If Gene were to tell Leper anything today, what would it be?

If we are talking about an adult more mature Gene, like at the beginning of the novel before he launches into flashback, I think he would be glad to see him. These boys were filled with teenaged angst growing up in a volatile time (WW2). They would both look back on the experience and share a bond. I think Gene might say something like, "That was quite a time, wasn't it?" Then they would have a beer. The conflicts they once had would not mean the same things.