He hadn't asked because he knew his friends deserved lives of their own as well. Adam didn't know how much longer he'd be around and he needed to make sure that they could continue without him if need be. Responsibility was as much of a bugger as free will.

"Kay. I'll just be thick then." He lay in the grass indolently, then threw a sly look at Pepper. "But even if I'm thick, I'm still the best at ticklin' you..." And Adam pounced on her, tickling her ruthlessly.