"Kind of the reason he's glitchy and went on a murder spree... Now imagine that...but he built MissingNo and you have grandpa."

"Uh...how to not say too much? Steven told you about MissingNo and Miki?"

“You handled it so well.” No. I didn’t. I went insane, lost spark, bled in silence, shattered in private and wore a smile that lied better than any mask could.

"...Oh, Steven definitely never told you what he had in common with Grandpa AZ."

"I wasn't too surprised. Steven is a big romantic, honestly. ...I guess I am, too. Probably got that from grandpa's side of the family with him being known for being so sentimental."

"Honestly, far as I can see, you two are a perfect couple. Kind of hard to imagine you two not happy together."

"Honestly, I got the impression you were already thinking of it when I started teasing Steven about it..."

"Story of my life. At least I had the sense to not ask Phantom out the day I met him... N-not saying you two were a bad start. Just with how I am..."

"Never know."

"Can't blame me for thinking that when I see a baby Pokémon."

"It's still cute."

"...Because it would be cute."

"Steven...you two are totally giving that to the kid when they happen, aren't you?"

//I feel like Mike right now. My poor throat. XD

Mike gave a weak laugh at that.

"Call it a bad habit. I either fully trust someone or not at all."

"You've given me no reason not to."

"And I believe you. I'm not worried about you two, honestly. It's why I'm so quiet most of the time. I believe everything you say is honest and that I can trust you with him."

"I hope Phantom has Valentine's Day off. I have some ideas!"

Mike gave a soft laugh at that, grinning.

"And that is why when I was ready to be a protective big brother, you never saw it. No reason to hate you."

Mike couldn't help a soft laugh.

"And talk like that is why I feel I can trust you with Steven."

Boccer? What is everyone talking about?!

"And there is one of the reasons I actually think my brother got lucky with you: something I never thought I'd say. You're a very intelligent man, Grey. And with that you don't treat Steven like he's stupid."

"Steven told me. That can't be an easy thing to do! Especially when his code can get glitchy sometimes from MissingNo."

"Yeah...it's helping me let go..."

Mike smiled.

"Wonderful. We're talking about adopting after we get married. But he's still taking the wedding planning slow. Which, if that's how he wants to handle it, I'm fine with."

"I am...I'm trying. I have my own life and I'm actually not around too much. Just...check in on you guys."

He gave a soft laugh.

"...My whole childhood was making sure Steven had one... Even being champion was for Steven. That's hard to turn off."

Mike chuckled as he took the soda. Caught.

"Thanks. And yeah...been taking care of him so long I don't think he remembers mom and dad..."

With a soft sigh, he opened the can.

"Old habits die hard. I still feel like I should protect him. It's easier if I'm quiet and invisible to others."

"From what he told me, I wouldn't be surprised. Doesn't change I'm not used to anyone doing much for me. Ah."

Choices. Mike was guilty of hoping he wouldn't have to think about it. He never had to...

"Uh...orange."

You know, it's one conception of death for Buddhists: the wave returns to the ocean, where it came from and where it's supposed to be.

"It is..."

Mike smiled, nodding. Still, he hesitated. Not yet used to accepting anyone doing anything for him.

"Ah. Soda is good. Thank you."

"Kind of find that relatable. But I'm used to suffering quietly...making sure Steven doesn't worry about me. So I just...isolated myself worried I'd just get used again until I met Phantom."