"I wasn't just asking because of that," Steven says, his face heating up. "I mean, okay, it does, but also-- maybe I'd like to be able to get away with doing the same thing? I mean, it's really not an American thing, as you might have guessed, but it's sort of a me thing. I just know better than to say them out loud most of the time, because people would think I meant them in a non-affectionate way. But there's a reason I call my boyfriend an 'egotist' all the time in private."

But then he sighs. "But. Yeah, no, I get why it wouldn't work for you. It's got a lot to do with tone of voice, doesn't it, and I know that doesn't carry over to text and probably not sign either."