[Ethan grits his teeth. It's true, but it's not something he's going to lose sleep over. He leans his chin on his hand, lips pursed as Silver works.]

Me and the Silver I knew didn't have any kind of "relationship" or -- [Ethan's not taking it That Way, but relationship can mean friendship, too.] He was some jerk who thought he was stronger than everyone else, and Ferafera and I pretty much proved him wrong. I'm pretty sure he just thinks I'm a nuisance or obstacle or whatever, and he's just a petty thief that's starting to learn that you gotta trust and love your Pokémon for them to do any better for you.

[So they're not friends, but they're not enemies. Rivals, maybe. He could count the Silver he knows as a "stranger" too, for all he actually knows about him.]

Anyway, it's fine. Thanks again for taking some precious time out of your day to help me out. I [gross] appreciate it.