"Well, I feel awkward. That all makes a lot more sense."

But he catches on to the part that matters most.

"And it means a lot that you see me that way. I know we were never close, but I always respected you. The more I talk to you, the more I can tell you've... you've changed. In some good ways. While still being the person who always pulled our asses out of the fire."

If they were best friends, it does mean something.