"Oh, that one I picked up on my own. He plays with my hair plenty when we get to talking, so..." Chris gives a little shrug, "turning it around on him just made sense."

Their expression does go serious for a moment, and they say, "I do want to be clear. I'm only asking for harmless hints about him. I know that he wronged you, making you give up your normal life even if it was to protect you. So I hope you aren't having any thoughts about striking at him through me, Max. You seem like such a nice man."

Let's just put all our cards on the table, why don't we... but Chris means well in this. They like Max, and while they don't want to believe Max's pleasant nature is a front, there are voices of experience in their head telling Chris to make sure. Kid Eternity has known many liars.