--I don't know about close, exactly, but- he understands things better than most.

[He hopes to be close, anyway, however things happen to go; even if they don't work out how he'd like, Ryan does honestly want to help him and enjoys his company.

The comment about gossiping surprises a little bark of a laugh from him, shakes the thoughtful furrow from his brow.]

If you had more of it I'd say I ought to be braiding your hair while we talk, geez... I definitely want you to stay, though. [Ryan ruffles his hair fondly as he adds:] Gossip about what, exactly? Give me a starting point.