Brother Kente,
What a good thread, as usual. Some things that I have done and am doing now:
Make him feel comfortable with me. Allow him to talk to me about anything, the good, the bad and the ugly, but in particular, his dreams. Things that require someone having your back. If it requires paperwork, I offer to complete it for him, type it if necessary.
Be silly with him. Laughter is a great strength in a relationship.
Be open to things. I don't know football well, but I really am interested in it, and I have asked for it to be explained to me, (on a not so important game).
Give him his space to do him. Be with his boys, family or whatever.
Cook the things that I make that he likes or requests.
Watch his child or children if necessary.
Buy cards, write poems and create custom tailored CDs for him. To let him know that I picked each song for a reason.
But more importantly, to be real. Say what's on my mind and be honest about my feelings and fears. Let him know that we are in this together. And that he is important to my world.