Then they were both living a lie. For Bulba, it was one where the older saur needed him. That he was important, and that maybe... maybe he liked being there at his side, maybe for more than just the comfort another saur could bring. Not because he was a saur, but because he was Bulba.

Fat chance.

He glanced down when Vinnie sank a little more against him, worry returning to the edges of his face. There was a flick of his ears as he tried to catch what else was being muttered. If...? If what? He tilt his head as if that would help draw out the answer.

The heart that was going so fast skipped a beat as soon as attention was brought to it.

"I just..." Cared about him so much. Wanted to keep holding him and try to chase away his sadness and... Be closer. "... got worried."

Gosh, the cold was hardly going to phase him if his face stayed that warm. Bulba lowered into a nuzzle again, trying to shift the focus off of that topic.

"What were you saying...?"