "This is enough," the young woman stated flatly, ignoring the duplicated expressions of shock. "I may not know him well, but it should be obvious enough that his companion only received love and care. No pokemon would forget who caused a scar like that - And likely wouldn't forgive the person that did so. It does not seem to be the case here," the budding telepath added softly, but her 'voice' carrying a hint of finality to it.

But the effects of forcing the use of telepathy when she hadn't built up the energy for it were slamming into her - A massive migraine taking root, like someone had hit her with a sledge hammer. As well as sapping the majority of her normal energy. Effectively causing the amateur psychic to waver, before almost collapsing as it caught up with her. Barely catching herself from hitting the floor by grabbing the counter-top, slowly hauling herself back up. Her eyes clenching shut, swallowing. It was safe to say her head felt like it was being cleaved in two.

[Australian Chaos]

Tyson's explanation seemed to have little effect on placating the irate nurse, although her features did soften lightly at the Dratini's affectionate, almost cute antics. But just as she opened her mouth, her hard eyes telling Tyson she was going to try and reprimand him, regardless of his explanation, a new voice rang out, one that reverberated through Tyson's head, calling for the impending scene to end...immediately.

Despite the fact that the voice was project through Tyson's mind, his instincts sought out the source of the telepathic voice instantly, and he turned to Hannah, an expression of complete and utter shock on his face, his jaw dropping silently as she continued her mental rant, which seemed to have the desired effect of cowing Joyce, who was in a similar state of shock.

Tyson was so stunned, all he could do was stare at Hannah, silent awe crossing his features...at least until Topaz snapped him back to reality by smacking a paw across his cheek. She kept her claws retracted, but the blow still stung, Tyson coming back to reality, as he turned to face his companion, silently demanding a reason for the slap, only to have the Persian turn his attention to Joyce, who had recovered already, and was requesting his permission to take his three Pokemon...only one still in its Ball...away for treatment, now carrying an apologetic look. Still recovering from the shock of discovering Hannah's telepathic abilities, Tyson managed a distracted nod, offering a hint of a smile to let the nurse know her diverted scolding was nothing to worry about, adn that he did not hold it against her.

Turning back to Hannah as Joyce left, Tyson actually gasped when he noticed her grasping the counter with all her might, her eyes screwed shut, obviously in pain and on the verge of collapsing. "Hannah, are you alright?" he asked, concern, and even a hint of fear for her well-being, lacing his voice. "Come on, let me help you," he said gently, letting her use him to hold herself up as he lead her to the waiting area once more, helping her settle down on one of the seats there.

Sitting down beside her, he kept a gentle grasp on her shoulder, making sure she was okay. "Hannah...you shouldn't have done that, not if your...ability...causes this as a side-effect. I appreciate the gesture, but I can tell you're hurting...why would you hurt yourself over something so simple...and when you barely know me, too?" despite the questions, his voice was still gentle, carrying no trace of scolding for her actions...he merely wondered why she would go to such painful measures to help him, and over Ladon's scar, of all things. Not wanting her to even think of using her telepathy again, he gently grabbed her notebook and pen and place it in her hands.

[Moonlight]

She was vaguely aware of Tyson's voice and touch, both equally gentle and well meaning. But at the moment she was trying to reign in the headache, at least to the point where she could see straight. Clearly she shouldn't have done that, already being so tired. She knew that it had almost put her on the ground. And the amateur psychic was not fond of the idea. A concussion wasn't really how she'd planned on finishing off the night, after all. As the moments ticked by, she slowly regained a sense of stability, even if sitting down now. Opening her eyes to find that he was placing the notebook and pen in her hands again as he spoke, concern painfully clear in his voice.

Offering a small smile towards Tyson, before clicking the pen open again. Writing a bit slower this time, with more effort to make it legible and neat, she steadily penned out her thoughts. "... I usually have more 'psychic' energy built up when I attempt telepathy ... It still results in a headache, but it is something that requires practice. But now it is clear enough that it subtracts from my normal energy as well when I don't have enough of the former." Pausing briefly, thinking of how to respond to his last words, before touching the pen to the paper again.

"Whatever the consequences, it does not change that it was what should've been done. I would not think you'd do that to your family, after all ... Besides, this can relate back to your words earlier. Knowing how it is to be in a strange place. Think of it as repayment for your kindness, if that helps," Hannah added, before handing the notebook to Tyson. It was a shame that written word could not say it as she wished it too. But it was better than not communicating at all.

Hannah leaned back against the chair as he read it, molten silver eyes watching for a response. The one good thing about not being able to speak, was that her hearing had compensated for it. Being able to pick out smaller things in a person's voice, able to tell if someone was lying in most cases. But something told her that the latter would not be the case. Tyson was trustworthy, at least in her eyes. It was odd, though - To meet someone by off chance, and have a chance a friendship within an hour. But she could not complain, and nor would she.

[Australian Chaos]

Tyson watched with continued concern as Hannah wrote down her response, her steady penning a lot slower now, obviously still sufferring from the after-effects of her telepathic rant. As she handed the notebook to him, Tyson quickly read it over, understanding beginning to dawn on his features as he read her description of what her ability does to her. He understood that she must not have realised that the late hour, and the exhaustion that came with it, would make her side-effects far worse.

The second part, on the other hand, actually brought an appreciative smile to his face. "My Pokemon are my family, I guess. I've never thought of it that way, but yes. I'll explain Ladon's scar to you..." he paused realising his minute slip, before backtracking. "Sorry, Ladon's the Dratini. Anyway, I'll explain his scar another time, when you're less exhausted, if you're willing to stick around long enough to hear it, that is."

With that detail out of the way, Tyson heaved a heavy breath, realising the eventful evening was also taking its toll on him as well. "But in any case, Hannah, thank you. You didn't have to, and seeing you like this, I wish you hadn't, but I appreciate your support. And there was nothing to repay...I believe everyone deserves kindness...at least until they prove that they don't deserve it. I'm not one to judge based on first appearances." As he said that last, he gestured to his rather unique clothing style, and his dark skin, vaguely referencing the fact that he had, in the past, been ridiculed for his looks alone, and not the gentle soul that lay underneath. He had not been outright abused or bullied, but enough was said and done to him to leave an impression.

Pulling himself once more out of his thoughts, reminding himself that such moments of nostalgia were becoming a bad habit, Tyson finally let go of Hannah's shoulder, slipping away from her slightly to give her personal space back, lest she start drawing the wrong ideas. "Anyway, I'm sure you're exhausted, and need to sleep all this off. I still need to sort out my arrangements here, anyway, so I'll leave you to get some rest..." With that, Tyson stood, intending on heading back to the counter to wait for his pokemon, knowing that they should not be too much longer, with the possible exception of Ladon.

But after two steps, he hesitated, before turning back to Hannah, his shy side once more showing itself, as he stumbled over his words. "Uhh...if you're...if you have no plans tomorrow morning, do you...do you think we could meet up again?" he sincerely hoped he did not sound as stupid as he hoped, even as he ploughed on. "I just...it's been great getting to know you, and I'd like it if we were able to avoid making this the only time we ever see each other."

He hated making requests like these...not because he did not want to, as he, and hopefully Hannah, knew...but rather because of how his self-consciousness shyness made almost every attempt at setting up a future meeting sounded like he was asking her out...at least to his ears, and that was something he wanted to avoid profusely...he did not want to scare her off so soon after meeting her.