I think this is why I've had a really hard time getting into other fandoms. Once I got something real, that I could actually see instead of just in subtext or fan fiction, it has been hard for me to settle for anything else.
That and I think because of who the characters were, that brian showed people he loved them even if he didn't tell them, really forced the actor and writers to do this. And in too many other shows they tell us their characters are in love, but they don't really have to show it.