Bulba raised his eyes to meet Vinnie's, understanding. "For the most part, no. I was surprised, actually, but a lot of people just didn't really care. I think the person who gave me the hardest time about it was myself, really." He glanced down, grinning a bit sardonically at himself.

If things hadn't been the way they were now, it would have been a lot harder to talk about. If there hadn't been living, thriving (well okay it was sleeping now but) garden in the forest to prove that everything had gotten better since then, thinking about the memories would have stung much deeper. "I mean, it doesn't always work out. Char kicked me out when I told him. Couldn't stand the sight of me and left without telling anyone. It was the worst. I thought I had messed everything up but..."

Bulba shut his eyes tight, recalling the fights and bitter exchanges and everything that had happened in between. With a sigh he raised them again, studying Vinnie's intently. "... he just needed time. You're not any different than you were before." He raised a hand, gently brushing some of the green from the older saur's face with his fingers.

"You're still Vinnie. Even if someone hates the idea, if they really care about you they'll come around. It just takes some patience sometimes."