[For a moment Bulba simply stood there unmoving, save the slight shaking of his whole self. But then he slowly, tentatively raised his arms up around the other Venusaur's back. Seconds passed and his fingers worked their way into Vinnie's shirt. Another moment and Bulba was burying his face against the older saur's shoulder. All of a sudden he was just desperately clutching on to Vinnie, seeking out as much of his warmth and scent as he could as if they were the only things that could keep him going right then.

He hadn't realized just how direly he had needed it. Bulba had known he had wanted it, certainly. Just some sort of touch or recognition that he was okay. It would be okay. He had walled it up when he decided to stay quiet. Pushed it down so no one would ever have to know. Kept pushing so that when he told himself it was okay, that was enough.

Now that it was out, though... Now that it was something real and unavoidable and there... The walls all crumbled, and all that was left was the hideous overflow of fear and anxiety and every stupid, selfish want that he had been keeping at bay. His own reassurances were only so effective for so long.

Bulba had really, really needed that hug more than anything.

He choked back a dry sob against Vinnie's collar. There wasn't much he knew how to say or could even find the voice to express. He was profoundly grateful that Vinnie was there, and that he wasn't angry at him and that he simply cared for him. Suddenly he just wanted to turn off every thought. He focused on the feeling of his body and the warmth of his embrace. This felt safe.]