I did see that article--and I thought it was really eye-opening (in fact, I read it yesterday when I was looking for info on this subject--I haven't found much else though). It was that article that got me thinking that being gifted might have something to do with how this relationship is developing for these two. It hadn't occured to me before that gifted kids might be advanced in their emotional relationships as well. (I don't know why it didn't occur to me--a parental blind spot?)
Thanks for your feedback!