[He hadn't been ready for it. There was a rush of nervous energy grasping his chest tightly as the Venusaur abruptly broke the contact. He wanted nothing more than to grab it back, but he knew very well that even if he did, it wouldn't matter. Reality had come crashing back without warning. The lie was over, and in its wake there was only a dull ache.

Even with all of his own reprimands, he had still let himself get caught up in all of it. He was a fool, and he had no one to blame but himself for the sting.

It felt that much colder now.

But still, Bulba managed to smile for him, small and genuine.]

You're welcome.

[He paused.]

... Thank you for letting me.