The Squirtle had been instantly convinced that he had done something wrong and a sense of fear seized in his chest. He hadn't meant to make him uncomfortable. Stupid. Bulba glanced away, afraid that if he looked at Marie he'd see the return of the other boy's annoyed expression and things would be back to how they normally were. He didn't think he'd be able to bear that right now.

The touch of Marie's hand made him jump. When Bulba looked up, surprised, it wasn't the sour expression he had been expecting. That was another smile. Bulba swallowed back the nervous lump in his throat, daring to believe that this was what was happening. "It's okay," he assured him. Marie's hand felt very nice in his, he decided. Bulba gently tightened his hold. "It's completely okay..."

"Can I take you somewhere...? It might be a little boring for you though."