[He is about to comment on the irony of receiving lessons in how to be politically correct from the guy who had regularly referred to him by the questionable epithet of "bromo," but the sincerity of what next comes out of Asher's mouth finally softens his aloof resistance.]

...Thanks, Asher.

[Then he pushes his hands through his already messy hair, resting his elbows on his knees and swinging his gaze to the man beside him.]

I know I wasn't always the nicest to you...especially back then. Actually, I was pretty much an asshole to you. And I tried to be. So...it means a lot to know you have my back here.

[He doesn't need to say that he has no one else. That he should have Oliver, but their propensity for arguing has torn a rift between them.]