Honestly, I don't remember Brian ever saying anything like "I'm proud of you" ... I don't think that this would be a typical Kinney line, but yes, he told him his arts are "fucking good" and "exquisite". And he also never talked about their relationship since in his world, they never had one *lol*

In the end that changed, but IMO Brian was very insecure when Justin left (and before, too) and I don't think that this will disappear.

It's also not that he doesn't say (or show) what he wants :)