**Yes. Definitely.** There is a recurring theme in the show in which there are moments that show Sheldon *genuinely* cares about Leonard - all selfish reasons aside. For example, in this clip towards the end, you can see one such moment: [Sheldon talks to Penny when she is contemplating breaking up with Leonard.][1] > **Sheldon**: Please don't hurt my friend. > **Penny**: That is the last thing I want to do. > **Sheldon**: Thank you. Even though Sheldon has a very high IQ, his EQ or emotional quotient is very much like a 10 year old's and he is shown to care for his friends and Leonard in a similar way (and with a similar reasoning) that a 10 year old child would. [1]: https://youtu.be/GLiqIucDqtA?t=2m54s