are lennie and george friends?

I think that Lennie might think they are friends but really I think that George might not think they are friends but he just needs to take care of him. Because of how helpless Lennie is George feels like he needs to. But I do think that George kinda like him and then just was done it was the final straw. so I don't think that they are best friends I think that George thinks its his responsibility to take care of Lennie.