The bitter jealousy doesn't so much fade as it gets masked by something else. Something that's half a step away from pride. The same, like with us. The closest approximation to a warm smile spread over Liam's face. This wasn't some tart coming to woo Mike away from him. This was something vastly better. He could see now just how well he'd taught Mike. To the point that he wanted to pass it on to someone new.

"Oh, Mikey..." he breathed out, leaning his forehead against the other's. He couldn't find a way to convey just what he felt. A junkie getting a veteran hooked on Oxy. That was either incredibly easy or a massive accomplishment. But still, he was proud.

But there were concerns. So very many concerns. He lifted his gaze, looking Mike in the eye at such an incredibly close proximity. "Do you think you're ready to handle that on your own, with someone else?" A ploy. He waned an excuse to meet this supposed veteran. To see just what Mike had accomplished.