He does want to ask, admittedly - mostly because he looks for the opportunity to return the favour for all the support she's given him - but he knows this isn't the time or the place for it. In general he gives himself a case of foot-in-mouth syndrome at every opportunity, but occasionally he does have some sense.

He'll file it away for later, though. Just in case. The hair ruffling earns her a smile that is laced with the sort of irritation you'd only see on a pestered little brother's face.

"You don't have to thank me for that. You are pretty much stuck with us, though. If we do end up having some kind of party, you're definitely invited."