Vinnie was growing more incredulous by the second, his eyes wide with disbelief. Every heartbeat seemed like drums pounding in his ears. All this time, Bulba had been hurting - he'd been torturing himself over ever missed smile or touch, and saying nothing. It was hard to decide whether to apologize or to just feel angry.

"I don't get a say in how I feel? In how I want t'feel?" The Venusaur's voice was threatening to crack. "If it wasn't worth it, I wouldn't be fighting to make it work." Literally fighting, no less.

He swallowed, struggling to hold onto what composure he had left. "Now you're just telling me to give up. On you."