[Phone post]

[tidalwaves]

[Riiing, riiiing...

Send Marie a text, or leave him a voicemail. Put the time and date in the subject line.]

Comments

[punchtheflowers]

[Vinnie bowed his head, and his gaze fell down onto the grass. He didn't have words to express how sorry he was right now, that he was the one responsible for Marie's tears. That being close to him right now would only make things worse.

But he steeled his gut and held back, forcing himself to hold fast onto the conviction that brought him to this point. Leaving the team was something he had to do. He had to keep moving forward, or he'd just keep falling down the same pitfalls over and over.

It was a long and hard journey to overcome the pitfall of misunderstanding strength. Maybe... in time, Marie would grow to understand him.

He could only hope - though right now, it was not a strong one.]

I really am.

[Recognizing the stinging feeling in his eyes, Vinnie took a step backwards and blinked, hard. In a gesture that was not nearly as inconspicuous as he would've liked, he sniffed and rubbed his runny nose with the back of his wrist.

Another step, and then another, he backed away. Then, after a small glimmer of hesitation, the Venusaur ran off - desperately trying to keep his eyes from watering.]