[Did he just use that word? Yes, he did. What should M-21 say now? He's not cruel enough to outright reject Regis' words, but...
The kid is either being heartfelt or manipulative and it's working.]
...Friends also have to know that sometimes people need to do things on their own. Trust them to handle it. [This is so awkward and now Regis has him using the word, too.]