He actually smiles just a little.

It's all he's got left in the tank, that little smile.

"You're right. I hate ut when you're right."

He doesn't. Not really. He keeps him around because of how often he's right.

The next pat of his hand against Peter's shoulder is more gentle. He stops leaning so hard.

That means he'll be okay. For sure. No need to worry, Peter.

"How 'bout this: if you hold down the fort for me back home, I'll help the people here make it so there's still a fort to hold down. We got a deal?"