This is gonna be a little repetitive of what I said for Castle but: James is such an easy adult for Ripley to like. He’s not all stiff and responsible and a buzzkill like most adults are, he actually remembers what fun is! And he appreciates her enthusiasm!! And doesn’t undermine the importance of things like catwidows and gatordads!!! That’s the greatest thing ever to Ripley, since mostly she’s used to being tolerated with an exasperated sigh and an eyeroll by adults who “don’t have time for this”. There’s always time for being dumb, and Tricks gets that!! …Basically, bless his silly soul. Never change.

Basically, she really likes Tricks and loves bother him cause he never actually seems bothered. Adopt her and be her terrible dad.

P.S. She’s pretty sure he’s a bunch of gnomes pretending to be a person or something. There’s no way he’s a legitimate adult person.

P.P.S. I found this gif while looking for something else and I feel it needs to go here.