Oh... No it's not passionate. We're just friends. [He has misunderstood, but that's often for him and moves on smoothly from it once he clears it up in his mind.]

But we do help each other. My friend he challenges me daily. Makes sure that I live up to my best standards in everything I do and doesn't let me slip backward. When I do he goes out of his way to remind me that I'm not where I am and takes the time to help me get there.

[Just. Y'know. Unconventionally.]

If I can do that for him, then I've fulfilled my job as his friend and hopefully shown him the same kindness.

[His normally unwordy answers get pretty wordy talking or thinking about his friends.]