It's nice to hear the reassurance, even if he doesn't quite believe him. It's got him looking up again and smiling gratefully at his friend.

"You're too sweet t'make fun of, Pete. It'd be like kicking a puppy." He doesn't say it like it's a bad thing.

The next words earn a slight shrug, "'s my own fault for forgetting how to behave appropriately around Mum and Dad. You lot are a bad influence on me. I don't have t'be so-- formal around you."