I also think SW loves how sharp ZYL is, how quickly he sees through things - even when he's holding bigoted opinions at first, that can be remedied by giving him more information and context, mostly.

Yes, true. Good point.

Plus there's all this. *points at icon* ;-D (Actually, I was joking, but someone who cosies up to him and is informal and handsy and affectionate must be part of the appeal, right?)