I think for a long while J's feelings about C were affectionate but also a bit surface-y. C's pranking grew on him and they mutually enjoy bullshitting, so that was nice. But I think they had A Moment during the secrets chamber live that was when their relationship started to deepen.

Dangerbear also helped with that. While J still feels a bit annoyed by C and A getting into a spite-off during the game, it's mostly overshadowed by his wrenching sense of guilt and self-loathing that he forced C's hand in attacking Wild City by being weak. That's how he thinks of it, anyway.

I think the aftermath of that and C suiciding + the fallout also led him to see C as a bit more vulnerable as well. C's is very good at projecting the air of "I am a trickster!!! Nothing can touch me!!!" and that lulled J into a false sense of feeling like he didn't have to worry about C so much. But the flip side of a deepening relationship with C is that J now feels more keenly worry about C's vulnerabilities.

This applies to AlcheME in general as well, but J wishes he could protect C better. However he is under no illusions about that being possible or about what a delicate weakling he is. All he can do is try to be a good brother and hopefully have fewer flipouts. 8(

Reverse!1