The fact that Steve used the term 'safe word' at all suggests a certain amount of self-awareness. It's all too easy for him to come across as the macho wartime poster-boy for heteronormativity, but that image doesn't entirely hold up to scrutiny once you get to know him.

"Nah. Not everyone asks," he answers simply, with a sparkle in his eye.

"Boyscout it is," he adds with a chuckle. "I never was one, though, were you?"