Sam really, really did love him. He loved that even when things were difficult, or sad, or complicated, Oliver didn't run away; no, he rose to the occasion, and he stayed close and sure. And of course he did, he was a hero. But he was doing it with their relationship which had different emotional stakes than trying to save the world or protect your people. He stood on unbroken ground with Sam and promised things Sam would never forget; he talked sweetly with Sam's mother; he had loved on Sam's old stuffed animals. Sam wasn't just in love, he was fuelled by this love. Sam thrust slowly, carefully, with his fingers -- once, twice, three times -- watching Oliver still, amazed by him and reading the signs of his body.