[ He aches, seeing Mika cry. For all that Ginger leaks his emotions in waterworks, he’s never experienced the shock of tears, he thinks. His mind blanks on what he should do -

But he loves Mika so much, wants to make him smile and laugh - and he wants to help, somehow. As Mika cries, Ginger pulls him in close, something like a hug but more like he’s trying to envelop the other - and bring all of Mika into him. Where Ginger and his long arms can shield him from - being cold and unwanted, unasked. Even if - maybe… maybe it’s him that’s hurting Mika. Maybe Ginger makes it hard for Mika.

(And that aches, too.)

At the very least he can hold him and love him and listen - let his words spill out with his tears. He can’t catch each drop with his lips, but he sure tries. And between the kisses, in-between Mika’s words, he murmurs things like my love; and my sweet heart; and my one and only Mika; and beautiful Mikaela. If he swallows Mika’s tears, if he holds him so close they can melt into each other - ]

… I can learn through your worlds and actions. Tell me - what you’re feeling. Tell me anything you want. I’ll love whatever comes out of your lips too.

[ Any way he can make Mika feel loved, he’ll do it. He’s lacking in so many ways, born with parts missing, but he holds love for Mika in abundance. He’ll never, ever lack that. ]

I… don’t really care if we have forever or - or five minutes as long as we’re together. Any second with you is bliss. You felt how much I love you. [ ‘Do you... really love me this much?’ When it’s impossible to love him any less. ] The scary parts, they don’t go away. But you make - everything - better, you make it easier for me to exist as - Ginger.

And I want us to keep being Ginger and Mika.

[ Just give him five minutes at a time if Mika’s worried about what happens before forever. He’ll take it. ]