It was so nice to see him smile, despite everything. Even a little one meant that someday it could be brighter. It meant he hadn't forgotten how. There was a hope for a comeback yet. When, Bulba wasn't sure. It was hard to guess anything with the school the way it was. But he could hope, and even if he knew there would probably still be bumpy roads first, he still hoped it was soon.

Bulba couldn't help but smile a little bit himself as he watched the older saur's face. The rosy hues of his face were naturally attributed to the cold around them. What he hid behind for his own warmer complexion was clearly just the actual reason for anyone else, and it did not occur to him to think anything deeper on it.

He almost chuckled at Vinnie's words, letting his eyes fall to look down at their slightly touching knees. "Mm. I'd still think you were a dumb jerk and you'd still think I was an annoying whatever." Bulba lifted his eyes again, meeting Vinnie's. It actually hadn't been all that long ago, really, even if it felt like ages had passed.

The Ivysaur tilt his his head, gently leaning his forehead against the Venusaur's. "I like it better like this."

There was a moment there as they sat close with their heads together and hands touching. Bulba wondered what would happen if he pressed forward and kissed him right there. They were so close, it wouldn't have been hard. Here in the serene stillness of the mountain air, it almost seemed like things would be fine. They'd just share each other's warmth, and they wouldn't be alone.

Bulba shut his eyes, taking in a breath of his scent, and waited for the dream of a moment to pass. It couldn't happen. It wouldn't happen. He rubbed his forehead gently with his own.

This was about Vinnie, not his own silly feelings.

He'd be content with this.

"I like us better like this."