[Vinnie just held him tight, letting his face press against the golden crown of Bulba's head and combing a hand through his hair. His own breathing was rhythmically slow and patient - this was nothing he hadn't done before, nor something he wasn't willing to do as many times as necessary. He'd be there as long as the other Venusaur needed. He always would be, Vinnie told himself.

And yet it felt different this time, somehow. In a way he couldn't quite put his finger on. Bulba was no longer an Ivysaur; he wasn't just a younger Grass Type that needed protecting - and to be fair he hadn't been that for a while, either. They were equals, friends, more than friends, kin and... something Vinnie wasn't sure if his heart could stand to gain, but didn't want to lose. It was strange.

He didn't feel anywhere near confident enough to give the feeling a name. It was a seed, and though Bulba had planted it not so long ago, it still lay dormant in soil that had cultivated nothing for years. But its presence stuck out like a lump in Vinnie's throat. He couldn't ignore it. And he found himself checking on it more and more.

It was all he could do to just wait. For Bulba. For signs of life.

Nuzzling him gently, Vinnie breathed words just loud enough for him to hear.]

Don't you dare carry something like that yourself.

[Vinnie you hypocrite.]