George's sense of duty to Lennie, and to Lennie's Aunt Clara, is the biggest reason that the two men travel around together. George grew up with Lennie, so there's an emotional connection to home, as well as his brotherly bond, that keeps him watching out for Lennie. George tells Slim that he used to play jokes on Lennie when they were younger. As George matured, he realized that Lennie not only didn't understand when he was being bullied, but he also thanked George for helping him with the jokes. That made George think that maybe he should stop being a problem for Lennie and start being the solution.
Then, when Aunt Clara died, Lennie didn't have anyone else and George says, "Lennie just come along with me out workin'. Got kinda used to each other after a little while" (40). Add all of these reasons to the fact that Lennie could not take care of himself if he were alone and George is stuck; but at least he cares for Lennie, too. Finally, George admits to Slim that life can get lonely as a transient worker and having someone to talk to helps keep the loneliness to a minimum. George also admits the following:
"I ain't got no people. . . I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain't no good. They don't have no fun. After a long time they get mean. They get wantin' to fight all the time" (41).
Thus, George keeps a look out for Lennie because of his sense of duty, kindness, and to keep the loneliness of their life from making them mean.
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