"Well, I started thinking and I came to a realization. You played a major hand in my rebirth. You taught me things, cared for me. When you found out about Hedrel, you acted like any other dad worried about his daughter." Vera paused, taking a deep breath. "And I realized, you're like a second father to me, especially since daddy's never around anymore.
"Vera, I..I..I.." he stuttered to a stop, shocked and moved. When he was honest with himself, he knew he'd felt responsible for her for sometime, her safety, happiness when he was able. After having built her frame and aided in the transfer of her new spark, she'd slowly become the closest thing he'd ever had to having his own sparkling.
For a long time the very thought of having his own sparkling had been a source of fear and anxiety. The prospect frightening. But since Vera...that had changed.
Of course he'd never voiced any of this. He'd thought himself far too bold for even thinking it. But to hear Vera speak. To know she actually thought of him as....as something of a sire...
Knock Out smiled and pulled Vera into a tight hug. "Thank you. It's an honor to be so highly regarded in your thoughts, Vera. You are the closest thing I have...ever had to my own sparkling and you are most certainly one I consider family."