[If Mom is surprised by his statement, it's nothing compared to the surprise he feels at hearing that statement from her. But then his mind says no, she's either just trying to make him feel better, or she means it in a different way. Platonic way. He's as good as him, but she doesn't think of him like that. That much is obvious, or at least to him it is. That's what he's convinced himself of. So he's not going to get his hopes up, he's just going to take it for what it is.

Though honestly that last part is pretty fucking embarrassing and he just looks away.]

You know what? I think we should keep talkin' about how gorgeous you look in that dress, yeah. Not anything about me and my idiot teenage self.