I spoke to my Centre of Affection (without the "assistance" of any liquid courage, thank you very much) and was answered with a resounding, apologetic "No".
I would be lying, if I were to say that I am not disappointed or unhappy with this.
On the other side, she and I have agreed that there's absolutely no reason this should make things awkward in our friendship. She is simply not interested in dating, at all. She noted that I have surrounded myself with "totally sterile women".
I love her; she is my absolute best friend, and so it shall remain until Fate determines that we should part.
As an aside, I would like to state that Fate will have to leave me dead in a parking lot for that to come to pass.
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On the bright side: I'll be completely, even on an emotional level, available in what I expect to be a relatively short amount of time (short because this was not a very crushing defeat, nor a defeat at all.).
Young Man, of a mere 18 years, dressed in fine vest (even if he does, perhaps, fill it over a bit. A tad plump, you might say.)
Largely poetical by nature, raised a gentleman by a Man Among Boys (my father is my hero, as sappy as that sounds), and a vaguely passable writer.
Currently working a very crushing job, though one that pays enough for a meagre living.
Hopefully attending University to become an elementary school teacher.
A man who believes that each time someone creates a story in their mind, a new star blinks into existence.
Commence vegetable throwing.