Illyana listened intently to Dr. Hemlock, but at the same time, her attention was also split looking over the litten. He was cute, no doubt about it. Those radiant eyes were just her type, and that bad boy aura about him sent a few goosebumps erupting over her tan skin. Was he starting at her? Did he...did he like what he saw? She had dressed to look good, after all - her attention was returned back to the professor as he explained what was to happen.<br/><br/>"Oh, yeah, I understand, Doc." Illyana nodded, picking up the pokedex and Silph Co case and placing them in her purse, and hanging the other pokeball - the premier ball - on her belt. She'd need to get a trendier way of holding onto pokeballs. Maybe a back holster? Oh, or perhaps on her thigh! As the professor dismissed her, Illyana nodded again, and gave a small bow. "Thanks again, Doc. I promise to do my best!"<br/><br/>She looked at the litten and gestured towards the lab doors. "So uh...shall we?" Ugh, so awkward. Illyana desperately searched for a way to possibly break the ice as she led him towards the stairs. She couldn't quite try to earn his respect via any sort of intimidation, not when her five feet of height utterly failed to be taller than him. Charm would have to do. Illyana settled for stopping a few stairs above him, looking down at him with the widest grin she could muster, crossing her arms under her chest.<br/><br/>"Illyana Cress. And you weren't too far off with Milotic - that would be my mom. So I know Doc said you were a handful, but I think you're a cutie. So maybe I'll let you grab a handful." She winked at him, giggling, pulling at her bikini top slightly. "Just kidding! Maybe. I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do, partner!"<br/><br/>She turned and kept walking up the stairs. Maybe that wouldn't much work, but it at least was a good introduction, right?  Illyana could easily just fake it until it worked. Or her new partner ditched her. They entered into their quarters for the night, a fairly luxurious room though quite snug. Most of it was taken up by a single queen size bed with a pile of fluffed pillows and comfy blankets, though there was a dresser and table in the corner of the room, next to a wide window overlooking the small river that flowed past the lab. Illyana's pack was already in the room, sitting underneath. The room was lit warmly, adding to the comfy ambiance, helped by the red wooden paneling on the walls. A white two seat couch was on the opposite side of the window from the desk, providing some seating other than the desk chair and bed. Another door to the side as they walked in lead into a well-equipped and functional, if small, bathroom.<br/><br/>"Well, it's not exactly home, but it's better than I figured we'd get for lab rooms." Illyana flopped down into the bed and immediately sank in. "Spacious bed, too! Let's get some fresh air in here." She went to the window opened it wide, letting the cool rainy breeze blow through inside. The rain's direction was, luckily, the other way. Illyana took a deep breath, listening to the sound if the river flowing past. She loved sunny beach days, but the rain was always something she relished. Illyana looked back at her partner, studying him again. Her very first! She tried to keep herself from tackle-hugging him on the spot.<br/><br/>"Have a seat! Let's talk!" She didn't sit herself - she of course wanted to see where he'd sit first. "And let's start with the basics. You got a name?"