I have, under very good authority, that he's quite delightful when you get him on the right subjects and, hey, don't try to antagonize him needlessly.

Seriously, I have no idea how you two got to this point, you both never told me the details as to why you weren't friends before. But believe me, you are both a lot closer when you get older and have each other's backs, even though you still quarrel from time to time. Time changes people, you just have to be willing to let things run their course.