Thanks for the review.
As it is a foregone conclusion that the majority of readers would find the subject of inter-species romance icky, I'm not expecting a large audience. I'm gratified that you decided to read past the warning, though.
Yes, I've noticed that about other authors who attempt inter-species romance, too. As their fics concentrated primarily on the fluff and romance rather than their associated problems, reading them often left me with a sense of dissatisfaction. What happens in those fics is that Pokemon involved belong to the human (either as pets or battling Pokemon), and think little beyond the misery of their unconsummated feelings because they depend almost entirely on their owner to bring the relationship to fruition. Due to this, you could say they are more plot devices than characters in their own right. In Lucario's case, however, he is a free person and as such, can contribute on his part to 'closing the gap' between Evelyn and himself, although this proves more difficult than expected. Hence his lament.
Now I'm curious. Which parts would you have me trim?